We are a non-profit professional organization of radio and television engineers who build, repair and update radio and television broadcast facilities. Most Chapter 17 members are from Minnesota and Wisconsin. We meet to exchange ideas and increase skill level. This is a non-political organization. All broadcast engineers and interested people are welcome.
Broadcast engineers and families get together for a summer picnic in June and a holiday party in December every year. COVID has put a dent in in-person gatherings recently! Many meetings are being held online.
Broadcast engineers and families get together for a summer picnic in June and a holiday party in December every year. COVID has put a dent in in-person gatherings recently! Many meetings are being held online.
THE TEAM OF SBE CHAPTER 17 LEADERSHIP
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Chairman - Jon Blomstrand, CPBE from Amery, Wisconsin. I have been in broadcasting engineering for 40 years and most of that time in the Twin Cities. In that time I’ve had the opportunity to work for several groups in the market and in others. Broadcasting has changed tremendously over the years. With the changes comes opportunities to learn new things and work with some really cool toys.
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Vice-Chairman - Trevor Schwarze, CBNE, Oakdale, MN. Trevor came to the broadcast industry after working in live events. In his relatively short time in broadcast, he has worked in community access TV, commercial TV, closed captioning, and community radio. Currently he is on loan to SonSet Solutions in Elkhart, IN, to learn more RF by repairing FM and shortwave transmitters. Trevor is working toward his CBRE.
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Secretary - Joe Conlon, CSTE Joe is the Engineering Manager for Town Square Television (TST) in Inver Grove Heights, MN. Working there full-time since 1997, he has been involved with TST since 1988. In addition to his day job, Joe does freelance work to assist other TV studios with maintenance and planning for system replacements. Joe enjoys TV engineering so much he has volunteered to help with a small TV studio on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia since 1993. Nice when you can go to the beach after doing TV work!
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Treasurer - Joe Niffen
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Certification Chair - George Werl, CPBE, Amateur Radio N0ATD, is largely retired (or trying to be). Most recently President and founder of Commsulting, Inc. (Minnesota) for over 30 years and previously Chief Engineer at KQRS for over 10 years, he began working in broadcasting at age 14 as a studio volunteer at WQED-TV Pittsburgh, where among other things he worked on Mister Rogers Neighborhood (then being produced in black and white). He currently spends his time tinkering, 3D printing and mentoring young people in Calculus and Electronics.
To schedule an SBE certification exam, email gwerl@commsulting.com or call 612-285-9995. |
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Program Chairman - Taylor Robert Barker, CRO taylor.r.barker@gmail.com
My fascination with broadcasting began at a young age, with my parents' love for Sunday Polka Parade on KNUJ-AM. While not necessarily motivated by the music, I wanted to know how the sacred trust between viewer/listener and on-air talent was built. In my career, I have been fortunate enough to work through this relationship through multiple angles, all in Minnesota: athletic coverage, management, news-gathering, master control, production, traffic, and sales. My involvement with SBE Chapter 17 allows me to learn something new each time; I may never be an engineer-by-trade, but I absolutely want to keep up in conversation. In particular, I hope to draw millennials into broadcasting careers, where the future is ours for the taking.
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Webmaster - Mark Persons CPBE, AMD, CBNT. Mark retired in 2017 after a lifetime of radio broadcast engineering and 40 years as a contractor. He built twelve new radio stations along the way and rebuilt countless others. Chapter 17 nominated Mark and national SBE confirmed him as Engineer of the Year in 2018. Then Mark was honored by the national SBE Lifetime Achievement Award. He currently mentors four broadcast engineers, is a member of the National Radio Systems Committee and helps others with volunteer activities. teki@mwpersons.com
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This website was built and is currently maintained by SBE Chapter 17 member Mark Persons. Weebly is used as the web writing tool. Content is contributed by chapter members for the benefit of all.
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