AFS Strategic Vision Statement

Preamble

The American Filtration and Separation Society was established in 1987 when a committed group of leaders articulated a vision to form a society for the benefit of individuals and sponsoring companies involved in the filtration industry. This core of individuals took on the risks and responsibilities of establishing and promoting the benefits of AFS to potential constituents of the society.

On the approach of the twentieth anniversary of the society, it is appropriate to recognize the founders of the society: Larry Avery, Fred Chapnick, Ed Gregor, Ric Herrera, James Joseph, Len Ortino, Lew Osterhoudt, Harry Sanstedt, Wells Shoemaker, Gordon Smith, Frank Tiller and Scott Yaeger.

Mission

The society's mission is:

• To promote the recognition of fluid-particle processing as a branch of science and engineering.
  
• To conduct seminars related to fluid-particle separation.
  
• To educate (1) in universities and (2) for practicing engineers.
  
• To promote technology transfer.
  
• To solve problems in separation.
  
• To identify significant R&D areas.
  
• To interact in society.
  
• To conduct analysis of testing procedures.
  
• To apply fluid/particle separation science.

Process Leading to Vision Statement

On November 29 and 30, 1995, Chairman Allen Holcomb convened a series of meetings to discuss the strategic direction of the society. Addendum 1 lists the individuals that participated in the meetings. which were held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago.

On April 22, 1996, a follow-up session was held to review the first draft of a vision statement and to make necessary additions and corrections. Addendum 2 lists the participants in the meetings held in Valley Forge, PA.

On December 3 1996, the board of the society agreed to circulate the final draft of the vision statement with the recommendation for approval at the board's next meeting in Minneapolis.

Vision Statement

The society is engaged in five hallmark activities which relate to its mission. These activities include:

1. Serve interests of as broad a range of those involved in fluid-particle separation as possible.
   
2. Promoting education and scholarship in the field of filtration and separation
   
3. Promoting Continuing Education and Training
   
4. Promoting Local Activity
   
5. Communicating effectively to its constituency with the goal of building the society's membership

HALLMARK ACTIVITIES

1 .Serve Interests of as Broad a Range of Those Involved in Fluid-particle Separation as Possible:
The society sees its constituency as including employees and owners of businesses involved in the components, manufacture, distribution and use of filtration and separation products; educators involved in promoting the understanding of filtration and separation; and students of filtration and separation. The society is committed maintaining a balance among its constituency with a goal of meeting the needs of as many constituents as are economically feasible.

2. Promoting Education & Scholarship in the Field of Filtration and Separations:
The society has a well-documented history of scholarly presentations and publications dealing with advances in materials and techniques. It also recognizes the continuing need for basic education and training at all levels in order to meet the needs of individuals just entering the field. It is committed to supporting scholarship and research that would not otherwise be supported.

3. Promote Continuing Education and Training:
Growth and advancement of the filtration and separation industry in America is going to be dependent on a well trained work force knowledgeable in the principles and practices of fluid-particle separation. The Society believes it has a role in focusing the collective expertise of our industry in a program to provide continuing practical education and training to all levels of workers in our industry.

4. Promoting Local Activity:
As a fundamentally volunteer organization, the society is committed to activities which are efficient and beneficial to members. In the first nine years of operation, the society grew to 750 members; growth in the next ten years is expected to result in membership of 5,000 by the year 2006. As growth occurs, the society will amend its operating activities in anticipation of the next level of membership.

5: Communicating Effectively to its Constituency with the Goal of Building the Society's Membership Base:
The industry within which the society operates is expected to realize substantial growth in the next ten years. This growth will be fueled by demands from many industries as technology is developed. The society is committed to broadening its communications programs in order to reach a wide spectrum of constituents, which will provide a growing membership base. As membership increases, the society will be able to expand its beneficial programs.

Recommendations for the Next Decade

1. Serve Interests of as Broad a Range of Those Involved in Fluid-Particle Separation as Possible:
The society's programs and activities should be monitored to assure that they are meeting the needs of current constituency in proportion to its membership. The society's promotional activities should encourage a balance among its members.

2. Promoting Education and Scholarship in the Field of Filtration and Separations:
The Society needs to continue to encourage fundamental and basic work at the highest levels of research. Recognition of outstanding research (and researchers) is recommended. Financial support of selected research activity should be considered.

3. Promote Continuing Education and Training:
As sophistication of filtration and separation techniques increases, the Society should not forget its duty to provide basic understanding for those individuals involved in the practical application of the technology.
Establishment of a basic training program starting with short courses is recommended.

4. Promote Local Activity:
The Society should undertake to encourage participation by all members and sponsors in local activity.

5. Communicate Effectively to Its Constituency With the Goal of Building the Society's Membership Base:
The society should develop a promotional plan and determine a way to carry it out; the priorities of such a plan should be retention of existing members and recruitment of new members and sponsors.
A goal should be to structure our activities to double membership in the next five years and to reach 5,000 members by our 20th anniversary.