TI Alumni Association members convened for the ninth annual business meeting on Wednesday, May 21, 2008 at the Old Red Courthouse in Dallas.
Max Post presented the nominating committee report, and the slate of officers was elected by acclamation:
President – Ronnie Brandenburg
Executive VP – Tom Boedecker
Secretary – Ellen McKee
Treasurer – Larry James
Ronnie Brandenburg succeeds Lewis McMahan at the TIAA helm. Lewis recognized the other outgoing elected officers, who are Francisco Escobar, executive vice president; Janelle Richards, secretary; and Tom Boedecker, treasurer.
About 100 TIAA members and guests attended the meeting and took advantage of the opportunity to tour the restored 1890 courthouse and visit the Old Red Museum of Dallas County History and Culture.
Outlook for TI
John Van Scoter, Texas Instruments senior vice president and general manager of DLP® Products, discussed TI financial objectives and the direction, product-wise, in which TI is going.
“We are innovators committed to delivering great solutions that solve our customers problems so they can invent new electronics to make the world smarter, healthier, safer and more fun,” he said.
He showed a slide from the 2008 financial analysts meeting that says TI aims to grow revenue faster than its markets, grow earnings per share faster than revenue and use capital efficiently.
The speaker described TI-developed DLP® display technology, which uses an optical semiconductor to manipulate light digitally. DLP® technology delivers the best quality image for high-definition TVs; projectors for business, home and education; and large venue and Digital Cinema.
DLP® technology is being used in different and innovative ways in medical applications and the oil and gas industry. With the development of very small (Pico) projector modules, TI sees DLP® markets emerging for toys and gaming. The speaker showed a Pico projector module smaller than the palm of a person’s hand.
State of TIAA
Lewis said TIAA’s mission is to provide a link between TI and former TI employees that fosters communications, programs, services and activities about and of interest to former TIers around the world. He said, “We want to embrace all former TIers.”
TIAA gained nearly 300 new members in 2007. The current membership is almost 3,000, including spousal members. About 62 percent live within one hour from Dallas. (See Media sidebar to view presentation,State of TIAA.)
In the last year, TIAA focused on improving communications. Jon Campbell spearheaded redesign of the TIAA newsletter for first class mailing to get faster delivery. Jon also initiated an email newsletter.
TIAA conducted a survey of former TIers and also did benchmarking with other large U.S. companies having retiree groups. Survey results show Dallas is the hub of TIAA, but other locations want more attention. TIAA offerings seen as most valuable are information about what TI is doing, updates about benefits and the newsletter.
Lewis said TIAA continues to focus on doing a great job with major annual events – the former TIer luncheon, charity golf tournament and annual meeting. Additionally, TIAA is developing new leadership and expanding volunteer activities.
Tribute to Lewis McMahan
John Van Scoter read a letter from Rich Templeton, TI president and CEO, commending Lewis McMahan for his leadership as TIAA president for the last two years. (See Media sidebar, Letter from Rich Templeton.)