2005 Articles

A strong sense of community differentiates the SMTA from other professional organizations.

"Ain’t it good to know you’ve got a friend." – James Taylor

At the recent annual meeting during SMTA International in Chicago, my colleagues at ITM – Jim Hall, Bob Klenke and the late (great) Ron Daniels – and I were honored with the SMTA⁺ Corporate Partnership Award. This award is the Surface Mount Technology Association’s way of thanking a company for its support and commitment to the association. However, my associates and I believe it ought to be the other way around; we want to thank the SMTA for what and, most importantly, who it is.

All four of us were involved in surface-mount technology from its beginning in the late 1970s. We were also early members of the SMTA. I cofounded the Orange County (CA) chapter. As SMT evolved, so did the SMTA keep pace with the directions, achievements, developments and crises in the industry.

Some things are difficult to describe, let alone quantify. For example, when you are outside of work and someone asks you what you do for a living, how do you explain it? In my case, it is usually something to the effect of: "I work with people who build circuit boards." Most people have a concept of what a circuit board is, although sometimes you have to explain that as well. Well, try explaining the SMTA to someone unfamiliar with the organization.

The group could be categorized as an "industry association" or more specifically, a professional organization within the electronics manufacturing industry. However, none of the other industry organizations is quite like it. The SMTA has local chapters all over the world, but so do some of the other organizations. No, what distinguishes the SMTA is its sense of community.

And what a community it is. Take a good look around and see what kind of people comprise the membership of the SMTA. Jim, Bob and I share a sense of awe with regard to the wealth of talent, expertise, experience, intellect and know-how. These are the top technologists in our field, including process engineers, researchers, technologists, consultants, manufacturing engineers, test engineers, operators, managers, marketing people, sales reps, journalists and students. Everyone participates and contributes, some in small ways and some in monumental ways, hence contributing to the advancement of the technology. This is as good as it gets.

The SMTA’s motto is "Share the knowledge," and the organization certainly lives up to it. Education at and for all levels is not just based upon pure academics and theory, but on real-life experiences and working results. Users and suppliers pass on what they have learned, observed, experienced and discovered in processes, methodologies, packaging, materials and equipment. It’s all there, and accessible to all.

It is an egalitarian community, too – equal opportunity for all regardless of nationality, gender, race or experience. Always was and always will be. You are encouraged to participate to whatever extent you want. Of course, the same can be said of many other professional organizations, where you can be part of a committee, and so on. But with the SMTA there are no bounds, restrictions or legacies. For example, one technologist who has been in our field for maybe six years was just elected to the Board of Directors. No "old boys club" exists in the SMTA. That a small firm such as ours could be considered for the Corporate Award alongside multi-billion dollar companies is testament to this.

We see the SMTA as a solid foundation as our industry endures sometimes stormy seas. As we encounter various process crises, such as the restriction of key materials (Freon-based solvents, VOCs) and the current move towards lead-free, the SMTA acts not as a forum for griping, but rather as a source of information on how to adapt, survive and thrive. During periodic economic downturns, and even when we have changed jobs, the SMTA was a constant. When many of our colleagues lost jobs due to plant closings or overseas outsourcing, the SMTA was an important resource and network for getting re-established and re-employed.

Finally, many of us describe the SMTA as "family"; a bold statement regarding a professional organization. However, when talking with members, present and past officers, board members and committee heads, this term is frequently used. It goes beyond camaraderie. Sure, over the years there have been a few bozos, characters and dysfunctional members, but what family does not have these? The majority of members, as well as the administrators, are there for you – through thick and thin.

The SMTA is a lot more than a professional organization. It is a lot of things, but it is whatever you put into it and derive from it. So thank you, members of the SMTA, for everything. Long may you be the epitome of "We’re all in this together." n

Phil Zarrow is president and SMT process consultant with ITM Consulting (itmconsulting.org); phil_zarrow@itmconsulting.org.

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