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Executive Director's Update

October 2008
It is with mixed emotions that I begin to write what will most likely be my last update as executive director and founder of SEC/N.

As of October 1, 2008 SEMI formally acquired SEC/N. The response to date from both SEC/N members and non-members has been overwhelmingly positive. I was able to confirm this first hand last week at SEMICON Europa. Input at both the SEC/N booth and during the seminar SEC/N and SEMI hosted was very good. For more SEMICON Europa 2008 information and pictures, please visit the SEC/N website at www.secn.org.

And so, after ten plus years of being involved in the leadership SEC/N, it is again time for another evolutionary step towards achieving SEC/N’s overall mission. As you might imagine, I am sorry to see SEC/N as a formal entity come to an end. On the other hand, I believe that merging SEC/N’s values, vision, goals and programs into the SEMI organization is best for all concerned. The timing is good. Another milestone has been achieved on a journey that began on March 13, 1998.

The successful transition is going to take a few months to complete. Some of the specific actions left to be determined include:

  • Use of the SEC/N® registered service mark within SEMI
  • Closing on all legal and incorporation documents
  • Future conferences and other networking events
  • Future of SEC/N’s newsletter, website, email and postal addresses, virtual offices and telephone numbers

Additionally, here are some answers to the more frequently asked questions that I have been receiving.

  • Current thinking is for SEC/N not to exist as a separate entity within SEMI. The various programs and goals of SEC/N are in the process of being distributed between existing SEMI functions.
  • A Special Interest Group is being established within SEMI to provide future secondary market leadership and focus. If you have an interest, now is the time to step forward.
  • SEMI will recognize the balance of time remaining on a company’s membership in SEC/N with a corresponding credit of a SEMI membership.
  • Separate dues are no longer required for membership in SEC/N and SEMI. A SEMI membership is all that is necessary.
  • SEC/N’s current Board of Directors will be dissolved once SEC/N’s incorporation is legally transferred. SEMI’s management is in the process of assuming more of SEC/N’s day to day operations.
  • There will continue to be sponsorship opportunities within SEMI for secondary market related events. Sponsor recognition will be given to sponsoring companies through SEMI’s existing sponsorship program. SEC/N’s 2008 Gold and Diamond level sponsors will be rewarded through the SEMI sponsorship program.
  • Sponsorship will not be a gating consideration for inviting companies to speak and participate as panel members at SEMI produced secondary market events, such as SEMICON Show seminars.
  • Deanne Stewart’s contract was transferred to SEMI for administrative support during the transition. My contract has been refocused towards transitional support and secondary market consulting to SEMI, as well as producing seminars at SEMICON Europa, Japan in December and SEMICON Korea in January. We are both continuing to dialog with SEMI regarding potential opportunities after our current contracts expire on January 31, 2009.

For more insight into the merger and the opportunity to ask your specific questions, SEMI is planning a Webinar at 10:00 AM (PCT) on Wednesday, November 5th. Please consult the SEMI website (www.semi.org) for the latest information.

I encourage all companies involved in the semiconductor industry’s global market for secondhand equipment and related services to take an active role and proactively get involved. Never before has such a positive message been conveyed with regards to the industry’s secondary market. The implications, opportunities and potential benefits of the SEC/N – SEMI merger are tremendous.

In closing, I would like to thank both the present and past members of SEC/N’s Board of Directors and SEC/N’s previous Advisory Board for their service and effort on SEC/N’s behalf. I would also like to thank Deanne Steward and SEC/N’s other previous staff members. It has been a pleasure working with them over the past ten years. And most especially, I would like to thank all of the companies who as members of SEC/N have committed their effort and support.

In 1979, Barbara Mandrell and George Jones wrote a song about being “country when country wasn’t cool.” Those of us who were involved with used equipment back in the 80’s and 90’s can certainly relate. The used equipment business has come a long way since then and to all of you who have been part of the SEC/N journey, I extend my sincerest thanks and appreciation. Up and on to the next level!

Best Regards,

Best Regards,
Gary Alexander
Executive Director, SEC/N

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