Worldwide Association for Services Management
IN THIS ISSUE:

Chapter Involvement: Making Connections
Newsworthy Notes: New President of European Chapter Board Elected; Chapter Officer Profile—U.K. Chapter’s Brian Ford
Local Action: France Chapter: A 2006-2009 Chronicle; Chapter Presidents Meeting Held at TSE; CenTex Chapter Events; Chicago Chapter Spring Event; Orange County Chapter; U.K. Chapter July Meeting
Join a Chapter Today: Find a Local Chapter in Your Area
Calendar of Events: Never Miss Another AFSMI Event
Comment Box: We Welcome Your Input

MAY 2008

 

Information Update
 

Chapter Involvement

Making Connections
Networking. It’s one of the key benefits of membership in a professional association. Through our local chapters, AFSMI provides additional opportunities for you to reach out to fellow services professionals in your area to exchange ideas, establish relationships, and build business opportunities. And the best part is that you can participate on a year-round basis. Here are just a few of the venues you can be a part of with your local chapter:

  • Monthly or quarterly chapter meetings with guest speakers.
  • Local chapter conferences and events.
  • Social outings (golfing, wine tasting, dinner events, etc.).

Regional Content. As you know, AFSMI provides our members with access to industry trends and topics that give you a global perspective of what is happening in the services sector. Those members who take advantage of being part of a chapter receive the added benefit of hearing firsthand and participating in robust discussions around local challenges and topics that are specific to their region.

If you are not currently part of a chapter today, we highly recommend that you take full advantage of your membership by joining your local chapter this month. For more information on AFSMI chapters and their events, contact a chapter officer in your corner of the globe today—it’s guaranteed to be time well spent.



Newsworthy Notes

Newly Elected President of European Chapter Board
At the 2008 Technology Services Europe (TSE) conference, Dick Ruijsenberg, managing director and co-owner of Multi Micro Service Organisatie (MSO), was elected as the new President of the European Chapter Board for AFSMI, as Martin Gilday, former vice president and general manager of operations, Unisys Global Outsourcing and Infrastructure Services Europe, steps down from the helm officially on June 1. As we welcome Dick to his new role, we thank Martin for his time and valuable contributions in this leadership position. For a profile on both of these exemplar services professionals, including an overview of their careers, their experiences, their dedication to services, and their respective charters with this important role, click here.

AFSMI Chapter Officer Profile
From the U.K. Chapter: Brian Ford
Head of European Services Business Implementation, Canon Europe

Brian Ford is part of the leadership team of AFSMI’s U.K. Chapter. Brian is also head of European services business implementation for Canon Europe, where he is responsible for developing and implementing new services and fulfillment strategies throughout Europe. He finds that driving service value while achieving organizational efficiency across different country geographies and cultures is an ongoing, but very rewarding challenge. In developing this inaugural edition of AFSMI Newsline’s Chapter Officer Profile, we asked Brian how he first got started in services. His response: By accident! Click here to read the full article.

    Chapter Update    


Local Action

France Chapter: A 2006-2009 Chronicle
In the ’80s and ’90s, the AFSMI France Chapter experienced great success and a thriving membership, with up to 200-plus members at one time. However as one might presume, due to the economic climate (local and global), a newer generation of workers, and a fear of “mixing” with the competition, the chapter saw a decline in its membership over subsequent years. In 2006, the chapter leadership took a look around at the local region, the industry as a whole, and the services professionals in their locale and decided to do something about it. They developed a plan with their members in mind—and now they’re once again growing and gaining back the foothold they once had. How are they doing it? Click here for more.

Chapter Presidents Meeting Held at TSE
April 1, 2008 — Paris, France
If the reviews from the attendees were any indication, the 2008 Technology Services Europe (TSE) Conference in Paris, France, was an overwhelming success. Two full days packed with relevant and compelling content by leading worldwide companies along with numerous opportunities to network with other service professionals from around the globe made this a truly meaningful and memorable event. Click here for full details and photos from this important event.

CenTex Chapter
Kevin Chasey, President
The CenTex Chapter has been very active, hosting quite a few events so far this year. On May 2, the chapter held its 2nd Annual Golf Outing at Falconhead Golf Club. On June 19, Jerry Bruder will present “Ethical Issues in a Changing World,” SAP will host the August 15 event, and on November 21, Ross Mitchel of Implementations Inc. will discuss “Beyond Time Management—Improving Individual Effectiveness.” For more information on the CenTex Chapter and its events, visit the chapter’s Web site at www.centexafsmi.org.

Chicago Chapter
Jerry Kuziel, President
At its Spring Event on April 8, the Chicago Chapter offered the first in a series of presentations on current service management issues. Hosted by Glen Eastep, director of outsource repair operations, North America Repair Operations, the luncheon meeting was held at Motorola’s Integrated Supply Chain Headquarters in Arlington Heights, Illinois. Click here for details and photos from the event.

Orange County Chapter
George J. Sliney, President
The Orange County (OC) Chapter has successfully held its first chapter meeting since its relaunch efforts began on May 15. We are pleased to announce that George Sliney is the new chapter president. As part of his relaunch efforts, George opened up three officer positions to chapter members: vice president, treasurer, and secretary. George is delighted to report that two of the three positions were filled during this May meeting. Click here for more details.

U.K. Chapter
Simon Morris, President
On Tuesday, July 1, the U.K. Chapter will host its next meeting at Canon U.K. in Surrey at 1 p.m. The topic: “Best Practices in Customer Interaction Management.” Speakers will include Caroline Rae, senior manager, Canon Contact Center, Canon U.K., who will address building and motivating a telephone-based service team, and Justin May of Endeca, who will address extending the conversion-driving experience and maximizing the customer interaction. Click here for further information.

Chapter Officers: Let Us Know What's Happening in Your Region
Is there anything that you want to let your fellow AFSMI members know? Spread the word about your chapter by submitting your announcements for publication in the monthly AFSMI Newsline. It's a key way to make AFSMI members aware of the activities of your chapter, announce changes to your leadership team, share information and insights, and highlight the benefits of chapter involvement. Submission is fast and easy—just fill out our new online submissions form. Don't overlook this valuable opportunity to let members know what your chapter has to offer. As always, we truly appreciate your continued efforts and support.

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Join a Chapter Today

Find a Local Chapter in Your Area
If you are not currently part of a chapter today, we highly recommend that you take full advantage of your membership by joining your local chapter this month. For more information on AFSMI chapters and their events, contact a chapter officer in your corner of the globe today—it’s guaranteed to be time well spent.

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Program Update
 

Calendar of Events

Never Miss Another AFSMI Event
The AFSMI Program & Events Calendar is a great interactive tool that keeps you posted on AFSMI programs and events—and the best part is, it can do so according to the parameters that best meet your needs. Available 24/7, this user-friendly tool provides event information on various AFSMI activities that you’ll want to be aware of, including committee meetings, AFSMI publications, research reports, Webcasts, chapter activities, and conferences. Through our online software, you can quickly and easily set up parameters that fit your lifestyle and best meet your needs:

  • Sign up for an event.
  • Download current event information.
  • Add an event to your e-calendar.
  • Have event information or reminders sent via e-mail or text message.
  • Get notified of changes to existing events.
  • E-mail event information to a friend or colleague.

Never miss another important services meeting or event again. Check it out today. Chapter officers, if you would like to post an upcoming event to the AFSMI Web site calendar, please click here.

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Member Feedback
 

We Welcome Your Feedback
We always welcome our members input. If you would like to comment on this publication or make a suggestion for future editions, please click here.

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