If you're in Chicago, please be sure to stop by the AWS booth and AWS Fusion Lounge - where you'll also find the AWS Careers In Welding Mobile Exhibit - to say hi, and keep tabs on all else we have planned for the week, and join in whenever you're able.
For those unable to attend FABTECH but still interested in absorbing as much knowledge as possible; AWS Virtual 2021 promises to deliver. And, as is traditional, we are offering complimentary registration for all AWS Life Members as well as one representative from each Section. Simply complete the complimentary registration request form, and we will get you registered as soon as possible.
FABTECH aside; there is lots of other great action shaping up around the AWS - especially as it relates to the activity you all are planning and carrying out. Shoutout to the AWS J.A.K. Section, whose 8/31 event drew more than 40 attendees. *Keep tabs on other Section activity via the Upcoming Section Meetings page of AWS.org. It's a great way to get ideas for activity to engage members of your Section.
Please take 5 minutes to read through the news we've prepared for you this month.
And, as always; Don't hesitate to reach out and let me know how we can support your efforts, answer any questions you may have, or get you connected with your peers around the Society.
Thank for all you do with and for the AWS.
Most sincerely,
-Darrill
Darrill A. Gaschler Sr. Manager, Sections and Student Chapters American Welding Society® P: 305-443-9353 x260 | E: dgaschler@aws.org
In The News This Month
1. AWS Virtual 2021
2. FreshBooks Accounting Software for Sections
3. Special Member Discount + New Member Webinar
4. AWS Section Solutions Conversations - Join Us On Wednesday, 9/22, at 11AM
5. Updates from AWS Foundation and AWS Education
1. AWS Virtual 2021
Can’t make it to FABTECH this year? AWS is making it easier than ever to attend our Welding Track and Professional Program content online.
From September 20-23, during “AWS Virtual 2021,” you can get technical, expert perspectives on specialized areas of interest, and earn PDHs while you stay current on evolving industry trends and equipment. AWS Virtual 2021 features both the Welding Track and Professional Program, and you can choose if you want to choose only one or both tracks.
So, grab your earbuds, a coffee or two, and get ready to absorb as much information as you can during our three-day online conference!
And, as is traditional, we are offering complimentary registration for all AWS Life Members as well as one representative from each Section. Simply complete the complimentary registration request form, and we will get you registered as soon as possible.
2. FreshBooks Accounting Software for Sections
Section Chairs and Treasurers:
AWS HQ is now providing complimentary access to FreshBooks accounting software in an effort to help Section Treasurers more efficiently and effectively track and report Section finances by providing annual reports to AWS HQ.
What is FreshBooks? FreshBooks is a web-based software that can be accessed through a desktop or mobile device. Your Section’s transition to FreshBooks will help to ensure accuracy, prove compliance, prepare easy to understand financial reports to share with your fellow Section leaders and AWS HQ, and allow you to make more informed choices for your Section. In addition to covering costs related to software use, AWS HQ will also provide one-on-one onboarding and training to ensure your transition to FreshBooks is as seamless as possible. Once transitioned, Sections will no longer need to manually compile the annual report for submission as it would be performed automatically by the software!
We have prepared a video which provides an overview of FreshBooks and includes testimonials from current FreshBooks users, the AWS Los Angeles/Inland Empire Section, and AWS Portland Section.
For more information or to get started with FreshBooks, please contact Ilya Gekhman – igekhman@aws.org.
3. Special Member Discount + New Member Webinar
New Member Webinar - November 3, 2021 at 1:00 PM EDT
To help our newest members learn more about their AWS member benefits we have launched a quarterly webinar series to provide an overview of what AWS members receive. While new members are the target audience, long-time members are welcome to attend. This online event hosted by AWS staff will provide an overview of AWS Individual Membership benefits, how to navigate the AWS Member Portal, and how to access several features. These online events are free, but registration is required.
Grants up to $25,000 available for Welding Schools – Application Deadline October 1st
The Welding Workforce Grant is available for secondary and post-secondary education/training institutions to enhance and improve welding programs. Schools must be an active AWS Educational Institution Member to apply. (SENSE is no longer required.) The application deadline is October 1st. Learn more and apply at https://www.aws.org/workforcegrant.
Light a Spark Grant - Deadline to Apply is November 15th
Miller® and the AWS Foundation have partnered to establish the Light a Spark Grant. This grant provides a starter package of equipment and supplies to introduce welding into an existing high school Ag-Ed Program, Career and Technical Education Class, or Practical Skills Course. Up to 7 starter packages valued at more than $15,000 each will be awarded! This grant is not intended for schools that have an existing welding program or course.
If you know a local high school that wants to add welding to their curriculum, tell them to go to www.aws.org/sparkgrant to apply!
Careers in Welding Tour
The Careers in Welding Mobile Exhibit is continuing its 2021 tour at the following upcoming events:
FABTECH – September 13th - 16th – Chicago, IL
OSU Farm Science Review – September 21st - 23rd – London, OH
Mid-South Fair – September 30th - October 3rd – South Haven, MS
Welding Helmet Prizes for Competitions and Section Student Nights
The American Welding Society Foundation is providing red or black auto-darkening welding helmets, courtesy of Jackson Safety, to be used as prizes for welding competitions or as door prizes at AWS Section student events.
Requests must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the event to allow time for processing.
Requests must be submitted at least four weeks prior to the event to allow time for processing.
AWS Education Update
Upcoming CWI 2-Week In-Person Seminar
December 6 – 18 at AWS Headquarters in Miami, FL
The three-part CWI exam is intentionally challenging and putting in adequate study time is critical to successfully passing it. The two-week in-person CWI seminar is designed to give candidates sufficient time to prepare for all three parts in a focused classroom environment.
How To Increase your Facility’s Productivity: October 25 – November 5
Waste is an inherent problem in many businesses—and welding is no different. During this live webinar, you’ll learn how to assess and observe waste in your facility and move forward with a plan to reduce waste and improve productivity.
Visit us here to learn more, register, and check out our other titles!
Extra! Extra!
For those who want more...
What Are Other Sections Doing? See For Yourself!
As noted above; the Upcoming AWS Section Meetings page was created to make AWS Section meetings and events more visible and more accessible than ever before.
Want your upcoming meeting or event to be added to the page? Simply select the "Have your meeting/event added to the list of Upcoming Section Meetings" option the next time you submit a request via the Section Request Form.
Don't Forget About the AWS Section Toolkit!
Resources like those noted in this newsletter, and so much more, are ready for you in the AWS Section Toolkit. While you're there; bookmark it!
One last request: Please share this with your fellow Section leaders to ensure they stay up-to-speed on all Section-related news.
About this email:
Each month, I will distribute an electronic newsletter to all active Section Officers and Section Committee Chairpersons (who have a valid email address in our database).
The goal of distributing these newsletters is to effectively communicate important details we want you to be aware of.
I encourage you to discuss these details with your Section’s leadership team to ensure everyone is up-to-speed on all relevant news coming from AWS Headquarters as well as a feature on recent successes from some of your colleagues in the field. Reviewing these details as a team is a great way to promote and foster a strong line of communication among Section leadership as well as within your Section.
American Welding Society, 8669 NW 36th Street, Doral, FL 33166, United States, 8004439353
