Wow, March already and spring is starting to spring here at the Chesapeake Chapter of ASSP. We have a busy month ahead as we prepare for a number of upcoming events while continuing with our regular monthly business and Technical Presentation. This month’s technical session on March 24 will be an Update of MOSH activities and plans presented by the Maryland Commissioner of Labor and Industry, Mr. Matt Helminiak. We look forward to a very informative update from Matt. For more on this virtual event please visit our website at https://chesapeake.assp.org/events/chesapeake-assp-virtual-chapter-meeting-2/.
Today is our monthly Executive Committee (EC) Meeting where we discuss and conduct the Chapters business. All members or those interested in joining are invited and encouraged to attend and see how the Chapter operates. There are opportunities for all members to participate and you can see how you can not only contribute but help chart the path of the Chapter moving forward. This is a volunteer organization and the success of the Chapter and Society lies with the membership itself.
On that note, the Chapter is developing its slate of candidates for the upcoming 2022-2023 activity year. The Officer Committee is directly elected by the Chapter Members. The elected positions include President, 1st & 2nd Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Delegate and Director. All eligible members are encouraged to nominate themselves or others for these positions. You will be warmly welcomed to the Board as a contributing member of the leadership team. Of particular interest id the 2nd Vice President Position which remained open this year but is a vital part of the team and needs candidates to fill it.
As well as elected officials, the Chapter relies on committees to provide valuable services to our members. These committees plan and determine our activities for the upcoming year. Some examples are:
- Programs – Arrange our technical programs
- PDC – Plans and conducts our annual Professional Development Conference
- Government Affairs – Tracks and informs on legislation and other actions
- WISE – Women in Safety Excellence
- Membership – Staying in tune with our members
- Awards & Scholarships – Support and Recognition of Members
- Nominations and Elections – Continuity of Leadership
As you can see there are many interests covered and your assistance with these helps ensure the success of the Chapter. Become a part of the team and learn the inner workings of the Chapter and Society. If interested, please contact any Board member.
Let’s not forget our upcoming Chapter PDC on April 28, where a full range of safety topics sure to pique interest of professionals from various fields including construction, general industry, academia, industrial hygiene and consulting. There is too much planned to cover here so please go to https://chesapeake.assp.org/events/chesapeake-pdc/ to see the event details. Great sessions and great networking. This year the PDC will be both in person and virtual so all can attend and participate.
Welcome to our new members and Student Members, we look forward to working with you as our Chapter grows. Thank you to all our current members and special thanks to our Chapter Leaders, we must, and do, work as a team to achieve our goals. I hope everyone stays warm, safe, and healthy. I look forward to seeing you all soon.
Stay Safe & Healthy!
Yours truly,
James F Kane (Jim)
Chesapeake Chapter President
American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP)