SolidWorks User Group Network hits 200 groups!

By

Swugn
I copied and pasted this from Richard Doyle’s blog on the SolidWorks forums. For those of you who haven’t met him, Richard is the SolidWorks User Group Network coordinator, and all-around great guy. I know he’s really excited about this.

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Just a little over an hour ago, the Kettle Morain SolidWorks User Group (KEMSUG) in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin became the 200th SolidWorks User Group registered with SWUGN.

Little did we know back in 2000 that SWUGN would be so successful.  In fact, in 2000 we didn’t really know just how many SolidWorks User Groups even existed.  A 2004 “reconciliation” put the number at 66 worldwide.  In November of 2007, the Central Savannah River Area SolidWorks User Group became the 100th group in the US.

And now we stand at 200, but not for long.  There are at least 2 more groups coming on line in the next few days, and our 2011 “Fill The Holes” campaign is meant to create additional SolidWorks User Groups in areas that are lacking.  I wouldn’t be a bit surprised to see 220 – 230 groups registered by the end of this year.

The credit for the success of SWUGN lands square on the shoulders of the SWUGN Committee and the local chapter leaders. These folks take time away from their families and other activities to provide SolidWorks users with an amazing resource.  If you’re not a member of a local SolidWorks User Group chapter, you are missing out on additional training, terrific networking opportunities, and a chance to make some great friends.

Check the SWUGN “Find a Group” page for a local chapter in your area.  If you live and work in an area that needs a group, consider starting one.  If you hurry, you could be group number 201 (or 202, or 203).

Matthew West

SolidWorks alumnus. I like plate reverb, Rat pedals, Thai curry, New Weird fiction, my kids, Vespas, Jazzmasters, my wife & Raiders of the Lost Ark. Not necessarily in that order.