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Sur/Fin 2006 has come and gone and the issue of "consolidation" is finally behind us. The AESF Council of Delegates voted more than 2 to 1 in favor of consolidation. Click here for a 6-minute audio report summarizing Sur/Fin.

Although the preservation effort lost, those who supported an independent AESF at least got to vote on it due to Paul Fisher who stepped up to energetically lead the preservation effort and accept personal responsibility for financing it. It was costly to pay a management consultant to draw up a realistic plan, absorb printing expenses, travel the country presenting it, retain another consultant to study the consolidation plan, and host a party at Sur/Fin to allow people to hear of this alternative. The other side was able to tap association dues and staff to promote their views.

If you advocated preservation, please send a small check, made out to Southern Metal Finishing, towards the thousands of dollars of AESF For The Future debt:
    AESF For The Future
    203 North Mitchell Street
    Rutherfordton NC 28139

Nor would it hurt consolidation proponents to acknowledge the relentless inequity of the situation and, as they mouth the words that it's "time to heal the wounds", to put their money where their mouth is. The sole reason that consolidation has any credibility as the will of the membership in spite of years of refusal to conduct a poll, is because we were afforded an 11th-hour chance to vote against it and for a viable alternative thanks to Paul.

Please do it now; you'll never miss $20.

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