Rubber Division Chairs' Corner

Recognizing Current and Past Chairs

2008 Chair Al Feit
2007 Chair John Boruta
2006 Chair P. Andrew Claytor
2005 Chair David R. O'Brien
2004 Chair Paul V. Esposito
2003 Chair Mark A. Petras
2002 Chair Richard J. Hupp
2001 Chair Rudy J. School
Historical Record of all Past Division Chairs

2008 Chair - Al Feit of Veyance Technologies, Inc. (VTI)

Al’s theme for 2008 is "Formulating the Future on the Foundations of the Past". His primary goals are:

Implement our new comprehensive Strategic Plan. Our original Strategic plan was developed in 2002. We have had a team working on the new strategic plan throughout 2007, including a facilitator from ACS at our past meeting last fall. This new strategic plan has been completed and the Executive Committee approved it. Now all that remains is to implement it. This process starts with each committee developing a Business Plan to implement it’s part of the new plan. These committees will be presenting written updates to the Executive Committee as the implementation process proceeds throughout 2008.
Continue Company & Rubber Division meetings aimed at improving support for the Rubber Division and Rubber Groups. We plan to continue to meet with senior leaders at rubber and plastics companies to listen to their impressions of our division, and to their ideas on where we can better serve their needs and to explain the benefits of membership and of participation in our Rubber Division and their local Rubber Groups (our subdivisions).
Increase awareness of Rubber Division value. We have a lot to offer to everyone in the rubber industry, from the students who are our future, the individuals who attend our meetings and educational programs, or participate in our committees or our governmental organization, to the companies that support the Rubber Division as well as their employees and their customers and the rubber industry itself. We are truly part of a Win – Win situation. We tend to hide our light under a basket, but we need to let our light shine and let everyone see what we have to offer.
Emphasize the Educational Opportunities through the Rubber Division and Continue the Workforce Recruitment & Development program. In our original Workforce Recruitment and Development Plan, we identified six key areas (student chapters, scholarships, training and education, internships, student colloquia, and career assistance). We will continue to emphasize these key areas in 2008. We have three applicable manuals (“Student Guide to Opportunities in the Rubber & Affiliated Industries”, “How to Establish and Maintain a Student Chapter” and “Operational Guide for Starting and Improving Internship Programs”) already published and available. We are planning to continue visiting senior leaders in industry to gain their commitment in the partnership and consent to list their internships/scholarships on line; visiting universities and Rubber Groups to gain their commitment and begin adding the information and links needed for success in the on line listings, e.g. internships, scholarships, education, etc. Student awareness and participation. From our three undergraduate scholarships to our student colloquia, to our student chapters, to our internship programs, and beyond. We stress our students activities and our rubber industry awareness and that we are a viable future opportunity for careers. Our students are our future! Educational Programming awareness. We have great seminars, workshops, courses (both online and in person at meetings or on site at your location), and technical symposia, a library service that is one of the best in the field (Personally I believe it is second to none), among the many educational opportunities we offer. Like our undergraduate scholarships, and the technician training awards, our educational opportunities are well kept secrets – we need to get the word out and let our light shine!
We will continue to search for Similar Organizations to Co-operate with when it makes sense for the Rubber Division. Continue working with ACS and its Divisions/Local Sections to better utilize their services and opportunities. This includes continuing efforts with the POLY Division to conduct joint Student Colloquia, joint technical programming and feasibility of joint Student Chapters; working with Chairs of other ACS Divisions to consider future joint programs with the Rubber Division; and working with ACS to further cooperative efforts between ACS, the Rubber Division and other Divisions. Look into joint meetings/programming with other groups in areas where we participate, such as plastics. Review opportunities to expand our presence and awareness inside and outside our traditional regions.
We will continue to stress Financial Management. We have righted the ship and are headed in the right direction, but we must ever remain vigilant to be sure that as times and situations change we continue to adapt and change to meet the new challenges and remain in a positive financial situation. This is the area near and dear to my heart as a past treasurer, and one that we must never forget. We will accomplish this through:
- Maintain positive two year budget cycle and improve financial stability long-term

Watch expense requests
Emphasis on membership growth
Review revenue opportunities
Replenish reserves for future

I look forward to hearing from and working with many of you in the coming year. Please feel free to contact me via e-mail . I can also be reached via the Rubber Division office. I again want to thank all of you for making our Rubber Division a resounding success. We are “Formulating the Future on the Foundations of the Past.” Remembering the lessons of the past and building on these foundations to shape our future. We all must be involved. Be part of your and our future! Get Involved and be a part of your future. Come grow with us, your Rubber Division!

