IPC has always been one of the best examples of what could be accomplished by an industry working together through its association. And, with 30 years of association management experience, I was always impressed with how CircuiTree co-founder Ray Rasmussen really got it.

IPC has been around for over 50 years and CircuiTree is celebrating 20 years in the industry. I was fortunate to have a comparatively brief stint of just less than 10 years in the industry with IPC. As I look back on my time in the industry, I have very specific and vivid memories of the people who contributed so much to the success of IPC and the industry.

I was around for most of the first half of CircuiTree’s existence. When I joined IPC, Rasmussen was making rumblings about starting the American Circuit Board Association. Some of his views at the time were unpopular with the leadership of IPC. Over the years, though, I formed a close working relationship, and friendship, with Rasmussen. He really got it. He understood that the success of his startup magazine was ultimately tied to the success of the industry and that IPC was doing the right things to help the industry prosper. Over time, we forged a powerful partnership where we worked together to help each other and the industry be successful.

I don’t know who first said it, but I think I first heard it from Ray Pritchard: “A lot more gets accomplished if you don’t worry about who gets the credit.” Well, that is the epitome of IPC. So many people contributed so much and so selflessly to the success of IPC and the growth of the PCB and EMS industries in the U.S. and the world. And, from what I could tell at IPC’s 50th anniversary celebration in Los Angeles last year, many of them are still there and still contributing. IPC always had the best volunteers that any association could ask for.

IPC had great leadership too. The people who served on the board of IPC over the years were incredible people from whom I learned so much. They always looked out for the best interests of the industry and IPC. They had great foresight and the courage to make the right long-term decisions. PCB entrepreneurs recognized 30 years ago that the future of IPC and the industry would lay in the emerging EMS industry. Rather than view it as a threat, they embraced the EMS industry, which today is the bigger industry.

It was this leadership and the culture of openness and sharing that Pritchard and Dieter Bergman cultivated and grew that built confidence in IPC. It was the confidence of the members that allowed IPC to launch Printed Circuits Expo and the integrity and leadership of people like Dick Pinto and Dan Feinberg that created the environment for its success. And, success breeds success. It was the confidence of the suppliers to the EMS industry that allowed IPC to launch APEX. Though combined into a single show today, which was inevitable, it still provides a great selling and education venue and the proceeds go back into the betterment and growth of the industry.

Globalization has been tough on U.S. manufacturers. The march of globalization cannot be stopped. IPC has been criticized for not doing enough for U.S. PCB manufacturers, but I think everything IPC did was done to help U.S. manufacturers adapt to globalization and the changes it has brought and continues to bring. I can tell you that during my tenure with IPC (and I am sure the same has always been true), it was never about the money. It was always about doing the right thing for the PCB and EMS industries. Those decisions weren’t made by staff but by committed industry leaders. But, committed staff effectively executed the decisions and direction provided by the members and the board. The industry is fortunate to have had so many dedicated, long-term staff working on its behalf; a staff that found its rewards in the positive feelings that come from helping others succeed and knowing they were making a difference.

If you don’t like what’s going on, then get involved and change things. That’s what Rasmussen did. That is what thousands of industry volunteers have done. And, that is what CircuiTree has done for 20 years. Congratulations and good luck.