Inside ICI


What is Your Vision? By Joseph E. Fritz, Executive Director, Investment Casting Institute W our


ith the holiday season recently behind us, we still find ourselves greeting each


other heartily, inquiring of the holiday past and offering wishes of a healthy and prosperous new year.


shortfalls, and remember It’s at this time


that we dwell on the happenings of the past year, count our accomplishments and


those that have left this earthly plain before us. Whether from a personal or a professional perspective, these are the things that we as humans do. This year is different in that it marks the start of a new decade. So for many of us, we look beyond the past year at the road that we have traveled since 2010 and how our lives have changed over that period.


Think about the changes


that we have witnessed in ourselves, our families, our industry, and in the markets that we serve. Many of the changes that we have borne witness to have been dramatic.


From autonomous vehicles


to package delivery via drone, the world has changed, and continues to do so. In my favorite movie, Frank Capra’s


holiday masterpiece “It’s a Wonderful Life”, the protagonist, George Bailey, was given a wonderful gift. He was afforded the opportunity to see what


4 ❘ January 2020 ®


the world would have been like had he never been born. Though this is a purely fictitious scenario, reflection on how our lives have impacted the world around us is one of the best ways to understand what we want for our future.


Looking at the past decade, ask


yourself about the young people that you have influenced, or conversely, those that you had the opportunity to but did not. Have you been a mentor, a friend, a confidant? Have you immersed yourself in


your personal and professional


challenges? Do you want to? Everyone’s answers to these questions are different, and if answered with a mindful eye and an open heart, the answers that you come up should be the right ones for you.


visualize where you want to be in 10 years.


for you and the influence that you can have on the world around you as you achieve your vision.


I know, none of


us have a “crystal ball”, but imagine the possibilities. What is your vision for the future? How will you impact the course of human events? What can you do today to ensure a better tomorrow? Regardless of your vision, if it in any


With your answers in mind, Imagine what the future holds


way has an influence on our industry the ICI is here to help. If you wish to help someone develop their foundry skills you can encourage or sponsor them to attend the ICI Certification Course, Process Control for Investment Casting Seminar or one of our free regional meetings. You can help a future leader develop their market knowledge and business acumen by telling them about the ICI’s Business and Leadership Development Conference. If your interest is in helping young people find their way into the industry, the ICI can help you with its new Classroom Training Support Kit. The opportunities to expand your


reach with the help of the ICI grows every year. That’s because we want to know what your vision for the industry is. Members come to us with their suggestions all the time, and those that fall within our sphere of influence often become part of our vision… our plan... and ultimately our reality. What will you see in 2030 when


you look back on the prior decade? Share your vision with us and let the ICI help you make it a reality. Best wishes for a healthy and prosperous decade!


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