Many of you missed an informative Professional Development Meeting on March 11.  Twenty-eight members were entertained by five Past-Presidents.   Mac Barnett, CFPIM, CIRM emphasized how APICS helped determine his direction of work and enabled him to build a successful career.   Chester James, CPIM offered further highlights.  Other Past-Presidents offered other insights and each received an APICS Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding efforts and contributions.     Barry Dick, CPIM presented an excellent summary on "MRP, Implemented or Installed?".  He added new wisdom regarding why many MRP implementations fail to produce the expected savings and other benefits.  Barry has "graciously provided" his powerpoint presentation {click here!} for any who are interested.   He may be contacted thru ACCESS GROUP, LLC. at 316 / 264-0270 if you want more info.

April 8^th is our plant tour of Hayes Company's new plant on North I-135.   Their security requires an approved list of attendees so please get your reservation in on time.  There will be a short chapter business meeting at the start of the tour to receive the Nominations Committee's report.

We welcome Past International President Keith Launchbury, CFPIM, CIRM on May 15^th for our annual spring seminar.  Ron Kammerer, CPIM, CIRM has arranged for a fine meeting room at the Four Points Sheraton near the Wichita Int'l Airport and is including the cost of the Thursday night PDM in the registration fee.  What a deal! --- you can learn about the checklist for World Class Manufacturing, enjoy three meals and earn 9 CPIM maintenance points in a single day.  Brochures have been mailed along with the above plant tour info so register today.

We welcome more new members this month:  (1) Ms. Carrie Ekrut with Student Chapter, (2) Ms. Sharon Hill of Mayfield, KS, (3) Ms. Georgia Henkel of Olathe, KS, and (4) Ms. Kelly Noble of Eudora, KS.    Let's hear it for the ladies.  Come on guys; where are you?  We also appreciate membership renewals of 1 Corporate {EnerSys Inc} and 10 Professional Members.  Please check the APICS website http://www.apics.org/Recruit/default.asp for the "Member-Get-a-Member" campaign and invite another Resource Management professional to join. 

Please enjoy the Engineering Open House at Wichita State U. coming up April 3 and 4. Check the local paper for exact times but I think Thursday PM is the best time to view some interesting and exciting exhibits on display. It would be time well spent.

Last, your board members have been working hard for "our chapter" so tell them thank you when you're talking to them.  Ask them about what they do and find out what a rewarding experience it can be.  If you are interested in serving on a committee or as a board member, please contact me or Ron Kammerer.

Hope to see you at the plant tour or the next Professional Development Meeting.