September 21, 2006

Patent Law Basics for the Small Chemical Business

Joseph M. Manak, Esq.
Greenberg Traurig LLP
200 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10166
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Abstract:
Today, the most valuable assets of a business are its intellectual property. As more and more manufacturing is being outsourced or moved over seas, companies are focusing on developing and protecting their technology both in the U.S. and around the world to ensure that their products and services remain their own. For technology-based companies, including chemical companies, the most important intellectual capital base is the patent, although trade secrets, know how and trademarks remain important as well. However, trade secrets and know how protection is difficult to enforce, especially in a global market place where confidential information can be illegally obtained and spread around the world electronically.

Here is your chance to learn the basics of patent law with a focus on chemical inventions. Joe Manak’s talk will focus on such issues as: What exactly is a patent; what constitutes an invention under the US Patent Laws and "Invention" as the solution of a problem. He will put in plain words what must you show in order to get a patent on a chemical-based, or process-based, technology; what are a patent application and its elements and contents; patent claims as the scope of a patent; and how the US Patent Office determine whether to grant a patent on your invention. Using examples of recent and interesting chemical patents, he will also talk about what you can do with your patent - licensing, sale, collateral, defensive protection; how to decide whether to apply for a patent and how much it costs; why patents are important to your business, or why they may not be important; what to do if another infringes your patent and international patents.

Biography
Joe Manak has 20 years of experience enforcing and obtaining chemical and pharmaceutical patents. He has litigated and prosecuted patent matters for some of the world’s largest technology-based companies. Joe has a degree in chemistry from Manhattan College and is a member of Gamma Sigma Epsilon, the chemistry honors society. He is also admitted to practice before the US Patent and Trademark Office and various federal and state courts.

Thursday, May 18, 2006
Full-Day Seminar

ELECTRONIC COMMUNICATION AND E - MARKETING SEMINAR

Speaker: David Mason
Hatco Corp


Designed to Help You Get the Maximum ROI from the Internet

The New Jersey Group of Small Chemical Businesses, part of the Northern NJ Section of the American Chemical Society, announces a seminar on internet communication and marketing tools and methods. It will be held May 18, 2006 at the Holiday Inn North at Newark Airport from 8:30 AM – 5 PM. Designed for managers and entrepreneurs needing a basic understanding and knowledge of how to communicate and market on the Internet.

This ‘how to’ course shows the executive, manager, or technician methods for building a web site, setting up hosting and then using the site to implement a written marketing plan which will generate internet traffic and produce sales on-line. Included is a segment on various internet strategies, the risks involved in each, and the management of those risks. Most importantly, E-customer relationship management, similar in concept to traditional CRM, is defined with new tools now available for much more rapid processing and response analysis.

Creation of a website requires formatting the content of the website for easy comprehension and access by the user. Working through this module educates the attendee so he can manage the development and use of the website. Subsequent modules focus on optimizing search engines and how to attract visitors to the site, as well as how to analyze that traffic.

Included in the seminar is the NJGSCB Starter Kit which contains all the tools discussed and used during the course. Accessed on the web, it is frequently updated and contains links to other resources. There are over 100 software applications and scripts that can be used to create a marketing plan, build an online customer base, process online financial transactions, and maintain a CRM program.

The course is intended for large and small chemical companies as well as distributors and manufacturing consultants. The fee is $350 (early registration is $325) and includes continental breakfast, coffee breaks, and lunch. Early bird registration ends April 15. Company discounts available. The Seminar is limited to 25 attendees, so register early to reserve your place.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

“NEW JERSEY'S BEST PRACTICES STANDARDS
FOR ANTI-TERRORIST SECURITY AT CHEMICAL FACILITIES”

Brian Bennett
Safety Manager
Akzo Nobel
Polymer Chemicals LLC
Edison, New Jersey
732-777-2275

Abstract:
On November 19, 2005, New Jersey issued a Prescriptive Order (PO) mandating the first general security requirements for the chemical/processing industries in the nation. The PO, issued by Acting Governor Codey, calls for enforceable plant security practices for New Jersey’s 140 chemical facilities such as to provide the public and workers greater protection from potential terrorist acts. Under the new requirements, certain chemical facilities in New Jersey have 120 days to develop an assessment of facility vulnerabilities and hazards that might be exploited by potential terrorists.

Here is your chance to get a valuable overview of these new requirements from Brian Bennett, the Chemical Sector’s top security expert. This presentation will provide you with the information necessary to make critical security management decisions and to better understand the New Jersey’s Best Practices Standards at TCPA/DPCC* Chemical Sector Facilities PO. In particular, you will hear comments on the requirements for a site-specific security vulnerability assessment, circumstances that would trigger Inherently Safer Technology and the provisions in the order to allow employees and their collective bargaining representatives the opportunity to identify security issues.

* TCPA = Toxic Catastrophe Prevention Act [N.J.S.A. 13:1K-19 et seq.]
DPCC = Discharge Prevention, Containment and Countermeasure Program

Biography:
For the past 17 years, Brian Bennett has been employed as a safety manager for Akzo Nobel Polymer Chemicals LLC in Edison, N.J. He holds several professional certifications, including Certified Safety Professional, Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, and Certified Homeland Security--Level 3. He has been a volunteer firefighter for 21 years and is Deputy Chief in Woodbridge Township, N.J. He also has served as a committee chair for ASSE and is a member of the New Jersey State Industrial Safety Council, the New Jersey State Safety Council, the AIHA, and the New Jersey Governor's Terrorism Task Force. He holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, a master's degree in occupational safety and industrial hygiene, and a doctorate in safety engineering.

Thursday, January 19, 2006

“Understanding More about Online Marketing
for the Small Chemical Company”

John Strazza
Director of E-Media
Chemical Week

Abstract:
By understanding more about the online marketing arena you can better tailor the design of your web site and your market plan to peak and meet your audience's interests. Today's topic includes questions like:

• "Should my company market its products online in the current financial environment?"
• "What are the best methods and places to market on the web?"
• "How will buyers find my product?"
• "What about e-commerce, driving traffic to the site and ROI?"

