1999 was the year of change. Cutbacks, mergers, and preparation for Y2K dominated our discussions throughout the year. Almost everyday the mail had a letter telling us that the banks, utility companies, telephones or the feds were ready for the millennium. But Y2K is still a mystery , some say - "No problem", others say - "Head for the Hills". The grand finale is yet to come.

"Launching Quality into the Next Millennium", was this years theme at SQA in Chicago. We came together to celebrate the 15th anniversary of SQA and to share stories and experiences to enrich our personal lives. Looking back at that meeting , I feel it was one of the best. As quality assurance professionals, we all have the unique position of helping our companies face the exciting challenges yet to come in the year 2000. The good news is, we are not facing these challenges alone. SQA and PRC are here to listen to you: the members.

SQA has put out a call for "Regional Chapter Interaction". Ken Dammers, SQA vice president has sent a letter to all SQA Chapter presidents asking us to work together as a team to bridge the gap between headquarters and local chapters. He has proposed a monthly teleconference with chapter presidents.

To quote Ken's letter: "I want to know what is important to the membership of your chapters, and I want to hear your ideas on how the SQA Board of Directors can help you. If you have problems, complaints, or ideas to help improve SQA as an organization, I want to hear from you. I canŐt promise all your problems or issues will be resolved, but I can promise that at least they will be heard by the SQA Board and that they will be weighed and evaluated based on their merit. And even more importantly, you will hear back from me about the outcome". Ken is giving us access to the SQA Board through this opportunity. If we do not take advantage of it, then we can't complain. This is a sincere outreach from headquarters. I feel we must support this endeavor. But I need to hear from you: the members. Please feel free to contact me, or the other chapter officers and Board members, with issues, suggestions, or complaints, and I will pass them on to Ken through the monthly teleconference. Our names , phone numbers and email addresses are listed on the front of each chapter newsletter.

Chapter members are invited to attend the Board meetings, usually held the night before our programmed training sessions. The schedule is posted on our web site. The next chapter meeting will be Jan. 18-19, 2000 in Portland, OR, in conjunction with NAICC. Look for further details in this newsletter.

As I sit down to write this article, I realize this will be the last PRC newsletter for the 20th century. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Linda Massey, newsletter editor, for the fantastic job she is doing. I look forward to seeing you all in Portland!

- Happy New Year!
Sue Qualls