While the ultimate goal of PEARL's Membership Committee is to increase our ranks and spread the word about PEARL's Electrical Reconditioning Standards, several months ago we realized that we were missing some critical processes if we were going to add to our membership while protecting the integrity that is basis for PEARL. Namely, we needed to consider our site certification and technician certification.

PEARL's Membership Committee has been working with the Technical Committee on both these fronts, and thanks to the hard work of Technical Committee Chair, Malcom Frederick, the board has approved a new site certification routines that uses a third party, and requires periodic re-site inspection to assist members with staying up to date on the latest electrical testing and training requirements.

Malcom will also be hosting a panel during the PEARL annual membership meeting in Denver to discuss the possibility of certifying member companies based on specific areas of expertise and product categories, improving the public's trust in PEARL certified product and reducing the need for PEARL companies to be experts in product areas that are not core to their business success. We also hope to start a conversation among the membership about the possibility of adding a new member class for electrical field service companies that recondition customers' product. For service companies that are new to electrical reconditioning, this can be a way to lift their operations to recognized standards. For experienced service companies, this can be a way to further their reputation, while protecting their profits from less-experienced service personnel.

PEARL also has been contacting potential new members with the hopes of impressing upon them the need for a set of universal electrical reconditioning standards. With that mind, we would like to welcome associate member, WideSpread Electrical Sales, LLC, as the newest addition to the PEARL family.

Also, PEARL Internet guru and all-around-electrical-industry-expert Bob Libbey has tentative agreements from several electrical test equipment manufacturers and rental companies to join PEARL as affiliate members. Great job Bob!

Today, PEARL's membership growth is mainly based on word-of-mouth referrals. If you have a supplier that you think should be an affiliate or associate member, please pass that information along to Membership Committee Chairman, Brian Corekin at brian@monsterfuses.com, or give him a call at 888-444-4335.

Moving forward, the Membership Committee plans to consider a new program that will start with mailings to prospective member companies about the benefits of being a PEARL member, and follow up with phone calls that can answer any questions, develop a personal relationship with the potential member, and help spread the word. As with all PEARL endeavors, if you have any suggestions, leads, or concerns, please don't hesitate to call and let us know what's on your mind.

Best wishes to you for prosperous 2010,

Brian Corekin, PEARL President
Membership Committee Chair, and
President of Monster Fuses Inc.