Chemical industry professionals who are asking about marketing online will find John's delivery refreshing and enlightening while enabling them to make educated decisions about E-media marketing, a new service being offered to chemical manufacturers and distributors by Chemical Week.

Biography:
John Strazza, Director of E-Media for the Chemical Business Media Division of Access Intelligence, LLC, has a no-nonsense approach to today's migration to marketing and content delivery on the web. His expertise: developing E-products and methods that market well in this new arena, and aiding companies who are facing the transition from traditional marketing methods to online methods. Being a public speaker for over a decade and having a background in the visual and audio arts, add to John's ability to clearly convey this hot and sometimes confusing topic of marketing online.

Thursday, November 17, 2005

Click Here for Copy of Slides

“ A Mini OSHA 10-Hour Training Course ”

Mike Yarnell

Compliance Assistance

US Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and

Health Administration

Abstract:
There is vast amount of information resident at the OSHA area office that can help a manufacturer, in particular a small chemical manufacturer, take steps to compliance with OSHA standards. Here is your chance to get a valuable overview of OSHA 10-hour course. The course provides the students with an overview to: Identify hazards and determine appropriate safety procedures; Identify methods to abate the hazards; Understand and define OSHA standards; Recognize how to be in compliance with OSHA standards. Upon satisfactorily completion of all 10 hours of training, the individual will receive an OSHA 10-hour general industry safety completion card.

This presentation is a "Mini OSHA 10-hour course". It contains the same subject matter as the real OSHA 10, but less detail (and less time of course). It is intended to increase audience knowledge of hazards and OSHA requirements. The Mini OSHA 10 hour program is intended to provide glance of the variety of general industry safety and health standards covered in the full course. An individual must attend all 10-hours to receive certification.

Biography:
In addition to being trained to Process Safety Management, Level 1, Mike Yarnell is a member of the 10 person Chemical Specialized Response Team, set up under Homeland Security, which functions as the nationwide response to chemical disasters and terrorist attacks. As a Compliance Officer, his function is to provide manufacturers, and other business owners, the benefit of extensive technical expertise and field investigation experience by implementing outreach programs for the business community. He has many years’ experience in Industrial Hygiene, including being a Regional Industrial Hygienist, which makes the organizational assistance and development of partnerships and alliances with industry that he implements all the more valuable.

Thursday, September 15, 2005

NJ Group of Small Chemical Businesses
Presents an
Internet Marketing Course for Small Chemical Businesses

Course Title
NJGSCB Internet Marketing Starter Course

Presenter
David Mason
HMG-e-Publishing

Course Description:
This 7-hour how-to course is designed for managers and entrepreneurs needing a basic understanding and knowledge of e-communication and Internet marketing. Using the NJGSCB Internet Marketing Starter Kit, the instructor will give you an overview of the process of internet marketing, and how to use your website develop sales leads, and generate sales. Each module in the Starter Kit deals with a specific internet marketing tool including a description of the tool or method, and a hands-on exercise to apply it to a real – life situation. Some of the modules are:

-- How to Prepare and Plan for Internet Marketing
-- How to Use the Website as a Marketing Vehicle
-- How to Improve Performance and Increase Traffic.

More details on this course can be found at HMG-e-Publishing

Upon successful completion of the course, you will: (1) Have an understanding internet marketing techniques, tactics and strategies; (2) Possess information and tools to enhance and manage successfully the development of Internet traffic; (3) Understand how to set and perform online transactions and interactions such as data gathering, and (4) have a greater ability to manage the design and launch of a web page to promote, publicize and sell your products and services.

Thursday, September 15, 2005
Dinner Meeting
(Cancelled, moved to January 19, 2006)

“Understanding More about Online Marketing
for the Small Chemical Company”

John Strazza
Director of E-Media
Chemical Week

Abstract:
By understanding more about the online marketing arena you can better tailor the design of your web site and your market plan to peak and meet your audience's interests. Today's topic includes questions like:

• "Should my company market its products online in the current financial environment?"
• "What are the best methods and places to market on the web?"
• "How will buyers find my product?"
• "What about e-commerce, driving traffic to the site and ROI?"

Chemical industry professionals who are asking about marketing online will find John's delivery refreshing and enlightening while enabling them to make educated decisions about E-media marketing, a new service being offered to chemical manufacturers and distributors by Chemical Week.

Biography:
John Strazza, Director of E-Media for the Chemical Business Media Division of Access Intelligence, LLC, has a no-nonsense approach to today's migration to marketing and content delivery on the web. His expertise: developing E-products and methods that market well in this new arena, and aiding companies who are facing the transition from traditional marketing methods to online methods. Being a public speaker for over a decade and having a background in the visual and audio arts, add to John's ability to clearly convey this hot and sometimes confusing topic of marketing online.

May 23, 2005: 1:30 pm - 5:00 pm
Small Chemical Business
Discovery to Commercialization

“Discovery to Commercialization” –In the rapidly changing world of chemically-related industries, technology innovation is essential to fuel growth in a wide variety of industry sectors. The purpose of this Forum is to present case histories of four innovative technologies that have followed very different paths to commercialization. Most have proved the concept, many have already found (and used) grant, seed and venture capital; others are still seeking investors to help them go the last mile; and one is already at commercialization. The industry sectors vary from chemistry based manufacturing technology, to environmental chemistry, to new drug formulations in a unique delivery system, to nanotechnology based materials with exotic military and consumer applications.

Attendees will have an opportunity to exchange ideas with each presenter, and the moderator will help put the 4 paths to commercialization into perspective, making observations on alternate or additional ways to commercialize. This is your chance to hear what works and what not to pursue as technology moves down the complex path from development to the marketplace.

Molding an Innovation to Market Needs: A Critical Key to a Start-up’s Success!
Dr. Joseph d’Antuono, ROW2 Technologies, Inc.

