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Chairs Corner

Recognizing Current and Past Chairs

2010 Chair - Tim Dickerson of R. T. Vanderbilt Inc.

Tim's theme for 2010 is "Your Vehicle to New Opportunities." His primary goals are:

  1. Revise the Rubber Division's Strategic Plan;
  2. Require Area Directors to distribute the Subdivision Advisory Committee letter composed by Tim Day (ChemRep Inc.) and report tabulated responses in writing;
  3. Re-emphasize Committee Chair and Committee Member responsibilities vs. those of their Rubber Division Staff Liaison;
  4. Recapture interest in Topical Groups and re-establish them within the Division;
  5. Broaden technical and commercial opportunities through diverse partnerships.

If you would like to contact Tim, please or call him at 616-901-2440.

2009 Chair - Gary Horning of Polymer Valley Chemicals, Inc.

Gary's theme for 2009 is "Reflections, Challenges and Expectations". His primary accomplishments were:

  1. Celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Rubber Division. This included partnering with major sponsors; a black tie banquet at the John S. Knight Center with 320 in attendance (including the ACS Executive Director, UA President, Ohio Senator and CEO of the Austin BioInnovation Institute; a new Centennial Book titled "Rubber Mirror: Reflections of the Rubber Division's First 100 Years"; a 100th Anniversary Birthday Party Reception in Pittsburgh; addition of all past Goodyear Medalist interviews on our web site; and dedication of a 100th Anniversary Time Capsule.
  2. Formed the Officer Progression Task Force that recommended a new five year progression for Division officers. This revision made it possible, whereby a member can serve as an officer of the Rubber Division for five years in lieu of the current seven year commitment. The new officer positions included the Secretary, Assistant Treasurer, Treasurer, Chair-Elect and Chair, serving in that order. Also, worked with the Director of Bylaws and Procedures to develop and obtain member and American Chemical Society approval for changes to the bylaws, reflecting these new positions and timing.
  3. Implemented a new membership category for Affiliated Technical Organizations, starting with the Indian Rubber Institute, whereby allowing IRI members to join the Division at a reduced fee based upon their entire membership joining the Rubber Division. This effort increases overall Rubber Division membership and expands networking opportunities for our members.
  4. Implemented a Memorandum of Agreement between the Rubber Division and the Tire Society, whereby the Rubber Division will manage the Tire Society logistics and Annual Conference for an annual fee of $15,000-$20,000 plus reimbursement for all expenses and any potential travel costs. Full implementation is effective as of January 1, 2010; however, the Division staff began the transition in 2009, including gaining approval to bring the Tire Society's database into the Avectra system and establishing links to each other's websites.
  5. Moved the Rubber Division headquarters to another location on the University of Akron campus that allows for ample parking as well as being more conducive to business operations, without losing the long term relationship with the University. This involved numerous location searches, contract negotiations and cost benefit analysis as well as the actual move. Due to effective contract negotiations and much of the move being done by Division staff, the resulting action reduced the Division's long term costs.
  6. Gained Executive Committee approval and negotiated a cost-effective contract to hold the Rubber Division's 2011 Major Exposition at the IX Center in Cleveland. This is the first time in Cleveland that the Division has not held the expo at the downtown Convention Center. This action was predicated on the new Convention Center not being constructed in time and to assure value to the expo and technical meeting attendees and exhibitors in order to make this a successful venue for all.
  7. Implemented three new electronic systems for the Rubber Division. These included a new membership database management system (Avectra), new technical paper management software (Confex) and a new user friendly web design (Karcher) that offers an on line Division Store. Together, they allow the Division to better capture and manage all member and non-member data; conduct electronic transactions for all Division programs and products; and have on line submission of technical papers as well as a tracking system, scheduling the program/meeting logistics and a new "Personal Scheduler" for attendees.
  8. Held the 4th Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference to expand technical knowledge and marketing opportunities between the rubber and asphalt industries and issuing of Certificates of Completion for Professional Development Hours for professional engineers.
  9. Developed and recorded the Division's first webinars to include "Introduction to Design of Experiments", "Introduction to Rubber Technology for Non- Technologists" and "Managing an Effective Job Search" that would help our members who have lost their jobs.  Initiated contract for "GoToWebinar" software to offer all webinars for a fee.

