The value of professional networking is well established. The formation of local laser safety officer networking groups is a rarity rather than the norm. This presentation discusses the formation of the Bay Area Laser Safety Officer Group (BALSO) and its continued success. BALSO draws it core members from the San Jose, Oakland, San Francisco area. Additionally, members from as far away as Reno, Nevada and San Diego, CA regularly attend BALSO meetings.
BALSO is a success and has been of great service to its networking members. It provides a platform for continuing education through speakers and an open forum where mutual problems and issues can be addressed. BALSO meetings have also been recognized by the Board of Laser Safety as approved method to acquire Certified Laser Safety Officer certificate maintenance points. A surprising feature is, for almost 10 years, BALSO has existed with no dues or formal officers.