Message from the Chapter President
May - June 2005

by Michael S. Williams

"Adapt, overcome, improvise." For some, these terms bring back strong memories. But, they apply today too. The chapter must adapt to the changing times. We must overcome the obstacles that confront us and find solutions. Over the last several years we have improvised. The results of our efforts have yet to be realized in any tangible form. But we have not given up. Nonetheless, change is on the way, and soon.

The May meeting was held at our old meeting grounds, Harry’s. Attendance by chapter members was poor, despite a very good presentation by the Secret Service. The lack of a Power Point projector proved to be a blessing because of the time allowed for questions.

Following the meeting, I met with our regional vice president, Gary Moore, and his assistant, Andy Paterson, regarding the future of the Santa Barbara chapter. They have been conducting a survey that many of you have participated. Interestingly, not only are we one of the oldest chapters, we are the chapter with the largest number of the oldest members in ASIS.

According to Gary’s survey, there is interest in having the chapter meetings in the Ventura area. Moving the meetings may increase attendance, so it is worth a try. Gary and I will be scouting out meeting locations. Anyone with suggestions is encouraged to give me a call. Clearly, moving the meetings further to the south will not help our members to the north in Santa Maria and San Luis Obispo.

Amy Love has started to work on the web site. Over the next several weeks the changes will start to take effect. Amy will be working with Bill Uttenweiler to improve the site. The chapter will cover professional expenses.

I am working on several exciting speakers for the next meetings including a recently retired member of the US Special Forces assigned to the South American drug interdiction forces involved in the tracking of Pablo Escobar. As some of you are aware, Pablo was not just your typical street corner, parking lot drug vendor.

As always, anyone with ideas should give me a call.

To visit the ASIS national office site, go to http://www.asisonline.org/.
To visit Security Management, the official publication of ASIS, go to http://www.securitymanagement.com/.