From the PES Corner February 2010

Belated Happy New Year Everyone! Compared to our closing presentation by Wanda Reder last November, PES as a group feels like it has a slow start for 2010. There are things going on behind the scenes, covering lessons learned from that presentation and planning for a better turn outs at future high profile Lecturers. There are Administrative issues to close at this time, reports need to be finalized and turned in to IEEE Headquarters, all a part of a new Chapter’s learning curve. The Web page effort is slow in development, but we do have space allocation now. We just need to format files and the space, and then upload them. This is a steep learning curve for me, just so you know. As they say in Monte Python, “But I’m not dead, yet.”

At the January 12 PES ExCom we determined a few things yet to iron out with respect to holding Officer elections times and meeting attendance. Our intent is to hold elections in April for terms that run from 1 July to 30 June, and our challenge is to insure there is not some obstacle to that plan. Another lingering question was limitations of the Section and Chapter public ally affiliating with political action groups. Thanks to Dawn Ostenberg’s perseverance we received an answer from IEEE National about the Chapter and Section affiliating ourselves with Green Job Alliance, and Green Economic Alliance. And for Chapter activities we are planning to forecast for the entire year of 2010, to improve publicizing events and increasing participation. For example, October will be our month for the big Distinguished Lecture, allowing for more time to plan and schedule without competing with so many functions in November. HR-PES continues the search for more economical venues for meetings, alternating on both sides of the water. PES members can expect a survey asking for those talents and time you are willing and able to commit to upcoming activities.

Again I must give credit to Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding in supporting the generation of this chapter. My leader ship has volunteered to cover the expense of sending me to the General Membership meeting in July, to get Chapter Chair training. This would commit me to another term of service as Chair. It is humbling to know my company stands behind PES, believing this is an important investment for them in support of the Professional Community. Thank you Northrop Grumman Corporation!
PES is arranging a guided tour April 7th at Surry Nuclear Power Facility but this is a very limited tour. We can schedule more in the future if this turns out to be a popular activity. I am waiting for responses from PES Members before opening up to the IEEE General Membership. Because this is a daytime activity, we are likely going to have a Technical meeting that month, as an evening event.
Rick Williamson is looking into a tour of Aetna Wire for February. This facility is very close to Aberdeen Steak house on the Southside. Will send out an e-mail with details and create a Vtools link time permitting.

This July and Aug summer I will be participating in the IEEE Merit Badge Project as an instructor in the Electricity Merit Badge Booth. This project is chaired by Ralph Russell, a long time PES and IEEE member in the Richmond area. He has been organizing this project for several BSA Jamborees. I am proud to represent our chapter in this STEM type effort which has brought many young scouts into careers of Engineering as a result of how fun and challenging it can be. Anyone interested in helping with this project can contact me to learn more about it, or find out how to help.

PES is open to ideas of what topics you would like to explore for meetings, where we can hold meetings and even if you can offer a little time trying to help iron out these details.

Your feedback will strengthen our Chapter, and help increase our momentum beyond the spectacular presentation by Wanda Reder last year. The response from attendees was great, it was an upscale finale we would like to continue as a Chapter tradition. I look invite your inputs and look forward to a stronger year for the Chapter!

Yours in Energy,

Jennifer Ammentorp
jennifer.ammentorp@ieee.org