" For your outstanding leadership and contributions to the San Diego chapter and the technical communication community."

On June 13, 2001, Jim Desmond, President of Technical Standards, Inc. (TSI), received the Distinguished Chapter Service Award from the San Diego Chapter of the Society for Technical Communication (STC).

After becoming a member of the STC in 1994, Jim volunteered as VP of Membership from 1995 to 1997, increasing chapter membership by 50% and creating a membership directory. Between 1997 and 1999, Jim served as Chapter President, increasing meeting attendance by 100% and reviving the San Diego publications competitions. Jim just completed his post as VP of Programs, 1999 to 2001, after successfully recruiting many nationally recognized speakers, enhancing the quality of monthly meetings.

Reflecting on the last few years, Jim recalls, "Since becoming an STC council member, I've had many doors open up for me, and my business has also benefited from the STC. I now have more confidence in dealing with people and public speaking, and I've been asked to serve on several other boards. Being an STC council member has greatly broadened my horizons."

This special award is given to chapter members "who repeatedly provide exemplary service to the Society through their chapter activities", according to STC guidelines. In addition, "chapters are encouraged to consider at least three basic criteria – length of chapter membership, consistency of service over the time of chapter membership, and variety of service". Based on the chapter's recommendation, the award must then be approved at an organizational level by the STC's Board of Directors. A complete list of 2001 Distinguished Chapter Service Award Winners is posted on http://stc.org/dcsa_winners.html.