Region 3

Sue Christian Cer.A.T.T.
AL-FL-GA-KY-NC-SC-TN
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Greetings Region 3!!

As we head into summer and reopening of states, I hope that we continue to follow the recommended CDC guidelines by continuing to follow the 6’ social distancing as well as the continued use of a mask when out in public.

As we start to define what a “new normal” looks like for each of us, our employers, ASATT and the nation as a whole, the ASATT BoD has diligently been focusing on our regional and annual meetings and discussing what steps we will take to ensure that we can provide continuing education while at the same time focusing on the safety and health of our members, vendors and everyone who participates and contributes to our meetings. I anticipate that an announcement will be forthcoming within the next few days regarding the annual meeting being held on the ground or virtually.

As for Region 3 meetings, I believe it is in our best interest to hold our regional meetings virtually this year. I base that decision on the following:

Rationale #1: We have no idea if a resurgence will occur and if so, when. It will be easier to plan for a virtual meeting now rather than possibly having to scramble to move to a virtual format shortly before a scheduled meeting. 

Rationale #2 (which should really be first and foremost) - being mindful of the health and welfare of our members, ourselves and everyone else involved. If the meeting were to move forward, maintaining the 6' distance in a classroom style seating arrangement may prove to be difficult and the meeting room might not allow for the 6' distancing. 

Rationale #3 - Moving to a virtual format would make it more cost effective for us to obtain our CE's. Some techs were laid off, some techs had spouses laid off. Some techs had their hours cut. The cost of a virtual meeting would be minimal compared to the expenses of time off, travel and lodging and registration fees for a regional meeting.

Rationale #4 - travel. Who knows what restrictions will be in place around the time of planned regional meetings.

Rationale #5 - some facilities are prohibiting travel to meetings for their employees until next year.

My focus at the moment is determining meeting dates, obtaining speakers and planning for virtual educational offerings in the next few months. If you know of individuals who would like to assist with lectures, please send me an email and we can pre-record them at their convenience and offer them for CE’s at a later date.

Speaking of meetings, it is time to submit nominations for the Region 3 education award. If you know of a deserving individual, please email me with their names and a short summary of what they have done to deserve the award.

Along the same lines, it will soon be time to vote for the Executive BoD seats that will be up for re-election on this years ballot.

And lastly, membership dues notices are in the process of being emailed to you. Please check your inbox and if not there, your spam box. If you do not receive the dues notice, please check your membership profile to determine if your email address is correct! And remember, ASATT will no longer accept membership dues payments during the recertification cycle.

Stay Safe,

6/20

Sue Christian, B.S., Cer.A.T.T.
Region 3 Director
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