The CM&E Group is a topical group of the New York Section of the American Chemical Society.  The mission of the Group is to advance the chemical and related industries and to help its members by promoting networking and organizing group meetings (Events) where industry leaders can give their insights on the business, economic and technological developments in energy, materials and life sciences.  Sectors of interest include clean technologies, health, nutrition, personal care, venture capital, plastics, petrochemicals, chemicals and enabling technologies such as nanotechnology and biotechnology.  To this end, the Group has monthly luncheon meetings that take place September through June on the first Thursday of each month.  At these meetings the presentation lasts usually for 45 minutes, followed by a question and answer period.  Luncheon and the presentation are preceded by an informal social hour for networking and renewing and/or maintaining professional contacts.  The luncheon meetings are held at the Club Quarters, 40 W. 45th St. in New York City.

February:
Chemical M&A and the 2009 Financing Outlook Speaker: Joseph S. Chang, Global Editor, ICIS Chemical Business

March:
The 2009 Energy and Petrochemical Outlook Speaker: Michael Kratochwill, Vice President, Strategy & Finance Practice, Nexant / Chem Systems

April:
Growth Models for the Chemical Industry in Emerging Economies Speaker: Dr. Ravi Shanker, Corporate Director, Venture and Business Development, Dow Chemical Co.

May:
BPI: Plastics with a Smaller Footprint Speaker: Steve Mojo, Executive Director, Biodegradable Products Institute (BPI)

June:
Finding the Upside in the Downturn Speakers: Eric Vogelsberg, Senior Vice President and Global Practice Leader, Kline & Co. and Tom Aldred, Director of Performance Improvement, Kline & Co.

September:
Creating Tomorrow’s Business at BASF Speaker: Jacob Wildeson is responsible for Technology Scouting and Strategy in North America at BASF Future Business GmbH.

October:
Nanotech in Cleantech Speaker: Doug Jamison, President, COO, and Managing Director at Harris & Harris Group

November:
Innovations in Personal Care Speakers: James M. Weatherall, Senior Vice President, Kline & Co. and Carrie M. Mellage, Director of the Consumer Practice, Kline & Co.

December:
From Concept to Commercialization: Funding Innovation for a New Economy (Fourth Annual Energy & Resources Conference) Co-sponsored by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers,
Metro New York Section
 
 

In 2009 CM&E increased meeting attendance during the second half of the year by increasing promotional activities including global webcasting of meetings, establishing a LinkedIn group for increased networking worldwide and enhanced mailings using Constant Contact. The group also began the updating of Bylaws and supported an ACS Scholarship Program.

Other Activities:  The CM&E Group co-sponsored with the New York Chapter of the American Institute of  Chemical Engineers a full day conference on Energy and Resources.  The conference was held  December 10, 2009 at the Con Edison building and was very well attended.  We expect to co-sponsor this conference in 2010.

The Group charges dues annually.  For the 2009 fiscal year these are $20 for an ACS member and $50 for a person not affiliated with the ACS.  The early-bird luncheon fee is $45 for members and $55 for guests, the price goes up by $10 after a deadline. Attendance at the luncheon meetings averaged in excess of 30 persons during the year just ended. The meal cost charged by the Club Quarters has been negotiated and is now set, with a review scheduled for December 2010.  Revenues for calendar 2009 were $17,931 and expenses $18,449.  Meeting fees and annual dues enable the Group to operate with a slightly positive cash flow.  Included in the 2009 expenses is a contribution of $3,000 made to the ACS Scholars Program.  At the end of December 2009 the Group had $31,385 in cash on hand  (bank deposits plus money market fund).

At the fiscal year-end (Dec 2009) membership stood at 51.  This is a reduction from the prior year’s membership. We expect membership to increase as the economy recovers.

Meetings are publicized by e-mail announcements to a mailing list of over 600 individuals. Usually, the announcement is sent out at least twice.

We have started the planning of the December 2010 Conference on Energy and Resources in collaboration with the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Metro NY Section.  The program for January to March  2010 has been set, with several alternatives under consideration for the remainder of the year.

February 4  - Topic: "Pharmaceutical Outlook: Commoditizing Biotech Drugs"
Speaker: Dr. Ronny Gal, Senior Analyst, Specialty Pharmaceuticals, Sanford C. Bernstein, Inc.

March 4  - Topic: “Chemical M&A Outlook and Opportunities”
Speaker: Tim Wilding, Managing Director and co-head industrial growth and services, Oppenheimer.
 
 

In 2010 we intend to enhance the quality of the program, support ACS activities, increase attendance and reach out to new audiences via the internet. CM&E has created a new vision to capitalize on its unique position as the multi-disciplinary interface between technical, business, academic, legal, media, government and financial groups in the chemical sector. The CM&E Board has carefully brought together a cadre of talented business people to shape a proactive governance and strengthen the presence of the American Chemical Society NY Section.

Program Chair (2011)
James M. Weatherall, Weatherall Group
(201) 207-2019

Secretary (2011)
David J. Deutsch, Vista Marketing & Financial
(917) 684-1659

Treasurer (2010)
Luke J. Verdet, Specialty & Fine Chemicals
(914) 965-2077

Assistant Treasurer (2013)
Fred H. Siemer, Siemer Management Co.
(845) 691-2415

Directors (2010)
Rhoda Kriesel, Touchstone Marketing
Luke J. Verdet, Specialty & Fine Chemicals

Directors (2011)
David J. Deutsch, Vista Marketing & Financial
Rick Templeton, Hilbert, Peers & Young, Inc.
James M. Weatherall, Weatherall Group

Directors (2012)
Charles Brumlik, Nanobiz, LLC
Neil A. Burns, Neil A. Burns, LLC
Paul J. Pospisil, Aduro Capital L.L.C.

Respectfully submitted,