The Automation Federation Announces Member Classifications

Research Triangle Park, NC (15 June 2006) -- The Automation Federation recently announced the designation of classes of organizational affiliations for member groups.
The Automation Federation is an umbrella organization under which associations and societies engaged in manufacturing and process automation activities can work more effectively to fulfill their missions. It coordinates the work of member organizations engaged in advancement of the science and engineering of automation technologies and applications.
Classifications for organizational affiliations include:
Charter Member Organization
In order to be a charter member, the organization must join The Federation during 2006, be a non-profit with a compatible mission, and publicly support the mission of The Federation. The organization has voting membership on The Federation Board of Directors, pays a royalty to The Federation to support infrastructure, and has a legal affiliation with ISA that qualifies the organization to receive financial support from ISA. The organization can purchase services from ISA on an as-needed basis at cost.
Member Organization
Member organizations have the same criteria and benefits as charter members, but this classification is reserved for organizations joining after 2006.
Endorsing Organization
An endorsing organization is also a non-profit with a mission compatible with The Federation's mission, but this classification would have no legal connection to ISA. The organization publicly supports the mission of The Federation and agrees to strive to coordinate its work with member organizations. The organization is invited as an observer to The Federation board meetings, but has no voting membership. While the organization is able to purchase services from ISA on an as-needed basis at cost plus, the organization pays no royalties to The Federation and is not tactically benefited in a direct way by the activities of The Federation.
Other Classifications
Beyond the membership classes, it is anticipated that there would be one or more categories of supporting organizations, perhaps called Associates or Friends. These organizations could provide direct financial support to further the objectives of The Federation or services on a favorable price schedule intended to support The Federation mission. The organizations could be invited to meet with The Federation Board periodically to interact on strategies that advance the automation profession and industries.