Let's share the load.

I don't understand the actions by FES/FICE to reduce support to FEF and would suggest that they be revisited.  Consider the following:
 
 -- FEF IS NOT REDUCING OR LIMITING ITS SUPPORT OR INVOLVEMENT IN FES/FICE PROGRAMS; if anything it is being increased.  Our '08 - '09 expenditures and '09 - '10 budget in support of FES programs is over $40k (DIRECT DOLLAR SUPPORT of scholarships, Mathcounts and K-12) plus another $40k in Mathcounts passthrough (some of which may occur because of the FEF tax deduction advantage).  The proposed FEF moves to "disentangle" ourselves from FES/FICE is so that we can grow larger and be able to support more programs -- FES/FICE included.

 -- FES/FICE GETS A TREMENDOUS RETURN ON THEIR SUPPORT WHICH ACTUALLY COSTS THEM VERY LITTLE.  The FES/FICE support last year was approx. $16k of which $15k was labor and overhead; only $1k was direct expense.  As I understand it, staff was not reduced (a very laudable action by them in order to keep the entire "family" together) so there has been no reduction in manhours available; the labor and OH therefore is pretty much a fixed cost that will remain whether they donate it to FEF or not.  Even if the entire amount was a direct expense, a return of $40k/$16K = 250% is pretty darn good.

 -- FEF HAS WORKED WITH FES/FICE TO REDUCE THE DIRECT EXPENSE BY 80% ($5k to $1k).  Over the last 5 years the direct expenses donated by FES/FICE have been reduced significantly and, I believe, that there would be very little objection to bringing them down even more.
 
The relationship between FEF and FES/FICE has been very good and very beneficial to both organizations.  The goals and objectives of FEF are specifically supportive of FES/FICE -- improvement in the numbers and quality of those entering the profession, enhancement of the profession, and an increase in the understanding and support of the profession by the public. Isn't that what FES/FICE is all about? 
 
FEF certainly benefits by its ability to communicate with ease to the FES/FICE membership; our joint activities at the Annual meeting add to the FEF coffers and to the fun and enjoyment of the participants; FICE has provided much needed financial support to FEF ($5k annually!).  Not only do we all have the same goals and objectives, in reality the leadership of FEF, FES, and FICE is primarily the same.
 
I think that we all need to be looking for ways to INCREASE the mutual support and involvement as we each grow and mature.
 
How about taking a look at this whole support thing again?  It will be for the good of all --  the organizations and, more importantly, the engineering profession.

SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING, and MATHEMATICS (STEM) Education in Florida is the future of our state. 

What do YOU think the website of the FLORIDA ENGINEERING FOUNDATION should be?  It has a start.  It will never be finished.  What do YOU want to see on it?  What content will make you want to come back and viisit it again?  Take a minute and tell us.