Abstract:
Chemical Process Development has emerged as a vital step in the long path to drug commercialization. Not only must process chemists devise new, efficient, safe and scalable synthetic routes to a target compound, they must also meet tight deadlines, while identifying cost-effective ways to produce commercial quantities of a target molecule. Realizing that “route design” was still primarily an intellectual/intuitive process, and no technological tools had been developed to support this complex task, ROW2 Technologies developed intellectual property and an innovative software application to revolutionize the process chemistry world. ROW2 developed ChemSpire®, a software application with an underlying knowledge base of commercially-practiced chemistry and novel searches based on “synthetic analogy”.Dr. D’Antuono will outline the development process and critical learnings for launching a novel software technology. He will also describe how ROW2 has had to adapt to its customers’ needs and emerged as a “software & solutions” company. Today, ROW2 markets products to process development, business development and sourcing professionals in the life sciences and chemical industries. Finally, Dr. D’Antuono will highlight the key issues faced in the commercialization process, and strategies taken to address those issues, which led ROW2 to develop a sustainable business model based on breakthrough technology.

Biography:
Dr. Joseph D’Antuono received his B.S. in Chemistry/Biology from Providence College followed by a Ph.D. from Indiana University in Synthetic Organic Chemistry, working for Dr. David Williams, and an MBA from Rutgers University. Dr. D’Antuono held a number of diverse functions in the pharmaceutical industry, including positions in process development, regulatory affairs and strategic sourcing with increasing responsibilities within the organizations. After a short time selling contract manufacturing and generic APIs, Dr. D’Antuono joined ROW2. His experience has been instrumental in designing services and solutions targeting process development, business development and sourcing professionals in the areas of route design, business expansion and supplier capabilities and selection.

From a Eureka Moment to a Clinical Candidate: a Case Study of a PolymerDrug™
Dr. Karen J. Giroux, Polymerix Corp.

Abstract:
The effort involved in moving from the excitement of an initial discovery to the point of commercialization is often underestimated by those who make the initial invention. Dr. Kathryn Uhrich has made several innovative leaps forward in science, particularly in developing a new class of pharmacologically active biodegradable polymers, and it has been Polymerix Corporation's responsibility to find the right commercialization path for each. Some joys and pitfalls of developing an innovative platform technology in the post-web-bubble-post-9/11 investment environment will be described.

Biography:
Karen J. Giroux, Ph.D., Co-Founder, Chairman, President & CEO, was previously Interim President & COO of EpiGenesis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where she executed a turnaround and negotiated deals with Chiesi Pharmaceuticals and Taisho Pharmaceuticals valued at over $120 million in pre-commercial funding for the company and managed the effort to obtain an IND for the first antisense drug for pulmonary delivery. Before joining EpiGenesis, she was a Principal with Muzinich & Co., Inc., where she identified and managed investment opportunities in life sciences, and initiated Ariane Health LDC, an offshore life sciences venture fund for which she served as Portfolio Manager and Board Member.

Earlier in her career, Dr. Giroux was a Vice President and then Director of Technology Management & Funding, at LP, a firm specializing in partnering early-stage, high-tech companies with large corporations. She has also held university as well as government management positions, and received a Fulbright award to spend a year in Germany as a Senior Professor of Business Administration investigating European financing opportunities for early-stage companies. She received a B.S. in interdisciplinary science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in biology and mathematics from North Carolina State University.

HydroGlobe – Commercializing an Innovative Water Purification Technology
John Schroeder, VP of Operations, Graver Technologies, HydroGlobe Division

Abstract:
HydroGlobe developed through a unique partnership between academia and the private sector. It was founded in 2001 by three professors from Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ, who had developed technology for the removal of heavy metals from water, and had done pioneering work in prototyping the technology to remove arsenic from water in such areas as Bangladesh. Stevens, under its Technogenesis program, initiated incubation of the company, whose purpose was to commercialize the technologies. The start up was also to allow continued involvement of the professors, students, and other Institute personnel as a learning experience in how a business is started and run.

Through a licensing arrangement, HydroGlobe’s strong management team, which had high quality technical expertise, used their state of the art facilities for the commercialization process. After three years of product engineering, during with time HydroGlobe developed a series of water applications, HydroGlobe LLC was recently acquired by Graver Technologies, a leading player in the water treatment industry, who will move the technology through the next, expanded commercialization steps into a variety of markets.

Biography:
JOHN SCHROEDER, VP of Operations, Graver Technologies, HydroGlobe Division. Before the acquisition, he was President of HydroGlobe, Inc., which specializes in products and technologies for removal of Arsenic and heavy metals from drinking water and wastewater. He oversaw the development of technologies invented at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken NJ and recently sold the company to Graver Technologies LLC.

Prior to HydroGlobe, Mr. Schroeder was Executive Vice President of the $70 million Environmental Products and Services segments of Sybron Chemicals that included the ion exchange and biochemical products and custom manufacturing. He served on the Sybron Board of Directors until the company’s sale to Bayer Corporation in 2001.

Mr. Schroeder is Chairman of the Chemistry Council of New Jersey and is past Chairman of the Municipal Utilities Authority and of the Planning board of Mt. Laurel Township, New Jersey. He graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology in 1971 ith a Bachelors degree in Engineering, and subsequently earned both a Masters in Chemical Engineering and a Masters in Management Science from Stevens. He currently holds a Professional Engineering license in the state of New Jersey.

Commercialization of Nanocomposite Barrier Coatings
Dr. Harris A. Goldberg, InMat® Inc.

Abstract:
InMat®, Inc., headquartered in Hillsborough, New Jersey, is a leading company in the field of nanocomposite coatings that dramatically improve the barrier properties of polymers and elastomers. Founded in 1999, and selling commercially since 2001, InMat develops, markets and manufactures nanocomposite coatings based on the Nanolok™ breakthrough technology.

