Chapter 154 members,
I want to take this first line and show my appreciation
for all members that attended the 50th Anniversary celebration and
especially the Past Chairmen in attendance. It meant a lot for me
to be in the presence of such men that dedicated their time and efforts
for the continual growth of our chapter. They shared memories and
words of encouragement to those of us striving to attain leadership,
integrity and growth. Thank you all.
I am really sorry for those of
you that decided not attend
the meeting this past month because you missed
a great meal and great socialization.
I am going to be very direct:
What is your business in SME? Why are you even a member? As they
would say in baseball…..Do you really like riding the pine?
I understand that some people like
to be on the roster and others want
the super expensive online material
that you can purchase or the overpriced admission (with a membership
discount) to the trade shows or training
BUT now is the time we need unity
for the local chapter. Our economy
and manufacturing are starting
to plunge in our state and country
because WE don’t have a
big enough voice. Neither politician up for election has even breathed
the word MANUFACTURING in any debatable issue as a concern for growth
in our nation. Ah….who needs manufacturing anyway, right?
We can offer tourism and theme park rides for everyone so we can
prosper.
My backyard is open for business,
how about yours?
I never looked at history the way
I do today. At one time, our country
was a leader and people stood up for what was right. They united
together for strength and for
voice with protests. What has all
of our great technology gotten us
for today and tomorrow? A bunch
of cowards that sit behind their
computers, PDA’s and i-phones hoping they don’t get cut
from their position and loose all their worldly possessions because
someone behind closed doors is making a deal for their personal gain.
No one wants to unite and speak up, to lead and drag a team through
the mud and smoke in order to make a difference. People……if
we don’t show strength in numbers and give our voice, then
our numbers in manufacturing are going to disappear, just as our
memberships. It is amazing that people in other countries fight for
the things we take for granted yet we don’t have the courage
to join together for the sake of our jobs and country’s properity.
WAKE UP!! And do something about
it. We have a tour coming up on November
5th to Hitachi Automotive in
Harrodsburg. It is also our final
call for the 2009 Officer slate.
If you are ready to make a difference, I’ll see you there.
If I have made you mad as Hell, then good because I am tired of being
mad as Hell because you aren’t here with us.
Come be a part of YOUR Leading organization.
We are here for each other and
welcome all suggestions for a strong continuance of SME Lexington
Chapter 154.
See you at the meeting.
Sam Mason
Chairman
Lexington SME Chapter 154
