In the competitive marketplace of today, we all want to know how we can distinguish ourselves from everybody else who is competing for the same jobs.  One technique could be by professional certifications, both for the knowledge we gain in preparing for them and the recognition we receive because of achieving them.  At this month's meeting, representatives of the Project Management Institute and the Product Development & Management Association , both of which have active local chapters, will tell us about their organizations and the certifications they make available.   The PMI certification is the Project Management Professional (PMP) and the PDMA certification is the New Product Development Professional (NPDP).

You can get more information about these organizations on the web at www.pmi.org and at www.pdma.org .

Location: 

The meeting will be hosted by Emerson Process Control at 12001 Technology Drive in Eden Prairie.  Please note that Emerson will need advance notice if you are not a US citizen or permanent green card holder.  Use the front lobby entrance in the northeast corner of the lower level.

Directions from the east.

Take 494 west to the 212 south exit (watch the signs as this area is under construction).Stay in the middle lane at the top of the ramp and turn left.  Cross the bridge over 494 and take the first right onto Technology Drive.  There is a hotel and lake on the left.  Emerson's entrance is the first left after the lake. 

From The North

Take 494 south to the exit for 5 west. Stay in the right lane on 5 and take the next exit for Prairie Center Drive.  Turn right onto Prairie Center Drive, cross the bridge and take the next LEFT onto Technology Drive.  The Emerson entrance is on the east side of the building. 

From Minneapolis

Take the Crosstown 62 west and merge to 212 south.  212 becomes 5 west (do not take the 212 exit). Stay in the right lane on 5 and take the next exit for Prairie Center Drive.  Turn right onto Prairie Center Drive, cross the bridge and take the next LEFT onto Technology Drive.  The Emerson entrance is on the east side of the building.

Cost:

Free for EMS members and non-members attending for the first time; $10 otherwise.  Refreshments will be provided. 

Agenda:

6:00-7:00 Welcome, food, EMS business and networking.
7:00-8:30 Presentation and Questions

Registration:

Please pre-register , if possible, on or before Noon on Monday,  May 17, 2004  (so we know how much food to bring) by using the online registration form at:

 http://www.tc-ieee-ems.org/meetingregistration.htm