We have had several questions arise regarding our chapters and how to get started.  So, I wanted to provide you with some information about the benefits of forming a chapter and how to get started.

 First, any member may request to form a chapter.  There are no fees required by the UQMI.  To start, you may visit the UQMI website on the http://www.uqmi.org/structure.html page and complete the Application form.  Or, you may send an email request to admin@uqmi.org and we will email the form to you.  Once we have reviewed your request, your chapter will be given a name based upon the type.  If this is a local chapter, it is named based upon the city and state; if it is a company chapter, it is named based upon company name, city and state.  Next, your chapter will identify your members, meeting frequency, purpose and any other structure that you wish.  The UQMI does not mandate or govern these items.  Chapters are free to charge a membership fee for operation purposes.  None of this money goes to the UQMI.  The only request that the UQMI has is that members must enroll on the UQMI website; each chapter must declare a chapter chairperson and each chapter follow the requirements for UQMI certifications.

 Benefits of forming a chapter depend upon the purpose of your chapter.  Some form a chapter for the purpose of a study group, others for a common platform where they invite guest speakers.  Chapter chairs are able to submit articles to the newsletter and post events on the website.  Consultants find that forming a company chapter especially helpful as they move from one client to another.  In addition, we allow these consultants to be listed on our Sponsors page.  In addition to these benefits, our members find it comforting for the ability to connect an Internet based organization with face-to-face meetings.  In addition, they like the ability to study and prepare for a specific course or certification and then test at your convenience to be a plus.  Our certification process is very standardized.  All exams are pencil & paper exams, proctored by an approved individual (typically your Chapter Chairperson) and require the completion of a project to demonstrate application.

Richard Pohland has been appointed as our newest Term Board Member. Richard currently serves as the Chapter Chairperson for the Memphis TN chapter, which has been one of the most active chapters in the UQMI. He holds a B.S., Mathematics and Electrical Engineering from the United States Coast Guard Academy, and a Masters Business Administration, Simon School of Business, University of Rochester. Rich has an extensive work history in manufacturing as well as having served as an adjunct professor at Kent State.

In addition, Richard has just received his UQMI Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Please take a moment and congratulate him on his accomplishments.

Gerry Darnell has been granted a Master of Science: Quality Management from the UQMI. He currently serves as a Senior Board Member and actively participates with our LinkedIn group and contributor to the CIT Newsletter.

 
Richard Callahan has been appointed as our Dean of Faculty. In this role, he will coordinate meetings of the faculty, review course syllabi and make recommendations to the President and Board of Directors regarding the awarding of degrees. Richard will remain as an active faculty member and Program Head, with responsibilities for the Project Management Department. Richard will manage the Level I, II and II courses in Time Management, Project Management and Project Management Instructor. If you wish to contact Richard regarding our Project Management courses, he may be reached at Callahan@uqmi.org

 Buddy Amerson has been appointed as a Department Head, with responsibilities in Leadership Education. In this capacity, Buddy will serve to coordinate Level I, II and III courses in Teamwork Fundamentals, Facilitation Skills and Leadership. Buddy will continue to manage the Safety Course. If you wish to contact Buddy regarding either of these areas, he may be reached at Amerson@uqmi.org .

Thomas VanEtten has been appointed as a Department Head, with responsibilities in Lean Thinking program. In this capacity, Thomas will coordinate Level I, II and II courses in Lean Deshi, Lean Specialist and Lean Master. In addition, Thomas will be managing the Technical Writing course. Thomas has accepted the additional position as our Membership Advisor. His efforts during the later part of 2011 sparked the enrollment of many new members. He will work closely with Dan Garvin, Media Services Director and Senior Board Member, to recruit and drive our membership initiative. If you need to contact Thomas about our Lean Courses, Technical Writing or joining our organization, he may be reached at vanetten@uqmi.org