With 860 Corporate Members, 6,600 individual members, 43 regional chapters and dozens of student chapters, the American Foundry Society has a dynamic membership base. AFS members and volunteers are integrally involved in helping our organization achieve our mission. Not surprisingly, we also receive many member questions. This month’s column provides responses to some of the most common questions we receive.
How can I get the most value from my membership?
AFS realizes that every member – whether a Corporate Member or individual – has unique membership objectives. To the greatest extent possible, we try to customize your membership experience and meet your objectives. As an individual member, your priorities might include technical information, research, insight into casting best practices, professional development, networking, chapter or committee participation, and staying abreast of industry news. As a Corporate Member, your priorities might include shaping a positive business climate, elevating your company’s visibility and profile, shaping AFS research directions, taking advantage of in-plant or e-Learning training, unlimited staff access to Members-Only Webinars or the AFS Library, and other goals. I encourage you to contact me, or Ben Yates (byates@afsinc.org) in AFS Business Development, to discuss your own unique membership objectives.
Who at AFS can I contact with technical questions?
Members are encouraged to direct technical questions to Steve Robison (srobison@afsinc.org), Frank Headington (fheadington@afsinc.org) or Juliette Garesché (jgaresche@afsinc.org). If they don’t have the answer, they will point you to resources where it can be found. For input from industry colleagues, Casting Connection is another great resource.
Does someone have to be an AFS member to join a committee? How can I join a committee?
Yes, AFS membership is a requirement for committee membership, as per the AFS Committee Manual, a document approved by the Board of Directors. Most AFS committees are now seeking new members. A couple of committees have a limited number of seats, but they also are accepting expressions of interest.
To join a committee online, visit the all-new afsinc.org website and mouse over “Innovation & Management.” Your fourth option, “AFS Committees,” has a list of committees and information on how to sign up. Or call AFS 800-537-4237.
I am thinking of nominating someone for an award. Where can I find a list of past AFS award-winners?
We receive this question often. For the first time, we have added a list of all AFS-wide award winners, as selected by the Board of Awards since 1924, to the “History” section (under “About AFS”) of our website.
Please keep your questions coming, whether by phone, email, social media, or when we see one another at industry events. Our team is committed to superior member service. We look forward to seeing you soon.