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14 SMT Magazine • December 2015 Goldman: Besides putting on the conference, i know you have local chapters. do some of the chapters do smaller shows? Barthel: Absolutely. Over half of our 50 chap- ters organize a regional expo and technology fo- rum which really benefits those who sometimes aren't able to travel to the larger trade shows and conferences. This is our largest event, so we get people from many countries. It's held once a year, and as you can see, this is a pretty big deal; however, our foundation is the chapters. Our chapters provide an opportunity for mem- bers to meet locally with people that have the same interests to network, support, educate and be educated. SMTA has chapters around the world. SMTA International, as well as the smaller local events, doesn't include just the papers and presenta- tions —we offer half day workshops, training, facility tours, social events, and much more. Our chapter programming really addresses ev- ery stage of experience level Many times these technical forums are paired with an exposition. We are always looking for ways to support our mission as well as educate and assist our mem- bers – and have fun along the way! Goldman: speaking of experience, i understand that smtA has student chapters. What can you tell me about that? Barthel: Yes, we have student chapters, with in- dividuals who aren't sure of their future career direction and may not even be aware of what is available to them. We have seen a lot of growth lately in student chapters. We expose them to the electron- ics industry, and show them what the association can offer, which includes a Career Center here at SMTAI. In addi- tion job openings in the industry as well as postings by people looking for opportunities can be found on our web site, www.smta.org. It's free to members. Goldman: You mentioned the technical papers. how does that work? Barthel: Every paper that's published is expect- ed to be unique work. We have a dedicated tech- nical committee which works hard to get origi- nal work and diligently keeps the presentations non-commercial. We offer all papers online in our Knowledge Base which is free to members. If you have a question, within a couple of clicks of a mouse the data base will bring up every paper on that topic which has ever been pre- sented at a SMTA event. That's really valuable. Beyond that I think what makes this con- ference unique is the people. For example, last night we had a retirement celebration for our dear friend, JoAnn Stromberg. Goldman: she pretty much ran the association? Barthel: She wasn't there from the very begin- ning but she was there early on. She was with the association for 29 years. She really helped build the character of the association. You can go to other technical conferences, and they'll have an exhibition, papers, etc., but when you come to SMTA events you get an added family feel. We really strive to be inclusive, and the lo- cal chapters are where it's really apparent. Certainly if you were at JoAnn's retirement celebration last night you saw how much she is appreciated from a global standpoint. Not only has JoAnne given time and effort to "the SMTA family," but there are many, many here and throughout the Association who know she embodies the open and inclusive culture of our organization. How many people do you know have over 200 people show up for a retirement celebration? She is a special women who has gained many friends along the way, and she runs a tight ship! Goldman: how many active chapters do you have? Barthel: More than 50 around the world. I men- tioned the student chapters and how there's re- ally great growth there lately. We have a real SmTA: WorKInG HArD For THe GLobAL InDUSTry Bill Barthel, SMTA President. FeATure inTerview