Three years ago Bruce Danielson invited me to be part of a future direction committee for section 019. Since then I have gained both personally and professionally from being active in the section. Other organizations do provide exceptional technical expertise and information, but the AWS is unique in that membership makes it work.I support many non-profits in the twin-cities and believe in their mission of providing education and preserving knowledge. The AWS also serves the community; both our community of professionals and society as a whole in providing codes and standards for joining metals; one of the core requirements in maintaining our standard of living. This year we are honored to be joined by AWS president Victor Matthews in January 2009. It is a wonderful opportunity for our membership to hear from, and ask questions of, the head of our organization. As plans are solidified we will be sending out notification through mailings, posting on the section website at www.aws.org/sections/northwest and by electronic mail. Also this year we plan to continue holding events popular with our members. A trap shoot in October, plant tour, behind the mask, technical seminar(s) and the golf outing. For those of you who attended the golf outing last spring or welding competition at Anoka, your participation enabled us to provide scholarships this year. Thanks. The students who are to receive these funds are grateful for your part in furthering their education in welding and fabrication. We will in turn encourage scholarship recipients to start a student chapter at their schools and help promote a career in welding to their peers. Members make these events possible. The hard work and dedication of a small group inspire me to participate. As an instructor my reward is seeing students become more knowledgeable and skilled persons. I reap the same reward whenever I attend a Northwest Section event. For me, the more I meet with and speak to others in our industry, the more I learn. Here’s to a great year ahead,
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