IPC Scrutiny

Electronic News, July 9, 2001 by Bernard Levine

THE IPC--ASSOCIATION CONNECTING ELECtronics Industries will hold a meeting of its Long-Range Planning Committee in August, concluding a year-long process during which it performed a needs assessment of its membership to revise the association's strategic plan. "The PCB and electronics assembly industries are changing at a rapid pace. So is IPC. Like any successful organization, we must continually review what our members need from us today and in the future," said Denny McGuirk, IPC president. "This is IPC's opportunity to determine what programs will help our members remain competitive."

The process began with four Focus on the Future meetings held throughout the United States. More than 60 members attended, representing a cross section of IPC's membership: OEM, electronics manufacturing services and PCB companies, and suppliers to the PCB and electronics assembly industries. This helped develop a questionnaire to poll IPC members on their needs. Participants were asked questions such as what should the IPC's scope be (domestic vs. international), what programs do members find valuable, and questions regarding board and membership composition.

The survey results will be turned over to the Long-Range Planning Committee, comprised of IPC board members and industry leaders, to help with the revision of IPC's long range plan.