Governmental news impacting the automation industry or business from ISA
Industrial control systems are often responsible for the monitoring and management of critical assets such as power generating facilities, water and wastewater treatment plants and transportation networks. Control systems in many industries have to remain operational 24/7 to meet operational and regulatory requirements. To address the increasing interest in securing private industry and public infrastructure, [...]
Recently I joined about a dozen other association executive directors for an invitation-only meeting in Hong Kong to discuss globalization strategies and challenges within the association community. We met as part of the Key Global Association Committee, which is sponsored by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The Key Global Association Committee (KGAC) has [...]
Have you submitted a nomination for this year’s Celebrating Excellence awards? The Celebrating Excellence awards program is an extension of our time-honored practice of recognizing those companies and individuals, both members and non-members, who have contributed to the Society and automation industry. We depend on you to help us identify those volunteers and leaders who [...]
The advent of a new year is the ideal time to take a fresh look at all the different ways ISA members can get involved in ISA sections and divisions. As someone who has been highly engaged for many years in my local (Philadelphia) ISA section, and has had the honor of serving the Society [...]
2013 will mark the 51st year ISA will honor the achievements of individuals and businesses that have made significant contributions to the Society and the automation community. I think of these individuals as heroes. They design and/or implement innovative automation products and services; further the automation profession through educational programs; and, in the case of [...]
Last December, a senior task force from the Automation Federation held a series of strategic briefings in Washington D.C. with White House staff, congressional leaders and a variety of governmental departments and agencies. Our objective was to raise greater awareness for two pressing issues affecting automation in the process, manufacturing and power generation industries: security [...]
The U.S. manufacturing sector faces a crisis: Our nation’s skilled automation professionals are diminishing in number — just when we need them most. Retiring workers are leaving a huge void in the field, but new blood hasn’t rushed to fill it. Even new opportunities like shale oil extraction haven’t attracted the manpower they require. Why? [...]
This past Saturday, I was in Manchester, New Hampshire, for the kickoff of the 2013 FIRST® Robotics Competition (FRC®), an annual competition that helps high school students across the world discover the excitement of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Many of the more than 50,000 students participating in this year’s competition will pursue course [...]
As the 2012 ISA President, I am gratified to report that ISA will enter the new year as a more capable, industry-significant, globally engaged, and member-focused organization. We’ve made real headway in 2012, building on our visionary strategic plan, and making the sound decisions that position our Society for long-term growth and success. While some [...]
Today, the Washington Post reported a defeat on the Cybersecurity Bill. ISA and the Automation Federation have been working to advance the support of the Cybersecurity Bill for some time. But for now it is dead in the water, and the Senate is headed for a one month recess. The article noted: A bill establishing [...]
