It takes a great deal of effort to make an SME chapter successful. What is the definition of chapter success? While this means different things to different people, we have to look at what SME states about its purpose, which is to advance manufacturing and attract future generations. Its local chapters' ability to connect members to content and expertise that represent the highest ideals of manufacturing advancement can be considered one measure of success. These can be facilitated by effective communication, interaction with local manufacturing, leadership development and best practices. There are four categories for success, as identified by the SME Member Council. Success in each category is determined by information gathered from the Chapter Planning & Assessment Guide (CPAG):

• Professional development, which includes not simply the number and quality of meetings held by the chapter, but how leaders are developed to continue the work of the chapter.
• Communication to members and the community through passive (up-to-date website or social media page) and active means (email blasts, bulletins, phone calls).
• Advancement of manufacturing, including interaction with other chapters and community outreach.
• Merit, such as submitting a best practice and net membership numbers.

Previous Winners

• Complete List of Winners (2014 to Present) (PDF)

The four awards to be given out are:

	Platinum Award — All four categories are met.
	Gold Award — Three categories are met.
	Silver Award — Two categories are met.
	Bronze Award — One category is met.

Chapters submitting their CPAGs after the due date are not eligible for an award. Recognition will consist of an emblem for chapter websites, certificate, a write-up in the member newsletter and a designation symbol on SME's website.