2008 Chair - Al Feit of ALF Consulting

Al's theme for 2008 is "Formulating the Future on the Foundations of the Past". His primary accomplishments were:

  1. TPE Conference held to expand technical and marketing opportunities within rubber and related industries.
  2. Developed Committee Business Plans to formally implement the Division's 2007 Strategic Plan. To maintain visibility and action, these plans are briefed at each meeting of the Steering Committee.
  3. Accepted requests to give presentations at two rubber industry company meetings, targeting the benefits to companies and need to support their employees in Division activities.
  4. Expanded role and value of Division education programs by establishing new annual Bob Gamache Education Symposia and working with the Akron Global Polymer Academy (AGPA) to move on line courses to the University of Akron system.
  5. Worked with AGPA and the National Museum of Education to develop the first joint Rubber Band Contest to recognize outstanding innovations from fifth thru eighth graders, further promoting the rubber and polymer industries while generating interest in science to the students, teachers and parents. Represented the Rubber Division as a judge for the Rubber Band Contest.
  6. Continuous meetings of the Centennial Task Force resulted in detailed plans being finalized for the Centennial Banquet, Fall Birthday Bash Reception and 100th Anniversary Book. Active fund-raising activities resulted in over $100,000 in Centennial Sponsorships.
  7. Expanded outreach to university students and faculty to include visits and promotion of benefits within the Rubber Division and industry as well as providing assistance, resulting in the formation of a new Student Chapter at Clemson University.
  8. Formed the first Information Technology (IT) Task Force that resulted in detailed analysis of Division's web site and other electronic media via outside consultant as well as laying groundwork for new on line technical paper submission, database system and complete web redesign.
  9. Formed the second Technical Program Task Force, resulting in analysis of the Division's spring meeting format and location that led to a new direction for future spring meetings in the Akron area.
  10. Held exploratory meetings with the BIOT and POLY Divisions of ACS, at their request, to determine if future partnerships could be developed in regard to joint staffing structures.
  11. Expanded outreach to the American Chemical Society to include extending annual visits to Division staff counterparts, assisting ACS with their development of a formal overseas affiliation process and a complete revamp of Division bylaws.
  12. Worked extensively with Rubber Groups, ACS and Division attorneys to assure Subdivisions meet the new IRS requirements for Form 990N tax filing and retain status as Subdivisions from ACS, assuring retention of ACS liability insurance.
  13. Implemented significant cost reductions and new membership marketing initiatives such as the Mini-Expo Member Appreciation and Solicitation Program to assure the Division remains fiscally viable during the serious economic downturn of 2008. Personally thanked Exhibitors for their support of the Division.

2007 Chair - John Boruta of Rhein Chemie Corporation

John's theme for 2007 was "Opportunities - Imagine them...Challenge them...Act Upon them". His primary accomplishments were:

  1. Second Major Strategic Plan for the Rubber Division, establishing vision, mission and new direction and programs across the elastomeric community
  2. Implementation of Workforce Recruitment & Development Plan to include publishing three manuals, adding links in the online sections for internships, scholarships and education programs, and marketing efforts to universities, Rubber Groups and industry
  3. Outreach to senior leadership in rubber industry via visits and VIP Luncheon, resulting in increased support to Division and members
  4. Developed new roles and responsibilities of committees within updated charters, helping new member volunteers understand commitments and involvement
  5. Initial meeting of Rubber Division, ACS POLY Division and Clemson University to establish new joint Student Chapter at the university
  6. Highest attendance at a fall technical meeting in many years, including joint technical symposium held with the ACS POLY Division
  7. Hosting of International Rubber Conference at fall meeting to include new technical speakers, international dinner with keynote by ACS President and IRCO Medal presented by IRC Secretary-General
  8. Highly successful Rubber Expo with first ever international and rubber recycling pavilions, many first time global exhibitors and first year to come in above booth revenue budget
  9. 3rd Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference to expand technical knowledge and marketing opportunities between the rubber and asphalt industries and first time implementation of Certificates of Completion for Professional Development Hours for professional engineers
  10. Centennial Task Force implemented, seed money set aside for celebration plans, centennial logo selected via member wide contest and began writing of Centennial Book
  11. New membership database implemented to include cleanup of thousands of records and use of comprehensive interface system that will allow for improved tracking, mailing, and future web redesign and online Division Store
  12. Increased marketing efforts to industry leadership, leading to highest ever level of sponsorships supporting Division activities and implementation of formal appreciation process
  13. Lake Academy High School visit at the fall meeting, bringing local inner city high school students to the exposition and interfacing with industry representatives
  14. Partnership with ACS attorneys to resolve IRS classification issues with Rubber Groups, resulting in official guidance and documents being added to Operational Guide for Subdivisions

