Eileen Hibbler and Jason Emes on Improving the West Penn SMTA Chapter

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Hibbler: With the daytime attendance, the issue is buy-in from their management. If company management doesn’t see the value in what SMTA has to offer, then they don’t let their employees come out. We have to work to change that mindset.

Emes: And it’s not just about if companies allow them to attend or not; it’s more about if companies are actively sending them. The response should be, “You are going to this meeting, and here are the benefits that you can bring back to the company.” I feel if it’s voluntary only, the engineers and other manufacturing folks may not want to take the time out of the office when they could be getting caught up on overdue projects. Then, the benefits are lost. Knowledge sharing and education should be a part of the job.

Goldman: So, they have to see the benefit of sparing an employee for a few hours if it’s during the day.

Emes: Exactly. There’s a difference between supporting and committing.

Goldman: I guess part of it is having a strong enough program, but you’ve had strong programs before.

Hibbler: Yes, and we’re going to have more like that, but that’s why we’re here. It’s a challenge to try to figure it all out. With Jason’s leadership, we’re going to try several new strategies.

Goldman: Jason, I understand you’re not in the industry anymore?

Emes: No, I switched roles out of the electronics industry about a year ago. But I stayed on as the chapter president because I feel strongly about the association and I’m passionate about it, but I have less stake in the game now.

Goldman: A little less stake, although perhaps still plenty of interest.

Emes: Lots of interest but less of the day-to-day involvement as I did with the electronics company. I’m giving it less attention now because finding the time and motivation is becoming more of a challenge.

Goldman: I assume there’s a vice president and so forth, too?

Hibbler: The team has become less active with officers moving onto other roles and industries, which is why I’m in recruitment mode, and I told Jason I was going to try to establish a new team. That will hopefully allow him to step back from doing everything because that’s what he has been doing. We need to find the next Jason because this is his last year.

Goldman: Yes, that’s a challenge, but you have good membership; it’s just a matter of finding some leaders at this point.

Emes: And meeting rejuvenation efforts to increase attendance.

Goldman: Absolutely, because you’re an educational organization, so what’s the point if people don’t show up for you to educate?

Emes: Right. It’s all about knowledge sharing, and the only way to do that is to get people involved.

Goldman: I applaud SMTA because you are so focused on education.

Hibbler: That’s our charter now as well as when the organization started 30+ years ago when surface mount was brand new,

Goldman: Do you have any last thoughts?

Emes: I loved joining in on this. Eileen recruited me three years ago, and I don’t regret anything. I think it’s a great organization. I want it to succeed as much as it can.

Hibbler: And if anyone would like to join, please email me at eileen.hibbler@eapltd.com or email Jason at jasone@newpig.com.

Goldman: Definitely. Thank you both for your time.

Hibbler: Thanks so much, Patty.

Emes: Thank you.

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