“If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him.  An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

In these economic times, an investment in an APICS education makes more sense than ever.  Certification is proof that you are a professional and serious about improving yourself—a more valuable asset to your company.

Viva Las Vegas!  International Conference was a great opportunity to learn new chapter management ideas at Volunteer Leadership Workshop; hear some exceptional speakers like Mark Baker, Pat Croce, Lawrence Ellison, and Barry Gibbons; and renew friendships.  Next year the APICS International Conference and Exposition (October 10-13, 2004) will be in San Diego, CA.

Make sure you share the news-you can now both join and rejoin APICS online at http://www.apics.org/Membership/JoinAPICS/memberAPPStep1.asp.  For more information, call APICS Customer Service at 800-444-2742.  Don’t forget about the Wichita Chapter Fall Membership Roundup announced in September. 

It’s officially autumn, and soon there will be a chill in the air.  I want to call your attention to some fall activities that are going on in the Wichita Chapter.  Plan on attending the November plant tour at United Warehouse on November 11^th.  On December 9^th our PDM will feature Don Blake, CPIM, AQS-CQIA talking on Ten Years of Total Quality, Eight Years of Kaizen, and What Do You Get? A Lean Production System, which was presented at the 2003 International Conference.

Enjoy the month of November; a beautiful time in the Midwest-cold weather won’t be far behind.  This month is Thanksgiving and we are moving into the holiday season.  Please take the time to sit back and reflect on all the good things we can be thankful for…our health, our homes, our families, and opportunities.  Have a wonderful holiday season.

Sincerely,