InMat’s proprietary and patented Nanolok™ technology platform has lead to commercial products that have been marketed under the brand name Air D-Fense™ and Nanolok™. These products enable significant advancements in industries where barrier technology is key, including flexible and rigid packaging, automotive,medical device components, protective apparel, and sports equipment.

InMat’s product line has been developed with the use of funding from large corporations, the founders, Angel investors, state agencies, federal agencies, and venture capital. All development efforts were focused on the needs of customers in specific markets. How these needs were addressed became the cornerstone of InMat’s strategy and business plan, enabling InMat™ to hold a leading position in nanocomposite barrier coatings

Biography:
Harris A. Goldberg, President & CEO, InMat® Inc., received his Ph.D. in condensed matter theory from the University of Massachusetts in 1975. After a postdoc at the University of Toronto, he began an industrial research career at the Celanese Research Center in Summit, New Jersey in 1978.

Working first for Celanese, and later for Hoechst Celanese, he made technical contributions and led business development teams in numerous material science areas concentrating on organic based optical and electronic materials. He has experience in taking technology from concept through all the stages of R&D to commercialization. With more than twenty patents, Dr. Goldberg has co-authored over forty technical papers as well as a book entitled The Physics of Carbon and Graphite Fibers.

In 1999, he co-founded InMat LLC with his partner, Dr. Carrie Feeney, supported by their technical team. It later became InMat Inc. The company’s first commercial success was with Wilson Sporting Goods, who introduced their Double Core™ tennis ball, the official ball of the Davis Cup, in July of 2001 using the Nanolok™ technology. InMat leads the development of nanocomposite barrier coatings for use in packaging, sporting goods, automotive and chemical protection markets.

March 16, 2005

ARE IMPORTS NEGATIVELY IMPACTING YOUR BUSINESS?
Here’s What You Can Do About It!!

Presented by

Mr. William Bujalos
Director, MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center

When U.S. manufacturers are affected by competitive imported products, the Trade Adjustment Assistance for Firms (TAA), a federal program sponsored by the US DOC’s Economic Development Administration, helps them respond proactively. The agency partners with a manufacturer in a cost sharing program that pays for half the cost of consultants or industry-specific experts for projects that are designed to improve a manufacturer's competitiveness.

The MidAtlantic Trade Adjustment Assistance Center (MATAAC), located in Blue Bell, PA, is one of eleven Trade Assistance Centers in the United States that administers this federal grant program sponsored by the US Department of Commerce. The office partners with manufacturers in Delaware, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and W. Virginia by offering 50/50 cost sharing on projects involving outside professional service providers to implement approved improvement projects in such areas as manufacturing, engineering, marketing, systems, quality and finance. The assistance enables a manufacturer to improve its competitive position faster and more aggressively than it could on its own.

TAA’s experienced business professionals guide manufacturers through each phase of the program – from application to project completion. Basic parameters for entering the program include declines in sales and employment at least partially due to import competition. To find out more about how the TAA program works, join Bill Bujalos, Director, and Sal Mengine, Project Manager, for an informative discussion about how MATAAC can assist your business in becoming more competitive in a global economy.

Biography:
Mr. Bujalos has been Director of MATAA Center since 1998, and is responsible for the administration of the non-profit TAA program in 6 states and the District of Columbia. His career spans almost four decades of diverse manufacturing, engineering, retail and management consulting experience. Past executive positions were in the chemicals, plastics, energy, medical device, automotive systems industries at corporations such as Union Carbide, Air Products, Merck, ESB International, American Hospital Supply, as well as several privately held companies. He has also been a management consultant and a small business owner, and has testified before the Congress on the effects of the trade imbalance on America’s small cap manufacturing sector.

Thursday, January 20, 2005

“Emergency Preparedness at a Chemical Manufacturing Site –
Steps toward Process Safety for the Small Chemical Company”

Presented by

Mike Yarnell
OSHA Compliance Assistant
Avenel, NJ Area Office
(732) 750-3270

Member, OSHA Chemical Specialized Response Team

Abstract:
There is vast amount of information resident at the OSHA area office that can help a manufacturer, in particular a small chemical manufacturer, take steps to protect employees and facility from a chemical disaster. Here is your chance to get a valuable overview of protective and preventive practices you can implement now, and pitfalls to avoid, to help guarantee continued operation in case of an emergency. The presentation will include an overview of the Incident Command System as well as information on OSHA’s role in case of emergency.

The presentation nicely complements the presentation at our September meeting by Greg Thompson, Amerada Hess, on how a manufacturer of chemical products can develop a basic security plan for the vulnerable areas of a facility, and what resources are available to management for implementation. It also takes up where Kris Hoffman, the local OSHA Compliance Officer for our region, left off last January with his excellent profile of the technical and compliance resources available electronically from OSHA.

Biography:
In addition to being trained to Process Safety Management, Level 1, Mike Yarnell is a member of the 10 person Chemical Specialized Response Team, set up under Homeland Security, which functions as the nationwide response to chemical disasters and terrorist attacks. As a Compliance Officer, his function is to provide manufacturers, and other business owners, the benefit of extensive technical expertise and field investigation experience by implementing outreach programs for the business community. He has many years’ experience in Industrial Hygiene, including being a Regional Industrial Hygienist, which makes the organizational assistance and development of partnerships and alliances with industry that he implements all the more valuable.

Thursday, November 4, 2004

CRISIS MANAGEMENT
OR
WHAT TO DO WHEN THE REPORTERS ARE BANGING ON YOUR DOOR

Andrea Obston, President
Andrea Obston Marketing Communications, LLC
Bloomfield, CT
http://aomc.com/

Abstract:
Based on twenty years’ experience working with key clients, Ms. Obston demonstrates how to use public relations plans to manage communications to your company and to the world around you during a crisis. She profiles tools and methods to handle typical situations, which are more likely to occur in these days of increased security and safety regulations and issues. The presentation will include specifics of how and when to release information in order to have clear, open communication within the company and with the community.

