By John Wallace
The American Midwest has long been an important region with a mix of agriculture and industry supporting the economy. Healthcare is also an important part of the economy. The men and women who maintain the medical equipment at the hospitals and medical centers throughout the region are an important part of the communities they live in. They are also developing a strong community amongst themselves.
The Healthcare Technology Association of the Mid-West (HTMA-MW) was established in the 1980s. After growing quiet the association has experienced a robust reawakening with a more active membership that continues to grow.
Chris C. Coleman, CBET, serves as the president of HTMA-MW and pointed out that a regular schedule has helped the association meet the needs of its members.
“Our association has roots dating back to the early 1980s, but our most recent resurgence into what we are today happened almost five years ago when we started having regular meetings or events every other month,” Coleman said. “We have close to 100 members and a contact list nearing 200 with people who have been with us in the past and are still invited to all events.”
He said the association exists for the members – it is all about serving their needs.
“The goal of our association is to promote a sense of community amongst healthcare technology professionals in our area,” Coleman explained. “We want to learn together, network, and share solutions to common issues.”
It is easy to join the HTMA-MW and benefit from the perks, including educational opportunities that come with the membership.
“Any healthcare technology professional of any discipline can join. The easiest way to join is at www.HTMA-MW.org or to come to a meeting,” Coleman explained. “Individual memberships are $25(per year) or one can become an organizational member($150) if their whole shop is interested.”
“HTMA-MW is a professional organization that has a relaxed and fun atmosphere,” Coleman added. “We have meetings on the second Tuesday of the odd numbered months with a special social event in July and elections meeting in December.”
LEADERSHIP
The ability of the HTMA-MW to gain traction and grow as it serves HTM professionals in Kansas City and the surrounding area is not something that just happened. The organization has benefitted from keen leadership with a strong sense of purpose.
The leaders over the past few years have added regularly scheduled meetings and other events that have helped the group blossom. It is now continuing on that path in hopes of reaching more HTM professionals. The more active members the group has the more it benefits every member because it adds more experience and knowledge to be shared.
The current leadership includes Coleman and the other officers elected during a special meeting late last year.
“We hold elections for the coming year each December in a special meeting,” Coleman said.
For 2014, Chris C. Coleman was elected president, Chris Hawkins vice-president, Tyler Tryon secretary, Harold Golden treasurer, Brad Griswold education officer and Gabe Jamison webmaster.
2014 SYMPOSIUM AND VENDOR EXHIBITION
The growth experienced by the HTMA-MW also means the organization will have a bigger and better event for members and vendors this year. The 2014 Symposium and Vendor Exhibition will include all the bells and whistles.
Coleman points out that previous symposiums pale in comparison to the 2014 event scheduled for October 25 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Kansas City, Mo.
“HTMA-MW’s 2014 Symposium and Vendor Exhibition will be a huge step forward from what we have done in the past,” Coleman said. “It is hard to compare to our past vendor fairs. We’ve moved from the top floor of an electronics supply warehouse to the Crowne Plaza in downtown Kansas City.”
“This year we will include training opportunities, 20-plus vendors, presentations, lunch with a keynote speaker and door prizes. All of this will be free to registered attendees,” he added.
Registration for the 2014 Symposium and Vendor Exhibition can be completed online at www.HTMA-MW.org. For more information, contact Tim Cordes at 816-805-2484 or Kevin Hashman at 913-575-3744.