The NSBE National Convention
is being held in Orlando
this year!
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President’s Message
I would like to sincerely thank you for your support of The Central Florida Alumni Extension of the National Society of Black Engineers (aka CFAE NSBE).
The unity among NSBE members across Central Florida from Orlando to cities in all directions is alive and well. With Orlando serving as the host city for the NSBE National Conference in March 2008, there are 15,000 NSBE Folk from around the world headed this way. Please update your NSBE CFAE membership and your NSBE relationships and help us highlight the good works and great reputation of our chapter at the National Conference.
The focus of our CFAE chapter for 2007-2008 is to expand the programs we support by updating our partnerships with 1) local colleges, schools, NSBE Jr. Chapters, and student organizations, 2) local community support organizations, 3) professional organizations, 4) businesses, 5) local technical professionals, and most significantly, 6) our members, who are the heart, hands, and soul of our chapter.
We are looking at past chapter partnerships and programs to leverage the lessons learned and find partners in the struggle. For example, in serving our community we are expanding our relationships with the NSBE Student Chapter of the University of Central Florida, and local NSBE Jr. Chapters by implementing an “Invention Competition” program in some of the local high schools. The Invention Competition challenges students to generate a new product, construct a prototype, perform patent, trademark, and copyright searches, outline an applicable business plan, conduct a marketing presentation of the product, and withstand evaluation and questioning by business and technical professionals. We are currently seeking any assistance you can provide to support the Invention Competition program. We need people to help in all areas.
As for alumni relations, with strong support from the NSBE Region 3 Alumni Extension Executive Board our chapter is hosting a “Road Show” activity or event in early December which will bring together several Region 3 AE Executive Board Members and Alumni from across Florida to enhance cross-chapter cohesiveness and to review activities planned for the National Convention. We hope to see ALL past, present, or potential NSBE members (yes, that means you) at the December Florida Road Show. The gathering will include, among other things, an opportunity for Florida NSBE members to dine together and to enjoy a night out with other Orlando professionals.
Our chapter is also investigating hosting an event in conjunction with the National Conference and we appreciate any assistance or suggestions you can provide. Please feel free to suggest an event or activity which you think the chapter should consider conducting or reconstructing.
Your participation, in chapter events is important so I urge you to checkout our website (www.nsbe-cfae.com) and step up to help where ever you can.
Sincerely,
Paul Royal, BSME, JD
Chair, NSBE Central Florida Alumni Extension
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