Time Flies!!

It seems as if it was just last week that we were out on the golf course playing in the annual Dayton IFMA Open. The time since I was sworn in as President has also slipped away. A lot of Changes have taken place since those two events.

The Dayton Chapter has embraced a very large change by updating the way we do business. We are implementing a new web based computer system to manage many facets of our chapter. The brand name of the web service provider is “Star Chapter”. We are the first IFMA chapter to implement this brand. Our new “Star Chapter” website will still utilize our existing web address of WWW.Dayton-IFMA.com but will have many enhancements. Our new site will include all of the resources that have been available on our “old site”. (Named for the old website administrator- VP Ken Elrich). These resources include bylaws, meeting archives, links and profiles of Board members. The new site will add email distribution, meeting announcements, meeting RSVP logging, and much more user friendly upgrades.

The new website will require actions by all Board members to populate their related fields. The vision of the future is that this website will make each board member official tasks easier and more efficient to complete.

Now that I have told you how great the new website will be I must acknowledge the Chapter members and Board members that have made this a reality. First, the past President Tom Waldem had the foresight to support and get the momentum going on this project last year. This year, Vice Presidents Kevin Kiger and Ken Elrich have dedicated many, many hours to developing and implementing this new website.

Another big change this fall has been my career change. After 10+ years with Goodrich, I have moved on to Miami Valley Hospital. "The Regions Leader." The move has been very exciting and rewarding. I am looking forward to many years with MVH. This change has limited the amount of time I have been able to spend on Chapter business but I am very proud to say nothing has suffered in the Chapter. I am surrounded by a very hard working dedicated Board of Directors that you elected. They have been wonderful and I know we will accomplish a great deal the remainder of our terms.

Movin’ on Up in Detroit!

Motoman Detroit resided for about the past eight years in the suburb of Wixom .  Because of the need to locate nearer to larger customers and the desire to slightly reduce the amount of square footage leased, the company recently leased a 14,400 square foot facility in Rochester Hills.  The new facility is in an office park with similar buildings (see picture).

The deal called for the Landlord to renovate part of the existing interior, converting one area from an open-office use to a Robot ‘Demo’ area (sort of a robot showroom), along with associated assembly-shop work, and the build-out of a new conference room and entry/reception area alterations.  Motoman plans to move into the new facility during the month of June (the snow in the picture will likely have melted by then!).

Utilities also had to be split, since the 30,000 S.F. building was originally occupied by one tenant and is now split.  Let Craig Morrow know if you have any questions about the project.