In an emergency situation, which suddenly disrupts operations, or when dealing with chronic issues that could erupt into emergencies, the right kind of internal exchanges, when linked with a well defined public relations plan that is designed to convey situation parameters to the community, civic agencies and the press, can help management handle the situation appropriately.

The goal of crisis management is to protect the public and your employees while securing the future success of your business, whether your truck spills its contents all over the Turnpike at rush hour, your newest product is tampered with before delivery to your key customer, your cash cow product suddenly fails in the primary application, you have labor problems in the plant or the warehouse, or environmental and safety issues are plaguing your operations.

You will leave with a greater understanding of:

• How to recognize a Crisis
• How to implement Crisis Management – Crisis Public Relations
• What good Crisis Public Relations can help you do
• How to do Crisis Public Relations right

Biography:
Andrea Obston founded her marketing communications firm in 1982. Since then, the firm has handled local and national accounts that range from a law firm to an astronaut. Among the firm's current clients are: Affinity Healthcare Management, Inc., Children’s Therapy Center, Filomeno & Company, P.C., Gassman & Golodny, Financial Planners, Integrated Loan Services, Kaestle Boos Associates, Inc., New England Technical Institute, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

Ms. Obston was named as the 1998 Small Business Leader of the Year by the Greater Hartford Chamber of Commerce. She received her MBA from the University of Connecticut, and her BS in public relations from Boston University. Her business has been honored with an Emmy as well as awards from the Public Relations Society of America, International Association of Business Communicators, The Communicator’s Awards, the Advertising Club of Connecticut, The International Film and TV Festival of New York, The Life Communicators Association and the U.S. Industrial Film Festival.

September 23, 2004

Security Guidelines and Implementation Strategies
for Chemical Handling and Manufacturing Facilities -
The Small Chemical Company

Speaker:
Greg Thompson
Manager, Safety & Loss Prevention and Regulatory Affairs
The Amerada Hess Corporation, New York, NY
http://www.hess.com

- How do I comply with DPCC/DCR [NJAC 7:1E] security regulations regarding lighting and fencing of my facility?
- What is the value of doing a vulnerability assessment for a manufacturing site?
- How do the recommendations and funding coming from the national Homeland Security Department affect your business?
- What is the Homeland Security Buffer Zone Protection analysis – and how can you manage it’s impact?
- What is New Jersey’s Office of Counter Terrorism security assessment?
- What is the impact of the Coast Guard regulation 33 CFR Part 105 – Maritime Security: Facilities?
- How does the API/NPRA assessment methodology apply to my facility?
- Where can I get FEMA’s “Emergency Management Guide for Business & Industry”?

You will leave this presentation with a greater understanding of how a manufacturer of chemical products can develop a basic security plan for the vulnerable areas of a facility, and what resources are available to management for implementation.

Prior to joining Hess, he spent a number of years at Chevron, Gulf Oil, and Dow Chemical. With a degree in chemical engineering from Texas A & M, Greg has held positions in all phases of management, including Technical Services, Operation, Project Management, Construction, R & D, Risk Management, Safety/Security.

Thursday May 20, 2004

Annual Forum

Compliance & Regulatory Issues
for the Small Chemical Business

Presentations, Networking & Trade Fair

FORUM PRESENTATIONS

I. Opening Doors for America’s Small Businesses:
Responsibly Addressing Small Business Environmental Issues

Karen V. Brown, EPA Small Business Ombudsman Director
Small Business Division Office of the Administrator, OPEI, OBCI Washington, DC

Abstract:
Are you up to speed on EPA’s Small Business Assistance Program? Are you familiar with the many ways the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office can help the small business community understand and comply with EPA regulatory requirements? Do you have a list of the many resources and tools for compliance and education they can make available to small chemical manufacturers and importers?

Ms. Brown’s presentation will illustrate EPA links to Small Business Association programs, to small business trade associations, to other federal agencies, and to EPA program offices where you will find the resources and basic tools for small business compliance with federal regulations, including no-charge services.

This is an opportunity to hear some specific examples of how the Small Business Division has helped smaller companies comply more easily and efficiently, avoiding significant problems by proactively developing a regulatory compliance strategy. An outline of the most frequently encountered key issues for a small company will evolve. For a preview of the fact sheets and resources available to the small business, take a look at www.smallbiz-enviroweb.org.

Biography:
Karen Brown is the Director of the EPA’s Small Business Division. Since joining the agency in 1981, Karen has held a series of management positions, with most of her work focused on the needs of small business, working with the Administrator, the Deputy Administrator and the Assistant Administrator for Solid Waste and Emergency Response. In 1985, Karen was appointed EPA Small Business Ombudsman by Administrator Lee Thomas, and three years later she was asked to take on additional duties as EPA’s Asbestos Ombudsman.

During the 1990's EPA’s Small Business Ombudsman program continued to gain recognition under Karen’s leadership. It was highlighted in Congressional testimony as one of the best outreach programs in federal government, profiled in the Wall Street Journal as an outstanding model of government working well for the people it serves, and described in Entrepreneur Magazine as a friend to the small business community.

Prior to coming to the EPA, Karen worked as a chemist and environmental health specialist with the District of Columbia’s Environmental Health Administration. She holds a B.S. degree from the University of the District of Columbia and has done graduate work in Environmental Science at The George Washington University. In recent years, Karen attended the Federal Executive Institute and has completed a number of other management programs.

II. Pollution Prevention and Right to Know:
Federal and State Regulatory Compliance – Requirements and Resources

Alan Bookman, Section Chief,
NJDEP Office of Pollution Prevention and Right to Know, Trenton , NJ .

Abstract:
The State Worker and Community Right to Know Act for regulated facilities requires annual reporting of chemical inventories on the Community Right to Know (CRTK) Survey. These facilities must report any Environmental Hazardous Substances above defined thresholds that were present at the facility during a reporting year.