2007 Chair - John Boruta of Rhein Chemie

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

Second Major Strategic Plan for the Rubber Division, establishing vision, mission and new direction and programs across the elastomeric community
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
Outreach to senior leadership in rubber industry via visits and VIP Luncheon, resulting in increased support to Division and members
Developed new roles and responsibilities of committees within updated charters, helping new member volunteers understand commitments and involvement
Initial meeting of Rubber Division, ACS POLY Division and Clemson University to establish new joint Student Chapter at the university
Highest attendance at a fall technical meeting in many years, including joint technical symposium held with the ACS POLY Division
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
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
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
Centennial Task Force implemented, seed money set aside for celebration plans, centennial logo selected via member wide contest and began writing of Centennial Book
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
Increased marketing efforts to industry leadership, leading to highest ever level of sponsorships supporting Division activities and implementation of formal appreciation process
Lake Academy High School visit at the fall meeting, bringing local inner city high school students to the exposition and interfacing with industry representatives
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:

Received the American Chemical Society's 2005 ChemLuminary Award for outstanding accomplishments of a Division.
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.
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.
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”.
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.
Indian Rubber Institute approved as a new Affiliated Technical Organization of the Rubber Division, resulting in new partnership opportunities.
Division booth and Rubber/TPE educational workshops at the National Plastics Exposition, resulting in increased exposure and educational opportunities.
Division booth at International Tire Expo Conference, resulting in increased exposure.
Attendance at 2006 International Rubber Conference to increase exposure and begin planning for hosting IRC in 2007.
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.
Realignment of duties to establish Marketing Manager position separate from Meetings Management, resulting in increased focus on Division marketing, communication and branding.
First year to come in under Mini-Expo budgeted net deficit, adding to the first significant in the black two-year budget cycle.
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.

"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:

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Comprehensive review and rewrite of entire Division Bylaws to make more understandable to executive members and eliminate provisions that belong in the Steering Charter.
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:

New Partnership Development Committee, identifying and reaching out to global organizations.
Online Correspondence Courses in Rubber Technology, offering expanded service to individuals and companies in the rubber industry.
Online Symposia Technical Papers, increasing opportunity for individuals and companies to obtain technical information.
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.
Electronic Voting for New Officers and Area Directors, providing a more state of the art approach to general membership balloting.
Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference, establishing partnerships between the rubber and asphalt industries in expanding knowledge and use of rubber in asphalt pavements.
Monthly Page in Rubber World Magazine, providing dedicated page for Rubber Division articles to reach global audience.
Student Colloquium at Fall Meetings, offering technical and networking opportunities to students in the rubber industry.
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:

Business Plans, assuring implementation of key Strategic Plan Actions
New Budget Philosophy, codifying two-year In the Black Budget Cycles
Online Comprehensive Survey of Member Needs, identifying future programs and services for members and the rubber industry
Online Membership Directory, providing up to date database and networking opportunities for members
Online Quarterly Division Newsletter, increasing technical, marketing and informational opportunities to members
Online Career Center for Employers and Job Seekers, providing new employment service specific to the rubber industry
Career Management Workshop at Fall Meetings, offering training to those seeking jobs in the industry
Partnership w/Society of Plastics Industries, exhibiting at each other’s national expositions and possible future technical joint ventures
On Line Application Process for Rubber Group Members, allowing electronic renewal of Rubber Group membership
Formation of new Student Affairs Committee, providing new directions and opportunities for students in the rubber industry
Received the American Chemical Society's 2003 ChemLuminary Award for outstanding accomplishments of a Division.

"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:

Strategic Plan for the Rubber Division, establishing new directions and programs
New Fiscal Policies, reducing overall expenses while creating new programs and services
New Committee Charters, establishing standardization along with revised duties for Division officers and committees
Members Only Section on Rubber Division Web Site, offering increased technical, administrative and meeting information to our members
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
Online Rubber Chemistry and Technology Journals, with search capability on articles back to 1928
Rubber Division Show Daily at Fall Meetings, offering expanded marketing opportunities to the industry and the Rubber Division
Joint Rubber Division/Rubber Manufacturers Association Task Force on Processibility, working on testing and reporting standardization in the industry
Full Set Technical Papers via CD Rom, providing a modern approach to technical papers for meeting attendees
Scholarship Foundation, establishing designated investment fund for future undergraduate scholarships

"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:

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
Hiring First Executive Director and new Professional Staff, providing new operational direction for the Rubber Division
Long Term Lease Agreement with University of Akron, establishing 50 year option for Rubber Division headquarters in Polymer Engineering and Academic Center
Rubber Division Marketing Logo, branding new directions within the Division
Training Session for new Officers, Area Directors and Rubber Group Chairs, providing information and training on duties and responsibilities
Rubber Chemistry and Technology Journal Management Analysis, establishing new direction and opportunities for managing the journal
Recognition Program, providing official recognition to company supervisors for member service on the Executive Committee or as a Committee Chair
Rubber Division Web Site, providing state of the art format and expanded information to members and others in the rubber industry
Formation of Student Chapter at the University of Massachusetts-Lowell, establishing second student chapter within the Rubber Division

"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."