Dear ASQ Section Members,

As you know, we were compelled to cancel our regular Section meeting out of respect for the victims of the series of tragic events that occurred in our Nations Capital, Pennsylvania and New York City on September 11^th. The National ASQ and local Executive Officers offer their sincerest condolences to those that lost family members or loved ones.

These were cowardly actions brought upon thousands of innocent people by a few deranged individuals. Many nations shared in this senseless loss of life. Individuals from 80 different countries, from nearly every continent on this earth were killed in these heinous acts. Out of the ruin of these savage attacks, the world was witness to reports of heroes, many of which made the ultimate sacrifice, coming to the aid of people in need during this horrible catastrophe. These heroes were willing to risk their lives to help our fellow citizens of the world.

This is truly our strength, for we are a nation of immigrants - diverse industrious peoples from different ethnic backgrounds and religions. We are drawn from all corners of the world with a common love for this country, its freedoms and opportunities it offers. There have been countless demonstrations of a renewed spirit of patriotism that is overflowing from so many hearts. We have participated in candlelight ceremonies, prayer groups and have flown our banners and flags from our homes, automobiles and businesses.

Many have given of their resources volunteering their time, energy, money and even their blood to assist others during this difficult period in our nations’ history. Let us each strive to contribute in whatever way we can to support our leaders in acting to meet this serious threat. Working together, we are a strong and resilient people, willing and able to shoulder the burden necessary to deal with those responsible. We shall defeat this danger to civilization.

Regarding our section business, you will not want to miss our rescheduled Section meeting for Wednesday the 26th from 5:30 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. when the featured speaker will be Ms. Barbara Moynier and her colleagues of the California State Food and Drug Branch. The FDB regulates the Food, Drug and Cosmetic industries within the State of California and is responsible to review compliance to State, Federal and local regulations. In order to allow in depth discussion, this will be an extended 2-hour program on an "Introduction and Overview of the FDB" focusing on Regulatory Audits. Using the concepts of "QSIT", Ms. Moynier and her colleagues have extensive experience in the performance of Quality Systems audits of food, drug and medical device manufacturing companies to ensure that various internal controls are operating. They are also very familiar with Food manufacturing programs including "HACCP".

Come enjoy a fine meal and speak directly with these Regulatory Officers. I think you will find this is an excellent opportunity to hear their advice on how to best prepare for, and participate in, a regulatory audit. If you are interested on attending this informative session, please check the Website for more information and phone or email your reservation as soon as possible. The regular Section Meeting costs of $12 will apply for this event and adjustments will be made to those who have $30 reservations.

October 9^th ‘s Section Meeting program will be presented by Ms. Diane Geldreich entitled "ISO 9000:2000 Transition Now - Why Wait Until 2003?". This is a case study of Diane’s’ recent experience in facilitating Kyocera Wireless Corp. transition to ISO 9001:2000. Ms. Geldreich will give you insights on the challenges, obstacle’s methods and techniques used to achieve successful ISO registration. This valuable information will benefit any organization considering transition to ISO 9001:2000, and demonstrate how ISO registration can improve business operations and expand business opportunities.

Ms. Geldreich has a BS in Industrial Technology from San Jose State University, CA and an A.S. in Medical Technology from the State University of New York at Farmingdale. Ms. Geldreich is an instructor on "Quality Auditing Principles" and "Introduction to ISO 9000" courses at Palomar College, in San Marcos CA. She maintains auditor certifications from the American Society for Quality, the International Registrar of Certified Auditors and the Registrar Accreditation Board for both Quality Management Systems and Environmental Management Systems and has lead ISO 9001 Quality Management System development, implementation, and registration activities for numerous companies in Southern California.

If you are considering implementing an ISO compliant Quality System, plan on attending this excellent opportunity to hear this first hand account of ISO registration. Please check the Website for more information and phone or email your reservation as soon as possible.

The October "3 Hour Workshop" will complement the "ISO 9000:2000" theme and is scheduled for the 24^th from 5:30 to 9:00 P.M. Details on the presenter and program will be forthcoming.

If your company wants to save money by reducing part rejects, scrap, or rework then your company’s (or your supplier’s) Design Engineers, Machinists, and Inspectors need to learn about Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing. ASQ Section 0703 is committed to sponsoring a comprehensive GD&T seminar tentatively scheduled for the week of December 10^th. This intense 5-day course that will enable local Medical Device or commercial company’s design, manufacturing and inspection teams to gain the complete "Body of Knowledge" necessary to implement this important cost saving methodology.

This is to be presented by Michael A. Sandford. Mike is the principal of Technical Documentation Consultants of Arizona (http://www.tdcofarizona.com). His course will include lots of hardware, tooling, and functional gages which will lend a "hands on" demonstration of the concepts he will be exploring.

If you are interested in this valuable course, please check our "Education" website for more information.

I would like to give special thanks to Kim Niles for supporting two functions including the Webmaster and Newsletter Chairs under a "Communications" position. He has been very busy maintaining the Website and emailing the membership keeping them informed of the Sections events.

We are still looking for a Section member to consider joining the Executive Board assuming the responsibilities of the Treasurer. As you may recall, I have asked our current Treasurer, Mr. Hank Posters to accept the responsibilities of Vice Chair and he has accepted the appointment, provided we can fill the vacancy to the Treasurers position that he currently holds. Please check your schedule and consider joining our Executive Committee. If there is time in your schedule to devote several hours a month to the office of the Treasurer and you would like to help us build and define the future of your Section, then we invite you to join this diverse group of individuals serving as Committee Chairpersons.

Remember, our true strength in our organization is the volunteers that give of their time and dedication, working together to provide our membership with the best educational and networking opportunities available. You to can make a difference.

See you at the Section Meeting on the 26^th at the Ericsson building,

Don