Did you know you can complete this reporting requirement via the State internet system? NJDEP encourages you to find out how you can do this - and will show you how during the presentation. You also need to know how a regulation adopted this year impacts that reporting. The new regulation converts the definition of the CRTK regulated universe from one based on Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System codes to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes – not a simple transition.

There are also chemical inventory reporting requirements under the federal Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act (EPCRA). These include emergency planning notification and two separate chemical inventory reporting requirements, one of which is satisfied by using the CRTK Survey. Find out if these requirements apply to your facility, and ways to meet them more efficiently.

For facilities that use, manufacture, or process certain toxic chemicals in the quantities defined under Section 313 of EPCRA, there are additional reporting forms that must be filed with the USEPA and NJDEP. Furthermore, these same facilities may be required to submit the state Release and Pollution Prevention Report (RPPR) which requires detailed materials balance information to be submitted in addition to release information.

Those companies are also subject to additional requirements under the New Jersey Pollution Prevention Act. Find out if there are any additional reporting requirements for your size company under EPCRA, the Pollution Prevention Act and Community Right to Know. This is an opportunity to develop a checklist of reporting requirements and the tools/resources available to help you meet those obligations

Biography:
Alan Bookman joined the NJ Department of Environmental Protection twenty five years ago and spent the first five years in the Bureau of Air Quality Management and Surveillance. For the last 20 years, he has been involved with the Community Right to Know program, rising to Section Chief. Alan has a B.A. in Biology from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, as well as a M.S. in Biology from Rutgers University.
.

III. Does Your Facility Need an Air Permit?
Find Out About Permits and Certificates for Minor Facilities

Robert Darrow, Environmental Specialist
Bureau of Pre-construction Permitting, Division of Air Quality
NJ Department of Environmental Protection

Abstract:
Mr. Darrow will explain the NJ Administrative Code that applies to ‘minor’ facilities, 7:27, Subchapter 8, which profiles part of the Department of Air Quality’s responsibility to help New Jersey attain the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. The Standards, set by the Federal EPA, are designed to protect the health and welfare of the citizens of the state.

Part of the Division’s strategy for attaining these standards is the Pre Construction Permitting Program, which focuses on issuing air permits for certain types of equipment or source operations – either already in place or ready to be put into operation. Subchapter 8 applies to nineteen different sources of air contaminant emissions: some sources are pieces of equipment; others are source operations or processes. These source operations can be simple as an above ground storage tank or complex as coal burning power plants.

During the past five years, the Bureau has made significant progress, partly by developing General Permits, which are designed to assist small businesses in complying with air regulations. Find out if your facility has any equipment or source operations that require an air permit, and how NJDEP can help you through the permitting process.

Biography:
Bob Darrow joined the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection more than twenty-five years ago, after completing a B.S. in Environmental Studies at California State University. He spent 13 years in the Motor Vehicle Emission Standards Section, and for the last 13 years he has been involved in the Air Permitting Program.

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Thursday, March 18, 2004
Joint Meeting with Association of Consulting Chemists & Chemical Engineers

Thinking Differently – The Key To Effective Leadership and Management and the Route to Sustainable High Performance

Today's business environment is more dynamic and complex than ever; new business models are continually demanded to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. One of the ways to meet these challenges is to develop shift your thinking a few degrees for better insights into the situation's dynamics. This presentation is designed to sharpen your awareness of a wide range of principles and models that can be used to sustain a high performance level.

The traditional mental models of how the world works can be sharpened and expanded by using the power of systemic thinking. This strategic approach will be demonstrated, and illustrated with a discussion of real-life examples. For example, there will be a review of a model that shows the real cause of ever increasing health care costs and why the current approach will not solve the problem.

At the end of the presentation, attendees will have a new framework for making choices in a different way; and that framework will lead to higher levels of success in both personal and organizational activities.

Mr. Koestler is currently an Adjunct Professor in Drexel University 's Graduate Program in Engineering Management, teaching courses in “Leadership in Engineering Management”, “Engineering Management –Paradox and Creativity” and “Systems Thinking.”

A graduate of Villanova University , with a degree in chemical engineering, Don held managerial and leadership positions in manufacturing, engineering, and corporate technology at Rohm and Hass Company over a period of 40 years.

His entire career focused on chemical process technology, and Don played a key role in setting up the Process Development Network.

During the reengineering of Rohm and Haas' capital deployment process, Don developed the leadership/management courses that he teaches at Drexel. He has blended his personal experience with the learnings from many other organizations as well as the best of the current literature; as a result, he has developed unique models that can be used to develop personal and organizational strategies and tactics.

Thursday, January 15, 2004

“An OSHA Hazard Communication Primer for the Small Chemical Company”

Kris Hoffman
Compliance Assistance Specialist
US Department of Labor
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Are you up to speed on OSHA's Hazard Communication Standard requirements for small chemical manufacturers and importers? This presentation will provide you with the basic tools for small business hazard communication compliance.

You will leave this presentation with a greater understanding of:
• Chemicals covered (and not covered) under the hazard communication standard;
• Chemical hazard determination requirements;
• Material safety data sheet requirements;
• Chemical container labeling requirements;
• General requirements for a complete written internal hazard communication program;
• Status of the globally harmonized system for hazard communication.

Attendees will also receive valuable compliance assistance information on where to find free help from OSHA. Take advantage of this session that is part of OSHA's initiative to reach out to small employers to make OSHA compliance easier.

Biography:

Kris Hoffman has been an Industrial Hygienist with OSHA for fifteen years, holding positions of Field IH [Parsippany Area Office], Regional IH [NYC Regional Office], and Assistant Area Director for Health [Parsippany Area Office]. He currently holds the position of Compliance Assistance Specialist at the Parsippany office.

He is tasked with the development of alliances and partnerships with businesses and labor, as well as with the delivery of outreach and compliance assistance, and with acting as the Team Leader in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program [VPP]. His experience includes leading comprehensive safety and industrial hygiene field investigations in a vast range of industries from foundries and storage tank cleaning operations to chemical manufacturing plants and hospitals. In addition, Kris served as one of four team leaders tasked with running OSHA's air sampling program for nine months during the World Trade Center rescue and recovery operation.

