Happy November to everyone as we wind down 2013.  Each year your PES leaders have four meetings, one each quarter.  For the 4^th quarter meeting in 2013, we decided to have our one day Executive Committee meeting in scenic New Brunswick, New Jersey, USA.  While New Brunswick is not necessarily the hottest tourist location, it is very close (15 minute drive) to IEEE Headquarters in Piscataway, New Jersey.  And Piscataway, NJ is a desired destination, at least once, for every IEEE volunteer leader.

After meeting all day on Sunday, October 13 for our IEEE Power & Energy Society Executive Committee meeting, much of the PES Executive Committee spent Monday, October 14 at the IEEE Headquarters offices visiting with IEEE and PES staff.  We had so many interests we had to break the volunteer leaders into two groups and even three groups during one-hour slot.  PES Volunteer leaders and Executive Office staff had excellent meetings with the following IEEE groups and areas:

• IEEE Foundation Staff
• IEEE Membership Services and TAB Membership Staff
• TAB Conferences and Conference Finance Staff
• IEEE Marketing and Social Media Staff
• MGA Staff
• Standards Association Staff and
• IEEE and TAB Publications Staff

In these meetings we shared with the IEEE staff some of the creative activities that PES has been doing in various areas and they shared some suggestions and ideas of best practices from other societies and operating units.  Our meetings together went quickly and we learned that we have lots to share to help IEEE, PES and our members.

Over lunch, incoming 2014 PES President Miroslav Begovic led discussions with the PES Executive Office Staff and volunteer leaders on our 2013-2018 Strategic Plan that has been generated by the PES Long Range Committee under Begovic’s leadership.  Miroslav is putting the last touches on the strategic planning document and will be using this to help determine his 2014 goals for moving PES forward.  You should see some additional details on the PES 2013-2018 Strategic Plan soon.  This picture shows the PES Executive Office Staff along with PES volunteer leaders from the Executive Committee.

Overall it was a very productive day.  Having face to face meetings with key IEEE staff from so many of the different areas where PES is active provided great interactions and discussions on best practices and ways we can work together better.   I feel certain that the 2014 PES Governing Board will be able to leverage these discussions into improved member services and opportunities.

While New Brunswick and Piscataway, NJ are not popular tourist locations, they provide a great destination for helping to move PES and IEEE along with outstanding staff and volunteer leadership collaborations.

Best wishes as you finish up your 2013 projects and set up your 2014 goals!  Remember to check the PES website regularly and follow us through Facebook,  Twitter (@ieee_pes) and LinkedIn (IEEE Power & Energy Society).

Sincerely,
Noel