Director's Report to R3 ExCom 10-23-01 To: Region 3 ExCom From: Dick Riddle, Region 3 Director 2000 - 2001 Our world has changed drastically since my last report to you just prior to our SoutheastCon 2001. In that report I noted a few problems that was concerning the IEEE Board of Directors and gave an overview of what had been planned for our annual regional conference. At that time we were all concerned about the downturn in our economy and the number of layoffs that were being announced by many of the major companies that employ our members. Since the tragic event of September 11, 2001 we now find ourselves in a national emergency, war if you like, that has impacted every person within the U.S. and many around the world. It is not my purpose in this report to address the profusion of issues and changes this hideous act has caused but rather as President Bush has asked: return to "business as usual". Our region continues to be recognized for the many innovative contributions made by our volunteer members who have given so much of their time and talents to improve the services offered by IEEE. The article "Region 3: the incubator for IEEE programs" in the August 2001 issue of The Institute discusses a few examples of our projects such as Corporate Relations, e-conferencing, concentration banking, leadership development training, Electro-Technology Industry database, and our annual regional conference SoutheastCon. In addition to those mentioned above we have received favorable recognition for planning and executing Canaveral Historic Milestone Ceremony to recognize and honor those engineering pioneers who were involved with the US rocket, missile, and space program of 1950-1969. Another notable event was the 15th National Scout Jamboree held in Region 3. Through the diligent efforts of Ralph Russell, IEEE was the title sponsor of the Electronics Merit Badge Booths and co-sponsor of the Electricity Merit Badge Booths. Ralph and his group of volunteers received national recognition for outstanding contributions made in instilling the desire to learn more about our profession in minds of these future engineers. Other less publicized events that I participated in and would like to recognized are: 1. The Mississippi Section's 50th Year Anniversary Banner Presentation held on September 13, 2001. Dale Caston, Past Region 3 Director helped me present the banner to Chair Joe Savage and his Section. It was a well attended meeting and good time was had by all. 2. The Nashville Section's 50th Year Anniversary Banner Presentation held on September 22, 2001. David Bower, Tennessee Council Chair helped me present the banner to Chair Andy Dozier and his Section. We were treated to an excellent dinner meeting that included a Laser Show in the Renaissance Center's CyberSphere Digital Theater at Dickson, TN. 3. The Louisville Section's 75th Year Anniversary Banner Presentation held at the Louisville University Club on October 13, 2001. Dan Jackson, Past Region 3 Director helped me present the banner to Section Chair C.D. Davis and his Section. In addition to representatives from the Lexington Section, Student Chapters and a large turnout of Section members several Past Section Chairs were present. Our deepest appreciation to Dr. Joe Cole for planning and executing this most hospitable and historic event. We continue to do well as one of the premier regions within IEEE. We are not the largest in total membership or in geographic area, but we are in first place when it comes to producing innovative ideas and projects that serve not only our southeastern members but also the total Institute. Although my contributions to our success have been minimal, I hope that we have created an environment that allowed you to realize your full potential as leaders. Yes we do have some problem areas that need improvement. As my term as your Director rapidly comes to an end and we get ready for our last face-to-face ExCom meeting in Jamaica, I will reserve my comments and concerns about those problem areas until I can address you there. I will close my report to you by saying that it has been my honor to have served as your Director over the last two years. I would like to express my gratitude to you our ExCom members who have given so much of your time and talents to make my term of office a success. As Jim Howard assumes the duties of Director, I hope that you will give him the support and council he needs to make 2002-2003 another success for our region. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Richard L. Riddle, IEEE Region 3 Director 2000-2001 reply to: r.riddle@ieee.org