That is when this mess all started, just one day at the Abbey in Fontana Wisconsin. A day well spent,  worthwile meeting were commented by some.  The more things change, the more it stays the same.  That first year had speakers like Doug Anderson from IBM Rochester, Pedro Paulette of Atlanta and Bob Cozzi editor of Q38.  This first year was co sponsered with the Il Midrangers headed up by Bob Bernard. 

This format wasn't new to the area.  The Small Syrtem Users Group, the orginization that lead to the forming of our group was also holding an all day educational seminar in March at the Ramada Inn Airport Milwaukee.  At that day we could find companies like Datawright, and persons like Susan Marcott along with a host of IBM'ers.

After the completion our very successful first year, our second president, Scott Carter set a goal to formalize the organization. A Committee was formed to come up with a set of bylaws that will guide and help this new group grow and prosper. The committee included Art Hodge, Janette Luczko, Martha Kahn, Steve Stelpflug, John Boswell and Scott Carter. After working out the details, we had the bylaws reviewed by an attorney, who made some minor changes. He also strongly recommended the group incorporate. The Bylaws were reviewed at the April 1986 meeting and the papers  filed with the state.

I know that during my years associated with this group, it's not easy to get members involved.  At first I found that no one could comment  on this blog without a user ID.  I got Bruce to fix that, opening this up to anyone for comments, yet no takers.  As we get closer to the March seminar I will continue with the history.

Our groups focus has not changed from the very beginning. At that first meeting, the group set our course with an emphasis and direction of a technical nature regarding any facet of the System 38. This group will be a place OT share ideas, tips, techniques and resources. Membership is limited to any company which has a 38 installed , on order, or directly involved with the creation of 38 software applications. We also set down that simple code of ethics that has served this group so well over the years.

1) During meetings, presentations and /or distributions of marketing materials will not be allowed unless specifically requested by the group.

2) During meetings, no company shall recruit another company’s employee.

3) No member shall actively seek employment with another member company during meetings.

We are all here to learn together..

As part of our 25th. celebration, we thought a review of our history would be in order. Our Groups first letter announcing the process of starting a 38 users group sas sent out August 23, 1984 by Lori Mueller. Our First meting was September 13, 1984 at Lauderdale Lakes Resort Elkhorn. The purpose for this meeting was to establish guidelines for the group. The First technical meeting was scheduled to October 11, 1984 a Thursday of course. With a topic of structured code and RPG III. This orginizational meeting was attended by 74 individuals representing 41 companies from both WI and Northern IL. At that meeting the steering committee was introduced. Lori Mueller -- Andes Candies Ann Richardson -- Aunt Nellies Mike Pisarek -- MRM Marcia Messman -- Computercraft Randy Ames -- Brandt Systems AND our very own Brian Rusch as acting Treasurer This Group was to guide the newly formed orginization until the first elections would be held in May of 1985.