Kris' education includes an MS, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, from Hunter College , CUNY, as well as a BA, Biological Sciences, Rutgers University .

Thursday, November 20, 2003

"MARKET RESEARCH MAXIMIZED
Goals, Methods and Evaluation"

Joel H. Levy, Principal
RSL Associates, Morris Plains, NJ

Market Research is more important than ever in this rapidly-changing, very competitive market. The presentation will demonstrate how to define your project, execute the research, and evaluate the results. For example, m arket research has an important role in evaluating new product ideas, and the interview can be a very important part of any research project. Why do interviews? To develop primary information: directly from a valid source, obtained by one on one contact.

The choice of the type of contact or interview is critical. Telephone and mail surveys as well as personal interviews are effective tools. Mr. Levy will illustrate how to use these techniques, profiling the essential elements of each. Included will be illustrations of successful call reports, and the process of analyzing the results.

Biography:

Joel H. Levy is the principal of RSL Associates, LLC in Morris Plains, NJ. RSL is a global management consulting firm specializing in strategic, marketing and technical analysis primarily in the engineering/performance plastics, specialty films and specialty chemicals areas. Mr Levy received B. Ch.E. (Chemical Engineering) and M.S.Ch.E. degrees from City College of New York and Polytechnic University respectively.

Mr Levy's work experience includes process development/pilot plant positions positions at Celanese Polymer Co, Sun Chemical, and Quaker Oats- Chemicals Division. At Princeton Chemical Research, Inc he was responsible for operating the pilot plant conducting contract research, plant manager of PMDA/ BTDA fine organics facility. He also co-authored a multi-client market research study on Flame Retardant Plastics, Textiles and Additives in 1968-1969.At Searle Chemical, he was Manager , Process Engineering for the sweetener project( Equal) spending time in Japan with Ajinomoto.Mr Levy's last industrial position was with AlliedSignal( Honeywell). He was Manager, Marketing Services for the Engineered Applications &Solutions ( Engineering Plastics) Group.He developed and coordinated global competitive analysis of major engineering plastics suppliers, initiated, coordinated and developed acquisition analyses of major engineering resin producer(s),and created an awareness of new markets/competitors resulting in double digit revenue increase the following year.

Mr. Levy was President of the Chemical Management and Resources Association (CMRA)- 1998-1999, Director, Commercial Development and Marketing Association (CDMA) 1999-2001 and Chairman, Business Development and Management Division -(BMGT- ACS) 1993-1995. He is currently a member of the ACS, CDMA and SPE.Mr Levy has presented papers on engineering plastics( nylon, thermoplastic polyester) and specialty/ performance films( biax nylon, polyimide) to groups in North America and Europe.

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Joint Meeting with the CDMA (Commercial Dvelopment & Marketing Assoc.)
Presented by the CDMA Educational Foundation

Competitive Intelligence Workshop

• CI Project Proposal Preparation - Ada Nielsen, BP Chemicals

• On-Line Information Sources [Secondary Research] - Wm Frye, BP Chemicals

• Patent Analysis and Competitive Intelligence - Use of MTFA - Phil Barnett, Director, PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, Intellectual Asset Managment
  

Chemical industry professionals from the CDMA Educational Foundation will present a 3.5 hour "how-to" on acquisition of competitive intelligence. Included will be how to gather information from online resources, with students having internet access in PriceWaterhouseCooper's state-of-the-art training room. Bring a laptop if you have one and want to surf individually. Laptop not necessary to lunch and learn, however.

Here's an opportunity to sharpen your skills for gathering technical and business information needed to maintain your company's competitive position. This workshop was developed by members of the Commercial Development and Marketing Association Educational Foundation, and was presented at the Fall Meeting, 2002, as well as at various locations around the country. The hands-on course helps you find faster ways to get valuable information, as well as how to analyze complex technical patent information. PC hook-ups will be provided.

Thursday, May 15, 2003

A Forum:
Competitive Intelligence for The Small - Midsized Company

Presented by CI Experts:
- John McGonagle, The Helicon Group
- Michael Bigwood, International Technology Information, Inc.
- Erik Glitman, Fletcher CSI

PRESENTATION 1

"Why, How and Where to Get Started in Competitive Intelligence:
The Challenge for the Small Chemicals Businessperson"
John J. McGonagle, Jr., Managing Partner
The Helicon Group http://www.helicongroup.com

Abstract: Smaller firms tend to have and use competitive intelligence less than their larger competitors do. Yet their needs are at least as great, if not greater. For most small firms, a formal CI process can provide valuable assistance, but only if the process is focused on generating the right type(s) of CI. An analysis of the forces driving the chemicals industry, the nature of your competition, and of your firm, can provide the direction needed to select the right kinds of CI to focus on.

Smaller firms have an additional issue to face. In the smaller firms, the person eventually in charge of CI may well be its most important customer. And that, in turn, can make this same person the most important target for competitors' CI efforts. So, even a one-person CI program must be aware of the most common places your competitors may try to collect competitively sensitive data from you!

Biography: Mr. McGonagle is co-author of seven books on competitive intelligence including Protecting Your Firm Against Competitive Intelligence and The Internet Age of Competitive Intelligence, and Bottom Line Competitive Intelligence. His next book, A Manager's Guide to Competitive Intelligence will be released in September 2003. Mr. McGonagle is the author or co-author of numerous business, competitive intelligence, law and economics articles, and has served as an expert witness on competitive intelligence and related topics.

Mr. McGonagle holds a B.A. from Yale College (Economics – Intensive), a J.D. from the University of Michigan Law School (With Honors), an LL.M. from the George Washington University (Urban Legal Studies – With Highest Honors), and an M.A. form the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania (Business and Applied Economics).

