Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1437606
58 PCB007 MAGAZINE I DECEMBER 2021 I-Connect007: What are the key takeaways for your class attendees? Williams: ey will learn: • e seven requirements – Context of the organization – Leadership – Planning – Support – Operation – Performance evaluation – Improvement • Nuts and bolts of the major changes • Organizational context assessment • Risk-based thinking • PDCA • Turtle diagrams: What they are and how to use them • Process metrics I-Connect007: What are some of the benefits of attending Professional Development classes at IPC APEX EXPO? Williams: One of the greatest aspects of pro- fessional development courses at IPC APEX EXPO is the opportunity to learn in a setting that brings together a vast variety of people and companies from around the industry. I have been teaching PD classes for IPC APEX EXPO since 2004. I learn new things from the audience every year, and they learn from each other. e sharing of experiences is one of the great advantages of this venue. I-Connect007: Do you have any final thoughts? Williams: AS9100 can be a game-changer for companies looking to improve organizational performance and provide entry to an incred- ible revenue stream that would otherwise be inaccessible. If you want to play in the aero- space arena, AS9100 certification is a must. Don't miss this session. PCB007 To check out Steve's video message about his IPC APEX EXPO class, click here. Barry Matties recently met with Travis Kelly to dis- cuss the formation of the Printed Circuit Board Asso- ciation of America (PCBAA), a consortium of U.S.- based companies he chairs to support U.S. domes- tic production of PCBs. PCBAA was established on three pillars, and Travis explains how they intertwine with each other—and with other similar organizations in the industry. Barry Matties: Travis, we are here to talk about the new association that's forming. Tell me about that. Travis Kelly: I'm excited to discuss the Printed Circuit Board Association of America. It was formed by five prominent companies in the PCB industry that identified a need, not only to educate, but also to advocate for legislation supporting the competitiveness of the domestic PCB industry. The founding members are Calumet, Insulectro, Isola, Summit Interconnect, and TTM. What really sparked the formation of the PCBAA was learning that PCBs are very rarely part of the discussion on the Capitol Hill or in the news as it relates to microelectronics. There's a lot of discussion around chips and semiconductors. However, chips don't float; they must be embedded onto something. There is a very strong need, but very little awareness around PCBs as it relates to microelectronics, so that's really the catalyst behind forming the organization. Matties: Why do you feel like there was a need to start something separate from the IPC, or will you be collaborating with the IPC? Kelly: IPC, USPAE and PCBAA have complementary missions and serve the microelectronics industry in different ways. For example, advocacy is a common mission with all three organizations taking positions in the policy and legislative arenas. PBCAA was formed to shine a light specifically on PCBs and be the voice of the industry. Once again, PCBs have received very little recognition in a broader conversation around microelectronics, with a few exceptions in Congress. To read this entire conversation, click here. Spotlighting a New U.S. Printed Circuit Board Association