From:    Region 3 Communications Committee
To:      Region 3 ExCom, Region 3 Committee
Subject: Region 3 Communications Committee Status - November 2003

This report is intended to serve as a brief summary of the activities
of the Communications Committee in 2003...

=> Increase Concentration on Web Sites

   The use of the web is one of the media most utilized on an on going
   basis to provide an information interface with Region 3. The
   currency of the individual pages is one of the points of concern
   that requires a continuous effort by all of the committees.

   Exploring the opportunities to utilize more interactive components
   is one of the challenges facing us in 2004.

   Please see Chip Dawson's report for additional status items.

=> Expand the production of Newsletters (electronic and hardcopy)

   The project to "re-engineer the Region 3 Newsletter including
   format, content and production guidelines provided some assistance
   in the production of the electronic newsletters in July/August and
   September. This preliminary work needs to be expanded in 2004.

   The intense effort, by the production team, required to produce the
   newsletters is one of the factors that will drive the production
   schedule for 2004.  The production of the newsletters consumed most
   of the team's available time during the last half of 2003.

   Having a sufficient number of content providers / authors that can
   cover the diversity in Region 3 operations is something each
   committee can help resolve.



=> Remote Meetings, Presentations, Training

   Charles Lord continues to conduct several remote presentations to
   Sections within Region 3. Various types of equipment are being
   tested in a prototyping mode.

   Please review Charles Lord's reports for further details and ways
   in which you can get involved.

=> Enhance PR / Public Information

   Please review Dave Bowers report for status of the on going Public
   Relations activities.

=> Get Moving on Archive Management

   With each meeting, every activity... the amount of records
   continues to increase.

   The need for an effective methodology to manage and facilitate
   future retrieval of that knowledge is becoming more evident each
   day. However, the resources to accomplish the design and
   development work is lacking.

   If you have an interest and expertise to lend in pursuing this
   project please let the Communications Committee know your thoughts.


=> Expand the use of e-Conferencing

   Several Region 3 Committees have conducted monthly e-conferences...
     Membership Development
     Leadership development
     Conferences Committee
     SPC and
     R3 ExCom

   The Communications Committee continues to meet (e-conference) on a
   regular basis. Few requests for assistance have been received.

   The direction of e-conferencing for 2004 requires your input.

   How does your organization intend to work in a collaborative mode?

   What tools do you need...training... start up support?

=> Region 3 List of Projects and Services

   The Communications Committee completed a first version of the
   Products and Services that Region 3 produces and published the list
   in the July Newsletter
   https://ewh.ieee.org/reg/3/enewsletter/vol18no2/Supporting.htm

   Your feedback is still important. What is missing?  What should be
   changed? What is being planned for 2004?


   The Communications Committee supports your efforts to communicate
   with the other members of your committee, other committees and
   organizational units as well as with the members directly. Let us
   hear from you so we can help!

Respectfully submitted:

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William B. Ratcliff
Region 3 Communications Committee Chair 2003
e-mail w.ratcliff@ieee.org