2006 Chair - P. Andrew Claytor of Teknor Apex

Accomplishments:

  1. Received the American Chemical Society's 2005 ChemLuminary Award for outstanding accomplishments of a Division.
  2. New format for spring meetings to increase attendance and add value for members, to include invited speaker only technical program, joint luncheon/technical program with the ACS Akron Local Section, luncheon-style banquet for Science & Technology Awards and first meeting held in Akron, Ohio.
  3. Workforce Recruitment & Development Plan continuation to include marketing via RPN interview, webinar and VIP luncheon presentations and development of draft manuals for student recruitment, formation of student chapters and national internship program.
  4. TPE Conference held in conjunction with Pharmaceutical Industry to expand technical knowledge and marketing opportunities between the rubber and pharmaceutical industries, resulting in a new partnership for TPEs and future polymer programs with the non-profit organization "Polymer Ohio".
  5. Partnership with ACS POLY Division to expand value to members to include POLY Division Chair and ACS President serving as judges for the joint Student Colloquium and POLY Division's board voting to partner in future technical programs.
  6. Indian Rubber Institute approved as a new Affiliated Technical Organization of the Rubber Division, resulting in new partnership opportunities.
  7. Division booth and Rubber/TPE educational workshops at the National Plastics Exposition, resulting in increased exposure and educational opportunities.
  8. Division booth at International Tire Expo Conference, resulting in increased exposure.
  9. Attendance at 2006 International Rubber Conference to increase exposure and begin planning for hosting IRC in 2007.
  10. New directions for fall meeting to draw exhibitors to show floor and add value for exhibiting companies to include the addition of an internet café and daily raffles at the Division booth, special end of show raffle for exhibitors and expansion of Division Store to add business related publications.
  11. Realignment of duties to establish Marketing Manager position separate from Meetings Management, resulting in increased focus on Division marketing, communication and branding.
  12. First year to come in under Mini-Expo budgeted net deficit, adding to the first significant in the black two-year budget cycle.
  13. Held the first ever Chair's Classic Golf Outing at Firestone Country Club in Akron as a networking and social event between the Spring Technical meeting and the TPE Conference.
  14. The year was a tremendous success as described in the accomplishments listed, this was all encompassing under the theme - Make a Difference...Today, Tomorrow, and for the Future.

2005 Chair - David R. O'Brien of Excel Polymers

Accomplishments:

