February 7, 2008�The Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) announced today that Jim Raby, renowned 50-year industry veteran, and founder, technical director and program manager at STI Electronics (Madison, AL), will present the morning keynote, �An Industry Perspective: Past, Present and Future,� from 9:30 � 10:30 am.
Raby has spent his entire career in electronics manufacturing, training tens of thousands of engineers and operators. His accomplishments include patents for wave soldering, work on the Saturn/Apollo Program, initiating the Zero Defect Program for wave soldering and development of the famous China Lake soldering schools. Raby was also instrumental in developing the IPC soldering certification curriculum and initiating the Electronics Manufacturing Productivity Facility. He is also known as the person behind the Lights out Factory concept that revolutionized the modern electronics manufacturing facility.
�The 12th Annual Atlanta SMTA Expo is honored to feature Mr. Raby as our keynote. His service to the industry, pioneering spirit, dedication and mentoring of countless engineers is a true inspiration,� said Chapter President CW Kelly.
A must-attend event, The Atlanta SMTA Expo returns to the Gwinnett Civic Center in Duluth, GA, for its 12th annual event on Thursday, April 17, 2008, from 9:30 am � 3 pm. This free, one-day event will feature suppliers to the electronics industry displaying products and services for the high-technology and surface-mount markets, as well free technical presentations, networking opportunities, a complimentary lunch sponsored by World Micro Components (www.worldmicro.com), and a charity raffle to benefit the Brain Tumor Foundation for Children (www.braintumorkids.org), a non-profit organization providing information, networking and financial assistance for brain-tumor patients, families and survivors.
For more information on exhibiting or attending, please visit http://www.smta.org/education/vendor_days/vendor_days.cfm#ga
About SMTA (Surface Mount Technology Association)
The SMTA, established in 1984, is a non-profit international association of professionals who build skills, share practical experience and develop solutions in electronic assembly, including microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations. The Association is dedicated to the advancement of the electronics industry through member education and interaction. For more information, visit http://www.smta.org.