Connie Vaughn

View from the Chair

If we plan it, they will come!

Who would have thought identity theft was such a hot topic? I had heard a couple speakers on the topic in the past eighteen months so I thought the membership could have been inundated with the information.

Was I wrong! I would bet a dollar this is the best attendance for a July meeting in over five years. Nearly 70 members and guests attended the meeting.

Thank you Patrick Sharkey CPP, who chased down the speaker, Sergeant Ron Gordon, Jeff Gurule', KLA-Tencor, who hosted the standing-room-only meeting, and all the members who attended!

Your participation is what makes your Chapter a success!

Sergeant Ron Gordon of Milpitas Police Department’s High Tech Crime Unit was energetic and informed. Unfortunately, he knows of this growing problem, identity theft, first hand. His identity was stolen, more than once. Hard to believe because 1) he is a cop, and 2) after the first time attempt at stealing his identity, he put all the right measures in place to prevent it from happening again.

The statistics are staggering. Incidents of identity theft have increased 1400% in the past five years. It is estimated 1400 people fall victim to this crime every day. One in three Americans will be a victim. Anyone, young or old, alive or dead, can be a victim.

Ron provided penal codes for the crimes, tips on how to prevent identity theft, what to do if your identity is stolen, and who to call to report the crime or receive more information.

Sergeant Gordon was such a wonderful speaker, we may consider having him speak again. He has another presentation he does on Workplace Violence.

I have been an active Chapter member for about 8 years. For as long as I can remember, we, various Council and Committee members, have discussed how to increase attendance and participation. I think we have struck on the right combination.

If there is one thing we, the executive council, have focused on this year, it is timely and educational topics. The results have been tremendous. There are people showing up at meetings that I have not seen in years.

SFASIS is once again a valued resource to our membership. We may have to start allowing more time for networking before the meetings to give members time to catch up with each other.

Your Executive Council focused on your needs and interests, listened to your concerns about meetings, resolved to do better, and did. You rewarded our efforts by showing up. Who could ask for more than that!

Well, I guess I can ask for more and will. We need volunteers for leadership positions for 2003. Let’s not rest on our laurels, let’s keep up the good work. Let’s really strive to not only be one of the biggest ASIS Chapters in the World, but to be one of the best at giving back to the membership.

The best way to get involved is to volunteer on line or contact an Executive Council member. Join us at our September Executive Council meeting. Any member can attend an Executive Council meeting. Brad, Ken, Patrick, and I have been keeping a bit of a low profile in order to stay focused. It has worked for 2002, but now is the time to plan for 2003 and we need your help.

See you in September.

Thank you,
Connie Vaughn
chair@sfasis.org
SFBAC ASIS Chapter Chair