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2009 accomplishments

In May 2009, our chapter enjoyed a presentation Introduction to Real-time Web-based Publishing, presented by Russ Ward, at our new location, ITT-Tech. 

Russ Ward, a structured technologies developer, explored some fundamentals of real-time online publishing of technical content, versus static documentation such as traditional help systems and Acrobat files. He focused on the home-grown use of XML, XSLT, and commonly-available web servers to deliver the latest material instantly to consumers. In addition, he examined the use of these technologies to dynamically alter content for delivery to specific audiences.

2008 accomplishments

By the end of March 2008, our chapter had the highest renewal rate of any chapter in the world. As a result, the chapter received four conference registrations to the 55th Technical Communication Summit held in Philadelphia that June.

In April and October 2008, we participated in Geek Night, which is a happy hour sponsored by the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania. 

In May 2008, we held  a free members-only webinar about Cyberlaw with Attorney Christopher Julliet. Chris discussed some of the key legal issues technical communicators face when developing content for and conducting business over the Internet. Learn more about Chris and his practice at his website, www.cjplc.com.  

In September, we created a group on LinkedIn which allows members to display the SVC logo on their LinkedIn profiles.

In November, Bob Reitman, a proposal leader with ARRIS (www.arrisi.com)   presented an event in Lewistown about a major proposal effort that impacted corporate culture. 

Check out our November newsletter, which includes descriptions of our November and December events and announcement about the grand opening of our store with CafePress,, where you can buy SVC branded items.

History overview

The Susquehanna Valley Chapter of the STC was formed in 2001 by 15 founding members, under the leadership of our founding members . Their energy and dedication galvanized an STC community that had previously felt it was on the fringes of the urban chapters to our east and west. At about the same time, another chapter was being born in the State College area, taking the name Central Pennsylvania Chapter (CPC). To distinguish ourselves, our group called itself the Susquehanna Valley Chapter (SVC), and it developed a logo featuring the Rockville Bridge (Wikipedia info on the bridge).

Over the years, our chapter has grown from 15 members to more than 50. We have held many interesting and informative events to enlighten and enrich our members in topics that will add to their skill sets and improve their career prospects. We have also held many social events to create a sense of community for technical communicators in the mid-state.

In 2006, we learned that the CPC was interested in merging with the SVC. It turned out, this was a historic event for the Society;  two chapters had never attempted to merge before. The merger took quite a bit of the attention of the respective Administrative Councils, and now going forward we have a renewed focus to serving our expanded membership.

Earlier history preserved in newsletters

Check out some of our old newsletters below to get an idea of our interests.

All issues are in Adobe PDF format. To download the latest version of Adobe Reader, click here.

Winter 2004 - Features include: Content Management vs. Document Management: The difference is granularity by Suzanne Mescan, Grant Writing Takes Center Stage by Pat Kilgour and The Three Cs of Technical Editing by Don Darrow.

Fall 2004

Spring 2003

Winter 2003

Presidents

Presidents of the Susquehanna Valley Chapter include:

  • Ann Grove, President, 2008

  • Don Darrow, President, 2006-07

  • Tonya McKee, President, 2005-06

  • Kristy Kelly, President, 2004-05

  • Gary Etzel, President, 2003-04

  • Denise Howarth, Founding President, 2001-03

Bob Reitman was the president of the Central Pennsylvania Chapter throughout its history, from 2002 to 2006.

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