The American Filtration & Separations Society
The Premier Society of Filtration and Separation Technologies
By: Gerard J. Lynch, P.E. – AFS Chairman 2007
It is a great honor to be elected chairman of the AFS as we start our 20th Anniversary year. Founded in 1987, the American Filtration and Separations Society has served as a leading force in the development of innovative ideas and research (both basic and applied) in filtration and separations technology. Though the faces and industry mix may have changed over the years, there is still a familiar camaraderie between our members and their sponsor organizations. Member organizations include leading manufacturers, federal agencies, research laboratories, universities, and industrial R&D groups.
AFS members include some of the best and brightest minds working in the area of separation technology today. Their work, as presented at our local chapter meetings, topical conferences and annual meetings provides us an insider’s view of innovative, cost effective separation technologies.
There has been much written this year on U.S. R&D, engineering, and innovation by many of the editors of industrial trade magazines. We too believe in the value of these efforts and our focus at AFS is to inspire innovative initiatives through the presentation of ideas, concepts and educational programs. The goal of these efforts is to foster development that will have a positive impact on society through better Energy, Environmental, Health and Comfort products. I know this to be true because it is where many of my associates and colleagues have developed ideas and contacts for new product programs.
In addition, AFS is continuously looking for ways to provide greater value for our members. Discussions include new conference venues, new industries of focus, offshore collaborations, distance learning, and online discussion forums.
As you may know, the AFS Long Range Plan has targeted the expansion of our educational programs and products as our top priority. This includes reaching out to students and others new to AFS. Several committees are working to develop the most comprehensive offering of professional development tools on the topics of filtration and separation technologies. If you are interested in getting involved we have openings in several of our active committees. Current Committee Efforts include:
- Conference Selection and Plan for 2008 -2011 – Program Committee Chairman Tom Ramsey
- Membership Demographics – Marketing Committee Chairman Lew Osterhoudt
- Membership Benefits – Membership Committee Chairman Vince Hamilton
- New Publication Collaborations – Publications Committee Chairman Ray Collins,
- New Educational Programs – Education Committee Chairman Wu Chen
- Increased Regional and Chapter Involvement - Chapter Affairs Chairman Ernie Mayer
- Compiling a World Class Test Method Archive – Test Methods Committee Chairman Neville Bugli
I would like to applaud the work of our predecessors and our committees as we move forward.
2006 Accomplishments
- Significant efforts to expand our educational offerings
- New conferences and new collaborations
- Power Generation Industry
- Bulk Powder and Solids Industry
- Water Quality Association and Aquatech
- Chinese, French, UK and other Offshore Collaborations
- Strong Financial Management to ensure we can fund our initiatives.
2007 Goals:
- Improved Member Benefits - For Individual, Corporate, and Student Members. (What’s In It For Me)
- Member focused career development
- Online Job Posting for members
- Facilitating the introduction of graduating students to Industry members
- Industry Networking
- Where to find your next scientist, engineer, product manager, or supplier.
- Facilitating the Introduction of University Research and Industry Members
- Facilitating the Introduction between National Laboratories and Industry Members
- Publication of AFS Topical Booklets
- Development of a World Class Test Method Archive
- Facilitate The Exchange of Information
- Launching our new Meet the Experts regional training.
- Educational Development Sponsors will be highlighted at all events.
- Launching our new Customized Corporate Training.
- Educational Development Sponsors will be highlighted at all events.
All of these efforts are being led and accomplished by volunteers just like you. Why volunteer? For me it is the chance to work with a diverse group of bright and motivated individuals. And even though we come from varied backgrounds, education, and geography we work together on common goals and interests. In addition to committee positions, there are currently open leadership positions for AFS Chapters in several of the regions we serve. Interested in volunteering? Please feel free to contact me directly.
In closing, I would like to thank the many AFS members both past and present who have provided their time, advice and guidance over the years. We look forward to a great 20th anniversary year and exciting new beginnings for 2007 and beyond.
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