SME offers a wide range of products and services, and many different ways in which it interacts with individuals and companies in manufacturing, particularly those in the medical manufacturing industry. I know that a significant opportunity and chal- lenge is to make sure we effectively utilize all of SME’s resources, have them work together and to achieve a high level of synergy among all our SME activities. SME’s products and services are an important component of our value proposi-
tion, not just for our members, but for the entire field of manufacturing. Te Society’s world-class offering of tradeshows, conferences, online learning, certifications, media products (such as this yearbook), and many other products and services provide all levels of people in manufacturing with the ability to meet new people, have access to new knowledge, and create opportunities to grow and enhance their own careers. As the global landscape of manufacturing has changed and continues to change,
SME is committed to providing relevant ways for individuals, companies, commu- nities and other organizations to have access to the most up-to-date, credible and impactful information, knowledge and connections related to manufacturing. If we look at all the things that SME does, you can see why SME is “making it possible” for manufacturing to move forward and be a strong foundation for our country and the world to prosper. • Te SME Education Foundation (SME-EF) is inspiring and helping to pre- pare the next-generation manufacturing workforce.
• Our tradeshows and other events improve and expand businesses and expose thousands of people to the latest manufacturing technology, products and knowledge.
• Tooling U and Professional Development offerings are available for many individuals to learn new skills and enhance their careers, and for companies to improve their current workforce to meet global manufacturing needs and beat international competition.
• Manufacturing Engineering Media products connect people with the latest technology, ideas and trends that are happening all around us every day at an ever-increasing pace.
• Our relationships with government, educational institutions and other organizations increase our relevancy, as well as make us an integral part of improving the image of manufacturing.
Keeping manufacturing moving forward will be SME’s focus in 2013. Te Society
will also continue its plan-do-check-adjust process for all of our products and ser- vices to ensure they are world-class and meeting the needs of all of our stakeholders. As your 2013 SME president, I look forward to working with all of you and hope
to leave SME better, stronger and more relevant in helping manufacturing and our society flourish.
Medical Manufacturing 2013 3
Dennis S. Bray, PhD, FSME 2013 SME President
SME’s products and services are an important component of our value proposition, not just for our members, but for the entire field of manufacturing.