Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1339822
44 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2021 Feature Interview by Nolan Johnson I-CONNECT007 Brian Knier, IPC vice president of market- ing, sales and membership, took time out from preparing for IPC APEX EXPO to discuss the value of becoming an IPC member. IPC re- cently announced changes to the membership pricing structure, which made this conversa- tion quite timely. Nolan Johnson: Why become a member? Brian Knier: IPC is a member-driven organi- zation going back to our beginning in 1957. We currently ser ve more t h a n 3 , 0 0 0 m e m b e r companies worldwide representing the entire electronics manufac- tur ing supply chain. Our mission is dedicat- ed to furthering the competitive excellence and financial success of our members. Membership dues also support the work IPC pursues on be- half of its members and the industry. As an IPC member, companies receive nu- merous benefits and savings on IPC products and services. But, more importantly, an IPC membership helps companies manufacture their products at the highest level of quality and have a noticeable impact on their bottom line. In fact, 72% of current members say IPC has increased their quality, and 60% of compa- nies who use IPC products and services esti- mate that they've experienced an annual eco- nomic impact of savings from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars. * We updated our membership structure in 2021 to a company-based model. Member dues are now based on annual company reve- nue or type of organization. e new structure provides a single dues payment to cover all lo- cations and employees. Johnson: What are some of the key benefits of membership? Knier: Key member benefits include: • Complimentary copies of all new and up- dated versions of IPC standards within 90 days of release • Discounts on products and services in- cluding IPC standards, education, training, events, certification, industry in- telligence, and sponsorships • Access to hundreds of technical papers, in- dustry reports and documents, and webi- nars via the IPC website • A complimentary listing on IPC Global Marketplace to advertise your business IPC also has an affiliation with the Wiring Harness Manufacturers Association (WHMA) and companies receive membership to both associations with their dues payment. Visit ipc. org/membership for more information on IPC member benefits. Johnson: How does being a member help the industry? Knier: Membership dues help support strategic activities IPC pursues on behalf of our mem- bers and the industry. e IPC Board of Direc- tors and strategic committees, comprised of industry supply chain executives and represen- tatives, identify important issues to advance Membership Has Its Benefits Brian Knier