For 2004 there are numerous success stories to report for the Gulf Coast Section, nearly all being a continuation of the excellent programs and standards set by previous Boards and endorsed by the membership.  We are financially healthy, we continue to provide excellent speakers at our dinner meetings, we have new and energetic young members, membership numbers are stable, and we continue to promote the IH profession in our area through both our new scholarship program and the Hammond Award.

 Yet with all the good news to report, the Board is driven to continue to improve the deliverables provided to our members.  Following is an overview of our recent successes, current work efforts, and upcoming events.  When reading, I ask you to consider how you can contribute.  Our strength and success is directly tied to the time and effort our members put back into the profession.   

I look forward to your comments and suggestions. 

Success Stories:

1.      Continued use of top flight speakers at our local section meetings:

·        Henry Smahlik, CIH, CSP.  Manager, Consulting Services, Hagemeyer North America, Homeland Security Division.  "Update on Homeland Security Department and Impact to IH Profession" 

·        Tom Grumbles, National AIHA President.  "State of the State" message on National AIHA Activities.

·        Torey Nalbone, Gulf Coast Local Section Director.  Review of the TX Asbestos Cohort Study on asbestos pipe workers at former plant in Tyler.

·        Aaron Trippler, National AIHA Director of Gov't Affairs.  Review of "Current Regulatory Issues"

·        Bob Emery, VP, Safety, Health, Environment & Risk Management, UT Health Science Center, "Security 101 for Industrial Hygienists"

 2.      Began sponsoring AIHA Distance Learning Telewebs

·        July04.  First Teleweb sponsored by AIHA GCS: "New Developments in Hearing Protection".

·        Sept04.  "Fundamentals of Biosafety"

·        For $15 (vs. normal hookup fee of $225) local section members can meet, participate in great training, and get CM points.

·        Special thanks to Constance Spaulding for her help in organizing the Telewebs and providing excellent facilities

Current Work Efforts of Your Board

1.      Membership.  We currently have about 90 active members; however, there are an estimated 250 IH's in the local section area (note our chapter reaches well beyond Houston).  Plans are for the Board to personally call each IH practicing in area and obtain feedback that will help formulate our meetings, committees, etc. in a manner where we obtain maximum membership participation.

2.      Continue to provide interesting speakers and training opportunities. 

3.      Strengthen ties to Greater Houston IH Council, ASSE, and related professional organizations. 

4.      Review the credits gained if we open our meetings and Telewebs to related professional organizations.

5.      Enhance current efforts to promote IH profession in our area.

 Financial Health

Our account presently exceeds $12,000.  This cash reserve enables us to creatively consider options in providing more / better speakers and training opportunities, promoting IH profession in our area, and funding our scholarship.

 Upcoming Events:

1.      October 26, 2004.  Vendors Night at Hobby Hilton.  More information forthcoming. 

2.      November 18, 2004.  Next AIHA Teleweb: "HVAC and IAQ Dilution Ventilation: Applying AIHA's 2004 Guideline"

 3.      November 18, 2004.  Next Local Section Meeting

 4.      December 2004.  AIHA / ASSE Holiday Social. TBD

 Please contact me if you have any questions or comments.