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ARMA Houston Chapter History Introduction In our fifty years as an organization dedicated to records management, ARMA Houston (named Chapter 16 in 1962) and its initial foundation organization, the Records Management Association of Houston (organized in 1959), have worked tirelessly to provide quality records and information management (RIM) education, RIM awareness and activism, and assistance through community outreach. We have grown from a small group of visionaries to become, at over 400 members, the largest chapter in the association now known as ARMA International. Houston Chapter Bylaws RIM Education
ARMA Houston holds monthly luncheon meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month. The speakers share insights on present technology, professional development, archive subject, and RIM hot topics. Prior to each of the meetings, there is also a free monthly workshop covering similar topics in a more informal setting. The information presented at these programs help candidates seeking the Certified Records Manager (CRM) credential to understand the depth of their chosen profession.
The Conference has been an annual tradition in ARMA Houston since 1966. The ARMA Houston Spring Conference continues to provide current technology topics for the advanced RIM professional, and sound basics classes for the beginning RIM professional. Today, educational offerings include workshops, lectures, and keynote speakers over a two-day period. The conference also includes an Expo venue. On the Expo floor information is exchanged about everything from storage configuration to software applications, and project outsourcing to RIM consulting. The ARMA Houston Conference draws people from all over the US because of its sound educational offering. Attendance exceeds three hundred people annually. We also offer at least one full day seminar during the year, open to the public that provides an opportunity to explore one RIM topic fully to provide a professional development opportunity. Collegiate Involvement ARMA Houston's dedication to RIM education moved beyond the Chapter and into the local college community.Many college students were exposed to RIM principles by the Chapter efforts to assist with RIM curriculum development for the University of Houston in 1963, for North Harris College in 1974 and for San Jacinto Community college in 1987.The classes created interest in the business and management students attending the colleges and resulted several students selecting records management as their career. Today, Chapter members are involved as class lecturers at multiple colleges and serve on advisory boards in RIM related programs such as the Heath Information Technology (HIT) Advisory Board at DeVry University. Association Conferences Held In Houston ARMA Houston also supported ARMA International by hosting the International Conferences in 1972, 1977 and in 1998. Legislative Activism and RIM Awareness ARMA Houston is a longtime activist for participation and change in RIM legislation. Highlighted below are a few significant contributions. Paperwork Reduction Act
Beginning in 1979, Houston chapter members working with Frances Fuller (who in later years became Frances Chartier) researched and identified laws that posed an undue paperwork burden to businesses. Committee members traveled to Washington, DC and provided testimony to Congress in support of the legislation that would ultimately become the Paper Work Reduction Act of 1980. When the legislation was passed, Frances herself was present to represent ARMA Houston at the White House for the signing ceremony on December 11, 1980. Frances served for many years as Chair for the Legislative and Regulatory Affairs Committee of the Association. Others from the Chapter followed in her footsteps in that position.
In 1987 when the Texas Legislature was writing the Three ½ Year Default Retention Bill, three prominent ARMA Houston members worked with Texas Legislative representatives to formulate the wording for the bill. Governor Bill Clements signed the bill into law in June 1989. In December 1999 the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to change the records retention requirements for Oil and Gas producers and Pipelines as stated in 18 CFR Parts 125,225 and 356, Docket No. RM99-8. A special Chapter committee was formed to review and address the proposed rules. The Chapter committee members and the ARMA ISG Assistant Chair, also a Chapter member, responded to the March 16, 2000 Request for Comment on with an electronic submission via the web. The requested changes made by these members were approved and incorporated. Assistance through Community Outreach It has been ARMA Houston's privilege through the years to give back to the community in assorted ways. Generosity of time and money by members allows the Chapter to provide outreach to non-profits and small businesses that need assistance to begin records programs, provide support to social organization such as women shelters and food pantries, mentor student reading programs and provide books and supplies, and support RIM-focused education foundations. Highlighting for Literacy The Chapter has an ongoing relationship with a local, under served elementary school. Chapter members volunteer weekly to mentor and read to students. For eleven years the Chapter has provided funding for books and other enrichment tools not covered by school district funds. Alice L. Haltom Educational Fund In 1986 the Alice L. Haltom Education Fund was established by the Chapter and registered as a 501(c)(3) organization to honor Alice Haltom, one of the Chapter's founding members and most active leaders and past president of ARMA International. The Fund is supported by gifts from members and by significant Chapter donations each year. The organization has helped numerous students from all areas receive RIM related degrees and also helps local students and Chapter members attend educational events. ALHEF, as local members know the foundation, is the premiere and enduring Chapter supported educational foundation in the Association. ARMA International Educational Foundation
ARMA Houston supports or funds research papers on current topics through the ARMA International Education Foundation (AIEF) that was incorporated August 1997. These papers are available to members and non-members at the AIEF website.
ARMA Houston members reap the benefits of a well run and futuristic organization. The members are the organization, and each member is encouraged to participate in committees, networking, activities and educational events. ARMA Houston members believe that dedication to career education creates excitement and growth for everyone. We invite you to join us at an ARMA Houston monthly meeting. Come and learn with the members about Records and Information Management. Chapter activities and reservations are found on the home page of this website. We look forward to seeing you soon.
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5/22/2013
May Workshop - FREE
6/26/2013
June Workshop - FREE
6/26/2013
June Luncheon Meeting