Spotlight on Volunteers By Stephen "Skip" Kay, C.P.M. Board Director and Communications Chair
This Months Interview Stephen E. Bach, C.P.M, A.P.P.

This month’s “Spotlight on Volunteers” features Stephen E. Bach, C.P.M., A.P.P. a member of the NAPM-OC Board of Directors. Steve has been dedicated to our affiliate for many years, which has consumed literally thousands of personal hours. Steve has lived in Orange, California for the last 10 years, while working for Southern California Edison. Growing up, Steve lived in a unique variety of locations such as Kansas City, Missouri; Rochester, New York; and Melbourne, Australia, before moving to Southern California.

While living in Australia for 4 years, he was fortunate to experience the friendly culture of the Australian people and travel to different parts of the world. It was a wonderful opportunity.

Steve is very active within his Church. Hobbies include video photography, physical fitness, sports, being a volunteer for NAPM, but most of all, spending time with his wife and 4-year old daughter.

Spotlight: How long have you been a member of NAPM?
Steve: 7-1/2 years with NAPM-Orange County.

Spotlight: Who is your employer, for how long and in what capacity?
Steve: I am working in Rosemead, California at Southern California Edison’s Corporate Headquarters supporting their Information Technology Department in the role of a Strategic Sourcing Manager. I do an extensive amount of Project Management in my responsibility over the Desktop Support Services and Applications Development Services, and Strategic Sourcing Teams.

Spotlight: As a past President of NAPM-OC what Goals and Objectives were accomplished during your administration?
Steve: The President of a volunteer organization is only as successful as the volunteers that are supporting the organization during that time. The President is responsible for motivating and fostering a positive working environment that leads to optimal results in both the short term and long term. The year I was President had many successes as the result of the teamwork of the volunteers. This includes the implementation of the PowerPoint presentations and a strong emphasis of providing value to dinner meetings for the members. Attendance increased 30% that year.

The membership directory headed up by Sara Arhlen, C.P.M. raised $18,000 in directory advertisements. The directory was recognized at the district and national level as being the best in its class.

As a result of a strong Membership Committee, chaired by DiAnna Cowles, C.P.M., NAPM-OC membership grew from 637 to 721.

This was the year that the board approved the dinner in the dues program. This idea, initially the brainchild of Glenn Farber, went through an extensive evaluation process. Judy Smith, C.P.M., my Vice President, played a significant role in the implementation process leading up to the July 1, 1999 commencement of the program. The program allows the individual that attends all 10-dinner meetings to reduce their annual dues and dinners expense by 43%.

Alta Cardiff, C.P.M. was one of the big surprises of 1998-1999; she used her gift for art and the computer to develop much of the table place cards and the PowerPoint slides.

Sue Von Stein, C.P.M. implemented our first successful Marketing Committee, bringing in several new members as a result of her presentations to several Orange County business entities.

Jane McComb, C.P.M. proved to be a great volunteer by establishing our Satellite Seminar Program. This is still going strong today under her leadership.

Jill Alvarez, C.P.M. was our House Chairperson and when the June Forum Chair moved to Dallas, Jill came to the rescue and became our June Forum Chair. The Forum raised $7,000 dollars and was highlighted by our Keynote Speaker, Olympic Gold Medalist, Peter Vidmar and a tremendous trade show.

In closing out my year, I recognized Sara Arhlen,C.P.M., Judy Smith, C.P.M., Jill Alvarez, C.P.M., Alta Cardiff, C.P.M., and Jane McComb, C.P.M. with crystal plaques for their significant contributions that year. There were many other individuals that made it a great year that I will never forget.

Spotlight: What did you learn from the experience as President?
Steve: I learned of the importance of the volunteers you have working for you. To take an interest in the volunteer and what their interests are, then let them develop their ideas in their responsibility as a chair or director. Create a positive work environment that fosters positive results. You’re working for the 700 members of NAPM-OC. We need to keep their interests and needs foremost in our planning and budgeting. And finally, remember the organization(s) you represent and always act in a professional manner.

Spotlight: What do you like most about NAPM?
Steve: The educational and networking opportunities. That is why I have attended 72 of 73 monthly meetings since joining NAPM.

Spotlight: Who is/was your mentor(s) and how did they help guide you?
Steve: Sara Arhlen, C.P.M. for all her valuable input and mentoring over the last 7 1/2 years. My wife for her encouraging me to join NAPM-Orange County in 1994 after I received my C.P.M. certification and her interest and sacrifices that have enabled me to be a volunteer with NAPM.