Inside ICI


A Message to Members: There’s Strength in Numbers and You Count!


by Joseph E. Fritz, Executive Director, Investment Casting Institute T


aking a look back at 2016, one of the things that really stands out is the growth in ICI Membership,


which increased by 6%, establishing a new record of 263 Member companies. Since the Institute is a Member run organization, our reach expands with each new Member, better enabling us to serve the investment casting community. I have often said that the true value in Membership comes from participation: the more active a company is with the ICI, the greater the benefit that company derives. The high level of participation that we see from many of our long standing members is testimony to this. So, a big part of my job is finding ways to involve Members like yourself in ICI sponsored initiatives focused on providing your company, and you as an individual, a greater benefit. Participation is easy and does not


have to be time consuming, expensive or difficult. In fact, most people are active with the ICI because they enjoy it. The first step in being an active participant can be as simple as sharing your copy of INCAST Magazine with a colleague, or better yet, having them contact us to register for their free subscription. If you get benefit from reading INCAST, your colleagues will too.


their area, but even that is not enough. That is why the ICI is undertaking


high school outreach as a major initiative and asking you and your colleagues to help. We have developed presentation materials, brochures and even have a video. What we need is for someone just like you to take those materials and visit a high school near you to share your passion for our industry. We will provide you with everything else that you need.


Another easy way to get your


company involved is by participating in one of the ICI’s Industry Surveys or the Monthly Benchmarking Report. The surveys address annual business performance, sales and profit, compensation and health and safety. The benchmarking report is open to all foundries, regardless of Membership status or geographic region.


Non-


Member participants receive only the section of the report pertaining to their location, while members get the full report.


staff at trade shows and job fairs to help promote the


to prospective Of course


there are many other ways in which you can participate. Let me offer you a few thoughts… From time to time, you may have


seen INCAST articles discussing my visits with students. I find these interactions personally rewarding, especially when it becomes evident through questions and class participation that there is interest in our industry. My personal involvement alone cannot stir enough interest in the youth of America to ensure long term viability.


The ICI Board of Directors


recognizes this, and this year, they have each committed to visit high schools in


4 ❘ January 2017 ®


customers and students. This year, the ICI will be participating in at least three trade


shows and numerous


career days all over the United States. We can use your help in not only identifying promotion opportunities in your area, but also in joining us at events as a local area Member.


Other opportunities to participate include serving on one of our many committees. Committee involvement is a way in which you can directly shape the future of the Institute and the Industry. One such example is a sub- committee to the Education Committee working on the establishment of an international process control standard for investment casting.


This team will


Alternatively, you can join the ICI industry


college


clearly have a long-lasting impact on our industry and how we are perceived by the customer. Most committees have periodic telephonic meetings and rarely have travel requirements. One obvious way to participate is to attend one of our events. This year, we will be holding our Spring Management Meeting in historic Charleston, South Carolina.


This event is geared to


provide industry leaders with a three day educational seminar, accompanied by numerous networking opportunities and fun filled activities. Our Technical Conference and Equipment Show will be held in Covington Kentucky in October. This event is the ideal opportunity to broaden your knowledge base, while at the same time providing industry participants yet another networking opportunity. Participation in ICI sponsored educational programs as a student or an instructor is another fulfilling way in which you can make a difference to yourself, your company and the industry. The ICI Certification Program is held annually at


Pittsburg in Pittsburg, Kansas.


State University This course is


limited to 30 participants per year, and we often have Members who year after year register their employees early to ensure a spot. These companies clearly recognize the benefits of participation. The next step is up to you. Anyone


who works for a Member company can get involved. You don’t have to be the Designated Member Representative to take an active role. So what is stopping you?


You have nothing to lose and


everything to gain. If each of our Member companies had someone like you take the initiative to participate, together we could do great things.


There is strength in numbers, and you count!


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