The focus of the COC was transitioning chapters into the MEI. As many of you are aware, the structure of SME is changing. We are doing away with the regions for organizational setting. The region will exist physically for election purposes in the new Member Engagement Initiative, MEI. I was privileged to be able to go to the last Region 8 chapter conference in Huntsville, AL. There I learned many new things about SME I had not been aware of. Most importantly was the friendship these individuals who attended had gained. It is true that we all need support that goes beyond our current circle of friends, family co-workers and religious life.

SME needs volunteers from our region for the Member Council Nominating Committee. These people will decide who is nominated for Membership consultant for our area. We also need people to volunteer for Member councilors. This person will be assigned an area near them. They will develop a team of volunteers to help them perform their duties. If you think you maybe interested in any of these positions or if you would like additional information please go to http://www.sme.org/cgi-bin/chaptershtml.pl?/html/mei_hp.htm&&&SME&. There you will find applications for the positions as well as a better description of the new organizational structure. I encourage anyone who wants to be involved with SME to apply.

As the cost of health, life and automobile insurance increases, many people begin the search for different programs. Hundreds of SME members have taken advantage of the Society’s members-only insurance programs for savings and better value than their previous plans provide. The affinity programs described below are offered to members as another benefit of SME membership.

Insurance programs for SME members are offered through Seabury & Smith. Group rates are available for term life, comprehensive healthcare, in-hospital, disability income, excess major medical, Medicare supplemental, and treatment expense. These programs are continually evaluated and regularly enhanced for the benefit of participating members. For more information on these programs, contact Seabury and Smith at:

Seabury and Smith

1255 23rd Street N.W.

Suite 300

Washington, D.C. 20037

Phone: (800) 424-9883

Members may be eligible to receive discounts on automobile insurance through GEICO Direct. Discounts through the sponsoring organization program depend on the state where the member resides and can reach up to 23 percent. Coverage is not available in all states. For specific details on coverage or discounts, contact GEICO Direct at:

GEICO Preferred

Inquiry Service Division

GEICO Center

Macon, Ga. 31201

Phone: (800) 368-2734

The next time you decide to renew or update your insurance policies, check out the affinity programs offered to SME members. Group rates through SME affiliation could be significant enough to justify a switch in your current program. Group rates are for SME members only.

If you have questions specific to coverage or rates contact GEICO or Seabury and Smith directly. Have your member ID number ready. For questions about SME’s administration of these programs, contact SME’s Customer Service department at (800) 733-4763.

As an SME member, you are entitled to an exciting benefit that also promotes the use of e-learning in the manufacturing community. SME is please to offer members four free e-learning courses, which change every six months. The four free courses currently being offered are Project Management: The Fundamentals, Project Risk and Procurement Management, Presentation as a Management Tool and Dynamics of Interpersonal Communication. To take advantage of the current free e-learning classes, SME members should simply log on to www.sme.org/learningcenter, log in as a member, and create a profile within the SME LearningCenter.