AFS Challenged to 'Think Outside the Box'.

Futurist Graham T.T. Molitor once said, "Association leaders may wish to take a page from their association member companies' planning books when it comes to focusing on developments that call for changing the composition of their membership and responding in a timely fashion to membership needs."

Recognizing the need to change is the first step toward making change. As the metalcasting industry finds itself battling for its future, support organizations, like AFS, must restructure to provide the level of support that their members need.

With the leadership transition currently underway at AFS, the Society's Board of Directors seized the opportunity to begin the restructuring of what it knew was needed to reshape AFS and make it ready for the new millennium. The underlying message to the challenge was to begin "thinking outside the box." In other words, start looking at new and innovative ways of providing products and services.

The first step in the transition was the naming of a new executive director last June, following an 8-month-long process to find a successor to Chuck Jones, who announced in October 1998 he would be retiring in the Spring 2000. Dave Kanicki was given the nod to succeed Jones and the restructuring was underway.

At the same time, Dwight Barnhard, chairman/CEO, Superior Aluminum Castings, Inc., Independence, Missouri, and past AFS president, also was brought on board to serve as a consultant to help in the change aimed at strengthening the internal organization and developing a more customer-focused association.

The first major step was the development of the Leadership Team. This team is comprised of a cross-section of individuals representing every activity of the organization. Its responsibility is to work with Barmhard in examining the structure of AFS and other pertinent issues relating to the overall purpose of the Society.

Several other teams then were formed to study and act upon a variety of other issues and to foster involvement in AFS decision-making. These teams include:

* the Human Resource Team, which was formed to develop internal written policies and procedures for all associates. To date, the team has completed seven written policies;

* the Information Technology Team, which was created to determine where to go with the newly restructured Information Technology Services (ITS) Dept. and how to arrive there;

* the ITS Database Task Force, which was created to update the AFS database and has been removing duplicate and old records;

* the Telecommunications Team, whose purpose is to provide AFS and its customers with solutions to ensure optimal e-mail, telephone and fax service through the utilization of state-of-the-art technology;

* the Database Procedures Development Team, which was consistent and accurate data entry;

* the Associate Development Team, which was formed to identify, develop and communicate associates' learning opportunities for life-long personal growth. The team has been identifying possible individual and department needs including computer/software skills, communication skills and group interaction;

* the Quality Facilities and Safety Team, which was developed to improve and maintain a safe, healthy and comfortable environment for AFS associates and customers;

* the Website Team, which was formed to concentrate on furthering the development of AFS websites. Its purpose is to maximize the effectiveness of AFS sites and to keep pace with technological advances.

AFS President Jack Pohlman announced the formation of a strategic planning team that is comprised of the AFS executive committee (members of the finance committee and the AFS regional vice presidents) and several AFS associates.

According to Pohlman "One of the main goals I set for myself this year was to develop a vision for the future of AFS and to produce a working, practical and executable strategic plan to accomplish this vision. I wanted the Society and membership in the metalcasting industry on the same page. Last June, we contracted an outside facilitator to assist us in this and to date the progress has been substantial.

"This is not just my plan. This is a team effort. We want and need to create a shared vision and a shared sense of direction for the Society based on what the industry needs. The other important element of this plan is that I don't want it to find its way to a dusty bookshelf after this year."

To ensure the continuation of the AFS strategic planning process, Don Huizenga, AFS 2nd vice president, was selected to chair the strategic planning team.

The 6-month strategic planning process has set several major goals for AFS. To help with the process, a professional facilitator was hired and several meetings have been held to set goals for the organization. The overall strategic plan will be presented during the January meeting of the AFS board of directors where the plan is expected to be approved and the goals prioritized. Following a formal approval, additional AFS goals will appear in modem casting.

The goal of the organizational development effort is to develop a working structure within AFS that is more flexible and responsive to change and current member needs. Barnhard is working with the leadership team to focus on the needs of the industry.

As AFS continues "thinking outside the box," it will have the opportunity to provide its products and services in new and more innovative ways. Through these efforts, AFS will assist in leading the metalcasting industry into the 2 21st century.