Wow, the Houston Section is off to a very active start in 2005!  Allow me to update you on two major activities currently underway in which the Houston Section is taking an active role

The first issue is the 2005 Workforce Congressional “Fly-In” March 8^th and 9^th to Washington, D.C.  The IEEE Houston Section EXCOM will be sending at least one and possibly two representatives (depending on availability) in support of the IEEE-USA Career and Workforce Policy Committee which has decided to target Texas as part of their March Careers “Fly-In”.  Specifically, they are targeting Sen. Cornyn, Congressman Tom Delay and Congressman Lamar Smith.  This effort is to bring IEEE-USA's message on H-1B visas, offshoring and other employment issues to Congress.  For more information on the Fly-In, please visit the following web address:  http://www.ieeeusa.org/policy/Careerflyin/default.asp

The second issue is the Houston Section’s participation in the IEEE PACE (The Professional Activities Committees for Engineers) 2005 Leadership Workshop in Tucson, Az. March 11^th thru 13^th  in which we will be sending two representatives (Scott Ballew – Chairman and Gil Dolor – Past Chair).  In addition, Donald Dunn (Region 5 South Area Chair and Houston Section Treasurer) will be attending, as well.  To learn more about this workshop, please visit the following web address:  http://www.ieeeusa.org/calendar/conferences/2005workshop/default.asp

In addition, only a few days away from our first Section meeting for 2005 which will be held at the HESS Building on Thursday, February 24^th.  Dr. Ann Jennings, will give a presentation titled “Creating Presentations: Content and Form”.  Her presentation explores several techniques that can be used to increase the impact of a PowerPoint slide show, and in fact, will cover several concepts commonly used in sales.  In an effort to increase our attendance numbers at our Section meetings, the EXCOM recently decided to make the February Section meeting theme “bring a friend”.  To encourage bringing those individuals that do not normally attend, the EXCOM has decided to promote “bring a friend” and your friend eats for free.  That’s right, only one of you will be charged an admission fee, if you are bringing a friend.  Please do bring a friend to this Section meeting and enjoy a truly worthwhile presentation on a topic that can have a very positive impact on your career.

And finally, on behalf of the Executive Committee, I want to extend our congratulations to Joseph R. Cavallaro, Ali M. Cortez, Edward N. Johnson and Alister G. Smith, members of the Houston Section who were recently elected to the IEEE Senior Member Grade.  Also, congratulations go out to John W. Clark, Willis K. King and Cam Nguyen on their recent upgrade to IEEE Fellow Member Grade.  You too may be eligible for membership upgrade.  Please contact one of the EXCOM members for more information in upgrading your membership.