The IMA, in creating chapters early in its existence, assumed an obligation to utilize all appropriate means for assisting those chapters in fulfilling their responsibilities and achieving their goals. This assistance in the early years was accomplished through memoranda, correspondence, and other communications. A system was developed early for periodic payments to chapter treasuries based on their membership. It soon became evident that more guidance and encouragement to the chapters was needed to obtain the full benefits from the concept of chapter operations. To meet these needs, an annual competition among chapters was inaugurated in 1924 at the suggestion of Charles R. Stevenson, who commissioned a trophy to be awarded the winner. Various other trophies and awards have been introduced through the ensuing years to provide additional recognition for high performance and excellence of operations but none quite matches the Stevenson Trophy in stature and respectability.

Chapters compete for the Stevenson Trophy if their regular membership on June 1 is 125 or more. Competition is based on a combination of certification, education, membership growth, and overall chapter activity to support and promote the IMA over the long term. Only one such trophy is issued each year. Competition is tough. Some chapters go their entire existence without ever winning this highly valued award. The Silicon Valley chapter was awarded the Stevenson Trophy 2 years in a row in the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 years, and second place in the 2007-2008 year.

We are proud not only of the trophies but what they represent. Less than 6 years ago our chapter was at a crossroads that threatened our very existence. Our technical meetings had low turnouts. Half the attendees were chapter board members. Our members were transferring to other chapters, to Member-at-Large status, or out of the IMA completely. IMA headquarters, other chapters, and some of our own members, encouraged us to fold completely. You need only attend one of our chapter functions, many of which sell out, to experience the energy of the crowd and see how far we have come in such a short time. We give a resounding thanks to our members for staying with us through difficult times and emerging as an even stronger membership with a focused purpose of promoting the IMA. The chapter, once asked to fold for not meeting IMA standards, now helps to shape the standards.