Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/609948
18 SMT Magazine • December 2015 Tanya Martin, director of operations at SMTA, responded to our I-Connect007 question- naire recently, which focused on the association's mission, membership statistics, and how SMTA best serves its members. Q: What is smtA's basic mission? A: Our mission is to build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly technologies, including microsys- tems, emerging technologies, and related busi- ness operations. Q: how do you best serve your membership? A: By delivering the strongest technical research at the local and national levels to assist them in improving processes and product development. In addition, the SMTA enthusiastically connects our members to local, national and internation- al networks of people who are ready to offer as- sistance and fellowship. Q: how much does membership cost? please ex- plain how membership is worth the cost. A: Membership categories range from $5 to $75 for an individual and from $450 to $1450 for a business or corporation. Membership includes access to thousands of downloadable technical articles from our Journal of SMT and conference proceedings; the value is quickly recovered by providing the answers that can save members thousands of dollars in research and poor pro- cess control. It also allows access to a network of professionals that an individual may never acquire in a lifetime. Q: What resources are most important to smtA members? A: Many members enjoy the support of a lo- cal chapter and local educational events. Our knowledge base of thousands of technical pa- pers is probably the biggest resource as well as discounted rates on high-quality technical con- ferences and symposiums. We also offer online training modules and a full SMT process certifi- A CloSer look AT SMTA Tanya Martin FeATureD Q&A