effort involves increasing the synergy between all of our Sections and Districts so that we can truly leverage the global base of our membership. In addition to working with the membership we already have, it’s critical that we continue to build new partnerships with global partners in emerging markets. As an example, just last month, ISA entered into a partnership with the Singapore Polytechnic Institute to deliver automation, instrumentation and control training to professionals in the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) region. We intend to create more of these partnerships and initiatives in the coming year all over the world.

AW: What can ISA do to make people realize the importance of manufacturing?
Cockrell: In addition to our workforce development efforts and our work to further the automation profession, which will inevitably heighten the awareness of manufacturing, ISA has an opportunity to deliver a particularly timely message to important stakeholders. We will also continue to work closely with our strategic partners, including organizations whose main focus is the manufacturing sector. Through our partnerships, we will engage with these organizations and help to push their agendas forward for the good of the whole.

The tough economic climate means that we, as automation professionals, have an opportunity to offer solutions to the crisis. Automation is a field that can offer the methods to improve the productivity, quality, and efficiency of processes. The automation professional is a valuable asset to any company wanting to improve and maintain high levels of competitiveness.

Through our work with the Automation Federation, we’ve talked with dozens of U.S. Senators and members of Congress about the importance of the automation careers that can increase the effectiveness of our nation’s businesses. Our ongoing relationship with these stakeholders means that we can communicate what the automation profession has to offer in hot-button areas as well as continuing to stress the overall importance of all of the industries we serve.