Guest Editorial Michael F. Molnar, FSME, CMfgE, PE
President-Elect SME
smeSpeaks Who Moved My SME, and Why? B
y now I’m sure many of you are aware that our society has a new name and brand, as unveiled at the Annual Conference and discussed in the June column by SME President Dennis Bray. We’ve received a lot of comments, most highly supportive, but a good number concerned that change from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers signaled a move away from valuing the individual manufacturing engineer.
Change is difficult yet essential, and it is human nature to have concern about potential loss along with gain. The Board made this change after many months of research, consulta- tion and deliberation. It was not an easy decision, nor was it a decision that was lightly made. It was, however, a necessary change—one made with our members as a central stakehold- er group. This editorial expands on Dennis’ comments from the viewpoint of stakeholders, first with history and strategy, but then as individuals. In looking back at SME’s 81-year history, it has evolved and grown much larger than our founders envisioned. Throughout our history, there have been many momentous occasions that have set the stage for the SME of today, such as the Certifica- tion Program being created in 1972, Manufacturing Engi- neering magazine making its official debut in 1976, the SME Education Foundation being established in 1980, FABTECH being unveiled in 1981 and the charter class of SME Fellows inducted in 1986. This rich history was taken into account when the new SME logo was created. At the center of the new logo is SME’s heritage, which has morphed into the new SME and its subsequent evolution. Surrounding the core of the logo to the left is technological achievement, while the right reflects improving society. These specific parts of the SME logo speak to the incredible technological advancements made in manu- facturing and its overall importance to society in general. In the
center is where all parts of the logo come together to reflect advancement—advancement in manufacturing and SME.
heritage evolution
improving society
technological achievement
at the center of advancement
To stay relevant in the marketplace, SME had to evolve its image and make a critical change to its name. In January 1970, when the American Society of Tool and Manufacturing Engineers (ASTME) became the Society of Manufacturing Engi- neers, then SME President Michael Skunda concluded: “Now the Society can build for the long term future with a name that is short, simple, and unrestrictive in regard to areas of technical coverage and service to all types of manufacturing engineers on an international basis.” While the name Society of Manu-
October 2013 |
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