The Wichita Chapter is pleased to celebrate its 40^th Anniversary at the March PDM.  The program will feature an Past-Presidents’ roundtable and a presentation by Barry Dick, CPIM, on "MRP: Installed or Implemented?"  Immediately following dinner, there will be a short business meeting.  We will recognize new members, recently certified individuals, and members earning their multiple 5-year service awards (list in this newsletter). The nominations committee will present a proposed slate of officers for next year's board --- elections are scheduled for April 15^th during the plant tour at Hayes Corp. and installation of officers will be during the May 15^th PDM. 

Member News:  Please extend a warm welcome to our newest professional member, Mr. Jim Gemas, Generalist Project Specialist from Boeing.    Also, Dan Brace, CPIM, VP Education.   Dan recently completed his CIRM certification --- Congratulations, Dan!

Top Management Night:  We want to invite your boss and other key management people to the May 15th PDM.  Mr. Keith Launchbury, CFPIM, CIRM, Past APICS International President, will present the spring seminar and PDM.  The PDM is a great opportunity to remind your boss of your APICS involvement and say THANK YOU.   If you would like the chapter to extend a written invitation, please send me a note with his/her name, title, address, and how you feel APICS is benefiting you.  

CPIM certification maintenance: Are you having trouble filling out the application form?   Don't delay --- free help is available from the chapter.  Bring your journal, training record, meeting attendance, other pertinent information and/or questions to the PDM and we will help you get the application form ready.  Society reports that 1,288 CPIMs submitted their forms last year.  Yours could be next.  

Membership renewals:  APICS has started a Member-Get-a-Member program, which is covered on another page in this newsletter. Our chapter goal is 14 additional Professional members by August 29.   Please contact Dave Worden for membership applications. 

Unemployed or On Active Service: Professional {also known as Regular} members who are on active duty or unemployed are eligible for a complimentary 6-month membership extension if approved by the chapter and submitted to Society prior to the membership expiration date.  If you qualify and want to utilize this benefit, please contact Ron Kammerer, President-elect or me. 

 I'll close with a very sincere thank you to all of the individuals who have worked to represent our chapter over the years.  Your Board of Directors donate several hours of personal time each month.  Others are instructors, mentors, coaches, advisors, co-workers and encouraging friends that perpetuate the APICS body of knowledge and professionalism.  All of you are commended for your ongoing service, devotion and sacrifice.  Life Long Learning for Lifetime Success!

 – THANK YOU!