By I. 0. Johnson, President Knoxville Chapter
Here in Knoxville, we’re very fortunate in having members with a broad range of backgrounds-reflecting the equally broad range of businesses, institutions, and government agencies from which we recruit. In addition to such organizations as Rohm & Haas Co., ALCOA, Union Carbide Corp., Standard Knitting Mills Inc., Magnavox Co., Levi Strauss & Co., and Robertshaw Controls Co., Knoxville has attracted a number of new businesses and industrial concerns. New companies on the way here include Panasonic, Staley Manufacturing Co., and London Fog. Along with these, the Tennessee Valley Authority, the Knoxville Utilities Board, and the University of Tennessee are other organizations that have significantly influenced us as a chapter.
We’re certainly proud of the fact that the Knoxville chapter was third in the nation last year in membership growth. The future holds even greater promise, yet I doubt if there is anything especially unique about the manner in which the Knoxville chapter operates. Like most other chapters, our attention is focused on providing excellent programs, including plant tours and an occasional seminar; sponsorship of student chapters; and, most important, the vigorous participation of top executives. As new firms come to Knoxville, we go after their chief executives. Although our membership represents all levels of management, the interest and involvement of top executives are most important to a viable, growing organization.
Top-notch programs are also essential to membership growth and attendance, and we’ve used several different approaches in developing programs that draw a large audience of both members and guests. One year, for example, we had members from larger firms recruit either the highest ranking executive or the best speaker in their organization to address the chapter. The results were gratifying, not only because of the stature and quality of the speakers, but because they spoke to a variety of pertinent topics.
Another successful approach was to consider the subject matter in advance of selecting speakers. After the specific topics were chosen, we would brainstorm the names of likely speakers. Still another approach has been to obtain top-flight speakers and programs from the major vendors of member companies through their respective purchasing departments. All these methods paid off, but so would any approach or combination of approaches that allowed the planners to stay on track and strive for excellence.
Incidentally, the next world’s fair will be held in Knoxville from May 1, 1982, to October 31, 1982. We’re naturally looking forward with great anticipation to this undertaking. The theme of the 1982 world’s fair will be “Energy Turns the World,” and exhibits on every aspect of energy use and development will be on display. We are looking into ways in which S.A.M. might become involved. Companies and organizations from around the world will participate, and we’d be pleased to welcome any S.A.M. members who might be in town to attend. Join us at a meeting of the Knoxville chapter. SAM-NI
This SAM News International article is from our historical archive, information provided is for reference and archival research about the activities and developments of the Society.