|
The catalyst in the conception of the group was INFOMAN. INFOMAN invited several Progress
users who they know would be interested in forming a users group for Progress in October
16, 2002. The result of this initial meeting was the formation of a core group that will
formalize the said users group. The core group was headed by Cecile Ventura of Active
Realty & Dev. Corp., supported by the following members: Cherry Braganza of Federal Phoenix,
Jerome Arcenas of Sanden, Gerry Pascual of Chowking Food Corp., Andy Sarmiento of EEI Corp.,
and Bernadette Borromeo of Honda Cars.
From then on, a regular monthly meeting was conducted to discuss items such as the official
name, mission statement of the group, membership qualifications, and other issues pertinent
to the formation of the organization. All throughout the meetings, INFOMAN has supported the
group by providing the venue and sustenance. Precy Abalon, Mat Fagara, and Richie Monterey
of INFOMAN were consistently in attendance. Even their president has always been present for
consultation. The group also had the opportunity to meet with Ricky Fang, Sales Distributor
Manager of Progress in South East Region, and Dennis Ng, Managing Director of Progress for Asia
and Japan. They said that the Philippine Progress users group is the most active among all Asian
counterparts.
In February 20, 2003, the Progress User's Group, Inc. (PUGI) was formally incorporated as a
non-stock, non-profit professional organization. The Board of Directors comprise 5 out of the
6 members of the core group INFOMAN has graciously allowed the group the use of its official
business address.
In June 11, 2003, PUGI invited all Progress users in a general assembly to announce the formation
of the organization. The meeting was well attended, with users coming all the way from Batangas
and Pampanga. It was a chance for everyone to introduce themselves and get to know the other
Progress users. The PUGI board presented its raison d'etre, and everyone was encouraged to be
part of the group.
To-date, PUGI is composed of 11 corporate members and 1 individual member. PUGI is still regularly
holding its monthly meetings and it has several activities lined up for the rest of 2003 and the
coming 2004.
|