  1. Business Summit to build value for those in the business side of the industry, offering high profile keynote speaker as well as other expert speakers on focused current industry topics.
  2. 2nd Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference to expand technical knowledge and marketing opportunities between the rubber and asphalt industries, resulting in several rubber companies partnering with asphalt companies in new markets as well as Division being asked to speak before the Delaware legislature and Department of Transportation to promote a new Scrap Tire Management Program and increased use of Rubber Modified asphalt.
  3. Workforce Recruitment & Development Plan proposal to address CEO concerns for a future qualified workforce, with an implementation plan drafted upon Steering approval of the overall concept and formation of a dedicated task group.
  4. Division Sponsorship Program to eliminate multiple requests for company sponsorships from various sources and to build more value and opportunities for the rubber industry, focusing funds into educational, technical and workforce recruitment & development.
  5. VIP Luncheon to attract more CEOs and other Senior Managers to the fall meeting, focusing on new programs within the Division and providing more value for supporting their employees with regard to Division membership and participation.
  6. Show Planner, Show Guide and Show Daily produced by Rubber & Plastics News and Rubber World, respectively, expanding the marketing reach globally while reducing costs and gaining new revenues.
  7. Division Store with new logo merchandise, technical papers and technical publications on the show floor to increase exposure, add professional branding merchandise and improve access to attendees and exhibitors.
  8. High School Program to bring local inner city high school students to the fall meeting and exposition and increase their interest in the rubber industry, assisted by corporate sponsors and technical speakers/escorts from Division Student Chapters and Akron Global Polymer Academy.
  9. First in the black spring meeting and increased two-year in the black budget cycle, based upon new programs as well as highly successful spring and fall meetings.
  10. Complete revision of 2002 Steering and Nominating Charters to reflect comprehensive changes in Division structure and operations over past three years, to include all officer, area director and other key personnel duties and officer progression process.
  11. Complete revision of 2001 Operational Manual for Subdivisions to provide more user-friendly information to Rubber Groups, to include significant reduction in volume by 70 pages while adding an Executive Summary of duties for Rubber Group Chairs.
  12. Comprehensive review and rewrite of entire Division Bylaws to make more understandable to executive members and eliminate provisions that belong in the Steering Charter.
  13. Comprehensive review and revision of 2001 Employee Handbook to incorporate new policies and programs that have been implemented over the past four years.

2004 Chair - Paul V. Esposito of Harwick Standard Distribution Corp.

Accomplishments:

  1. Established a new Marketing position within the Division, setting up the first targeted marketing effort.
  2. New Partnership Development Committee, identifying and reaching out to global organizations.
  3. Online Correspondence Courses in Rubber Technology, offering expanded service to individuals and companies in the rubber industry.
  4. Online Symposia Technical Papers, increasing opportunity for individuals and companies to obtain technical information.
  5. Rubber Group Site Editing Program, providing opportunity for Rubber Groups to electronically update officer and meeting information on the Rubber Division web site and add technical and marketing articles.
  6. Electronic Voting for New Officers and Area Directors, providing a more state of the art approach to general membership balloting.
  7. Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference, establishing partnerships between the rubber and asphalt industries in expanding knowledge and use of rubber in asphalt pavements.
  8. Monthly Page in Rubber World Magazine, providing dedicated page for Rubber Division articles to reach global audience.
  9. Student Colloquium at Fall Meetings, offering technical and networking opportunities to students in the rubber industry.
  10. Brazil Rubber Association approved as a new Affiliated Technical Organization of the Rubber Division, resulting in new partnership opportunities.

2003 Chair - Mark A. Petras of ChemRep, Inc.

Accomplishments:

  1. Business Plans, assuring implementation of key Strategic Plan Actions
  2. New Budget Philosophy, codifying two-year In the Black Budget Cycles
  3. Online Comprehensive Survey of Member Needs, identifying future programs and services for members and the rubber industry
  4. Online Membership Directory, providing up to date database and networking opportunities for members
  5. Online Quarterly Division Newsletter, increasing technical, marketing and informational opportunities to members
  6. Online Career Center for Employers and Job Seekers, providing new employment service specific to the rubber industry
  7. Career Management Workshop at Fall Meetings, offering training to those seeking jobs in the industry
  8. Partnership w/Society of Plastics Industries, exhibiting at each other's national expositions and possible future technical joint ventures
  9. On Line Application Process for Rubber Group Members, allowing electronic renewal of Rubber Group membership
  10. Formation of new Student Affairs Committee, providing new directions and opportunities for students in the rubber industry
  11. Received the American Chemical Society's 2003 ChemLuminary Award for outstanding accomplishments of a Division.
  12. The Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society is the most prestigious organization in the rubber industry. Through the Rubber Division, all of us stay current on trends in the industry. We also stay in touch with our contacts in the industry.

