From: "James M. Howard" <jmhoward@tecoenergy.com>
Subject: Director's Report to R3 Excom and Region Committee
To: <r3-excom2002@ieee.org>
Cc: <sec-r03@ieee.org>
Date: Mon, 14 Jan 2002 12:15:16 -0500


Region 3 Director's Report
January 12, 2002

As we begin this new year, IEEE faces many challenges including
budgets and volunteer's time & availability.  Region 3 is facing these
same challenges.  Our members are being asked to do more both at work
and with their volunteer activities, and at the same time the number
of volunteers available is dwindling.  As we face these challenges, we
need to continue the time honored Region 3 tradition of thinking
outside-the-box to create and initiating new, and sometimes, unique
ways to accomplish the tasks for the Region and the Institute.

And you, as key volunteers, are being asked to do more, in a time when
we all realize you also have limited time to contribute.  With that in
mind let me share with you a resource you may not have been aware of,
or may not have been utilizing - the Strategic Planning Committee
(SPC) mentors.  In Region 3 we have the benefit of turning to our past
Directors for their advice and help in accomplishing our tasks.  These
individuals, who form the core of our SPC, are assigned committees to
mentor, and are available for each of us to turn to for their help.
Let me encourage you to call on these individuals for that help and
guidance.

Let me also encourage you to acquire and use a Vice-Chair for your
committee.  This will not only benefit you directly, but will help the
Region keep volunteers trained and allow the flow of information to
continue uninterrupted.  Make sure you keep your Vice-Chair in the
loop and assign them duties and tasks, so that they feel a part of the
committee.

With all that said, I want to challenge you, and your committee, to continue and increase, the leadership Region 3 has shown both at the Institute level and at our own Region level.   One important challenge we have is to increase the communication with our Sections and Chapters.   In my experience, many of our Sections and Chapters don't know the many resources the Region has to offer, and it is our responsibility to make sure this information is disseminated to all levels within the Region.

Both myself, and the Director-Elect, Bill Harrison, are here to assist
you with these tasks and efforts.  Let us know how we can help and be
sure to keep us informed about your progress.  As part of that effort,
we will be requesting quarterly updates, and Bill will be working with
you to get these reports filed and shared with the entire Executive
and Region Committees.

Let me end by thanking you in advance for your dedication, leadership,
and volunteer attitude.  I am looking forward to an outstanding year
for IEEE, Region 3, and all our Sections, Councils and Chapters.  And
I know with your help, it will be one of the best in recent history.