Dear Member,

Since I appealed to you for input regarding the legal name of ISA, I thought the least I could do is share the results.

On October 13, 2008, the ISA Council of Society Delegates voted to change the name of the Society to the International Society of Automation. Since this is a change to the Society's bylaws, a super majority (2/3 vote) was required. In the Chairman's estimation, the vote was 75% or greater in favor of the name change (a roll call vote was not required).

Press release on name change! 2008 Annual Members Meeting and Council of Society Delegates Documents

This is a direct reflection of the feedback received following the previous message encouraging members to submit their opinions and thoughts. Response ran at about 79% in favor, 15% opposed and the balance offered no clear opinion.

I want to reassure the many Members that questioned the dropping of the word Instrumentation: the new name in no way is an indication that ISA is turning its back on our traditional, stalwart Members from the instrumentation community. You are a very important part of any automation scheme and the Society will continue to make every attempt to meet your needs with training, standards, publications, and networking opportunities.

Now that we have a name that's aligned with our vision and mission, the leadership, members, and staff must go to work to make this name truly work for us. As a collective group of professionals working toward a common good of maximizing efficiency and effectiveness of the plants we work in and companies we work for, the International Society of Automation is only a vehicle to advance the profession and its members. Only through the collective efforts of volunteers will our goals be realized and our community enhanced.

I hope that you will join me in celebrating the legacy and the future of ISA.

For additional information on actions taken at the Council of Society Delegates, please see the minutes found on the website.

Sincerely,



Kim Miller Dunn, CAP
ISA President