In my opinion, we all have an obligation to support organizations such as the Rubber Division so that future generations of rubber industry executives will continue to enjoy the benefits that we have all enjoyed. I was fortunate to serve as Chair of the Division while we were turning things around in terms of finances as well as in terms of updating services to our members, although the credit for these accomplishments goes to other officers in place at the time and to the Rubber Division staff. I highly recommend serving as an officer to anybody. As I have told many people when they have asked me about serving - you put a lot into it, but you get a lot more out of it.

2002 Chair - Richard J. Hupp of RJ Consulting Inc.

Accomplishments:

  1. Strategic Plan for the Rubber Division, establishing new directions and programs
  2. New Fiscal Policies, reducing overall expenses while creating new programs and services
  3. New Committee Charters, establishing standardization along with revised duties for Division officers and committees
  4. Members Only Section on Rubber Division Web Site, offering increased technical, administrative and meeting information to our members
  5. Online Committee Charters, Lists, Agendas, Minutes and Volunteer Forms, offering more opportunities to members to help set direction and work new programs for the Rubber Division
  6. Online Rubber Chemistry and Technology Journals, with search capability on articles back to 1928
  7. Rubber Division Show Daily at Fall Meetings, offering expanded marketing opportunities to the industry and the Rubber Division
  8. Joint Rubber Division/Rubber Manufacturers Association Task Force on Processibility, working on testing and reporting standardization in the industry
  9. Full Set Technical Papers via CD Rom, providing a modern approach to technical papers for meeting attendees
  10. Scholarship Foundation, establishing designated investment fund for future undergraduate scholarships
  11. With all the benefits the Rubber Division gives its members, how can you possibly say no when asked to join a committee either as an officer or a member.

I enjoy pitching in wherever needed, but my greatest accomplishments came as Chair. I was involved in the privatization of the Division, which has resulted in an "in the black" financial status as well as a better environment for people to work together. My main goal during my term was education, and now we have two student organizations from Ferris State University and the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. I guess the bottom line is, I like a challenge, especially when it is in an area where I feel I can positively contribute. I consider myself fortunate to have had this career in the rubber industry. A major part of this career has been my involvement with the Rubber Division.

2001 Chair - Rudy J. School of R. T. Vanderbilt, Inc.

Accomplishments:

  1. New Rubber Division Structure, establishing new roles and authorities along with new operational requirements such as expanded non-profit association rules, Employee Handbook, 401K, Medical Insurance and new Staff Positions
  2. Hiring First Executive Director and new Professional Staff, providing new operational direction for the Rubber Division
  3. Long Term Lease Agreement with University of Akron, establishing 50 year option for Rubber Division headquarters in Polymer Engineering and Academic Center
  4. Rubber Division Marketing Logo, branding new directions within the Division
  5. Training Session for new Officers, Area Directors and Rubber Group Chairs, providing information and training on duties and responsibilities
  6. Rubber Chemistry and Technology Journal Management Analysis, establishing new direction and opportunities for managing the journal
  7. Recognition Program, providing official recognition to company supervisors for member service on the Executive Committee or as a Committee Chair
  8. Rubber Division Web Site, providing state of the art format and expanded information to members and others in the rubber industry
  9. Formation of Student Chapter at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, establishing second student chapter within the Rubber Division
  10. Established annual visits to the American Chemical Society by the Division Chair, Chair-Elect and Executive Director, building a more permanent relationship between the associations and a venue for sharing ideas and programs

When Dan Hertz (Seals Eastern) asked me to join the Education Committee in 1986, I did not envision rising through the chairs of the Rubber Division. I was fortunate to have total support from my employers (Crain Communications and R. T. Vanderbilt Co.) that allowed me to serve the industry. The Division was facing serious issues regarding its future direction as I was moving into the chair-elect position. I believe my best accomplishment was guiding a reorganization team through the privatization of the Division. My best memory, however, is meeting and eventually marrying my wife, Susan, who served as the Division’s Finance Manager for 10 years.