IPC International Community magazine an association member publication
Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1509763
IPC COMMUNITY 10 FALL 2023 We were told that IPC is the only organization well-positioned enough to help the European EMS industry because of our core strength in standards development and our participation in various EU meetings in Brussels regard- ing the European Chips Act. This executive told us, "It would be great if we could gather the EMS companies from Europe together." Sure enough, that following September, we hosted more than a dozen EMS companies in Europe, setting up strategies that would allow them to reach their initial goals within a few years. When I reflect on that meeting in the Platzl lobby, I think of the saying, "Think global, act local." Because we were there in that region and talking face-to-face with a local EMS executive about local problems, we were much better able to make suggestions on how IPC could be part of the solution. This is not information we would have gotten on a phone call or in a Zoom meeting. Because we wanted to serve the Euro- pean EMS community, we had to show up, listen, share our knowledge, and most importantly, do what IPC does best: Put people in a room together where we can talk about something meaningful. We bring great minds together to address the challenges and find solutions. Four months after that meeting in the lobby of the Platzl Hotel, and by getting the leaders and companies involved to begin building common ground, we hosted a two-day work- shop with executives from the largest compa- nies in Europe. We discussed their challenges and how to cooperate as a group to expand opportunities for the industry at large. I remember how good it felt to be leading the organization that made these critical connec- tions happen, furthering IPC's commitment to a successful regional approach, and providing members with specific needs from their trade association. The community of EMS executives that we helped to build illustrates IPC's commitment to serving the industry. We are not only build- ing electronics better but building relation- ships better and creating a community where every region feels represented. In this issue of IPC Community, you'll find many stories highlighting the successful con- nection IPC continues to build with our mem- bers around the world. Tibi Baranyi and Erika Crandall each share their unique journeys to leading standards committees. We hosted events in Mexico and India, both meant to connect IPC with the electronics manufac- turing communities. In China, our directors are connecting PCB fabricators with students looking to further their careers. And we pre- view two important events in-person events: WinterCom in Barcelona, and IPC APEX EXPO in Anahaim. It is my hope that you'll see yourselves reflected in these stories and activities. IPC grows and flourishes because of what you do every day. It's a strategy that works.