PRESENTATION 2

"CI FOR THE SMALL BUSINESS: Build on What You Already Have"
Michael P. Bigwood, Principal
International Technology Information http://www.intechinfo.com

Abstract: If members of your organization, as small as it might be, monitor technology developments, read the trade literature, attend conferences and trade shows or make sales calls, you already have most of the CI information you need. The challenge is to raise awareness among people about the CI value of that information, and to gather it all in one place where its CI value can be realized. During this presentation, we will discuss sources of "internally generated" CI data, processes for converting that highly dispersed data into valuable knowledge and pitfalls to avoid when designing your small company CI process.

Biography: Dr. Bigwood is a Ph. D. chemist with 13 years of industrial experience in research, R&D management and technology planning with a global specialty chemical company. Through that experience, he has developed a good understanding of the tools and techniques of R&D management and technology planning, but has also learned that these activities must be linked to other functions (marketing, manufacturing etc.) to result in commercial success.

Since 1995, Dr. Bigwood has been providing consulting support to technology driven companies. Through training and consulting services, he provides data gathering techniques and analytical tools that help companies develop a better understanding of their own technology base as well as the surrounding technical competitive environment, which allows them to identify opportunities for new product development, licensing, partnerships or acquisitions.

PRESENTATION 3

"A CI Tool Set for Collection and Analysis: Chemicals Industry Options"
Erik Glitman, Director of Research and Operations
Fletcher/CSI http://www.fletchersci.com

Abstract: There are many ways a small chemical business owner can access information on competitor actions and operations and analyze that information, obtained through legitimate means, for strategic intent. Both private and publicly held chemical companies operate in an environment that is characterized by high levels of regulation and competition. This operating environment requires that companies keep close tabs on what the competition is doing and also allows for a relatively rapid disclosure of new information. Gathering information about competitors in the chemical industry using publicly available information has gotten harder in the post 9/11 world, but is still feasible. Tools such as government filings, environmental watchdog reports, and other open sources will be discussed.

In addition, there are soft signals that can also be used to understand what a competitor is up to. These include help wanted ads, permit filings, resumes, and other signs that a change is underway. Access to these data sources has not changed as much in the post 9/11 world.

Taking all the competitive intelligence gathered and putting it to good use requires a solid understanding of how small changes can lead to big advantages. Linking competitive intelligence to corporate strategy will be discussed as will ways that competitive intelligence can influence strategic decision making for issues such as capacity expansion, pricing, equipment upgrades and market entry.

Biography: Erik Glitman, a founder of Fletcher/CSI, has been active in the competitive intelligence industry for over 15 years. He is the co-creator of the not-for-profit, Fletcher/CSI Foundation and its annual award for the best writings published on the topic of competitive intelligence. Mr. Glitman has worked with clients in pharmaceutical, machinery, electronics, high tech, insurance and healthcare industries. Through Fletcher/CSI's consulting practice he has extensive experience helping companies expand on their sales force success through strategic planning and the proprietary gathering of competitive intelligence.

Mr. Glitman holds a B.S. degree in Economics from the University of Vermont, a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Johnson State College and an M.S. in International Affairs from American University. He has spoken and written extensively on various industry topics and has been a regular guest lecturer at Champlain College. He is an active member of the Society of Competitive Intelligence Professionals (SCIP).

Thursday, March 20, 2003

Customer Retention Marketing:
Designing a Customer Contact Loop

Gail Steckler, President
Business Strategies & Beyond, Inc, Mountainside, NJ

Most companies know CRM as a database management program that is capable of sharing customer information; however, there is so much more to a CRM strategy than meets the eye. Surprisingly enough, CRM actually begins even before you acquire a customer. Developing the customer relationship requires the entire organization to become customer-focused. The presentation will provide an overview understanding of the importance of implementing and maintaining a customer relationship by using CRM throughout the customer life cycle.

In addition to strategy development, Gail serves as President of Messinger Associates, Inc., an advertising and PR agency. Through her insights, passion, and dedication, client businesses develop and fine-tune strategies to support their distinctive brands. She is a graduate of The American University (BS) and Long Island University (MS).

Ms. Steckler has over 30 years of experience in developing behavioral change and marketing communications strategies. She is a 5-term former Member of the Board of Directors of the Business Marketing Association, a Member of the Board of Directors of the Women's Management Forum of the Greater Plainfields, and a member of TEC Associates.

Abstract:

Participating in strategic alliances can allow manufacturers to leverage university and government resources to help their businesses become more sustainable. Business consultants can provide value-added help to their clients by acting as liaison for such alliances. The global marketplace, rapid technological developments, and the business climate in the state all present challenges to the survival of manufacturers. The vast majority of manufacturers remaining in the state are small - employing fewer than 500 employees; and they employ only 10% of non-agricultural workers, while in the 1950's, 50% of New Jersey's non-agricultural workers were employed in manufacturing. In small companies, the management of day-to-day operations leaves little time for long-term strategic planning, investigations of ways to become more efficient, or keeping current with issues effecting business. The presentation will outline potential resources and alliances - an opportunity for you to find new inputs for growing your business.

Background:

Carole Trabachino is Project Manager for the New Jersey Industries of the Future Partnership (NJIOF). Her job is to build opportunities for partnerships among manufacturers, universities, state agencies, and others for the purpose of identifying critical issues facing New Jersey manufacturing industries and finding solutions for them. Towards this end, Carole facilitates information exchange between stakeholders regarding technological developments and sources of financial and technological assistance. She maintains frequent contact with manufacturers, collegiate faculty, program managers from the US Department of Energy (DOE) and the State of NJ, and representatives of manufacturer's associations and utilities.

The NJIOF Partnership is based at Rutgers University's Office of Industrial Productivity and Energy Assessment (OIPEA), and is funded by the US Department of Energy through a State Energy Program Special Project grant. She holds two degrees from Rutgers University: a B.S. in Bio-environmental Engineering and a B.A. in political science from Douglass College.