CASRO Sees Privacy Program Expansion in 2003.

Business Editors

PORT JEFFERSON, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 31, 2003

Paul Talmey (Talmey-Drake Research & Strategy, Inc.), newly-installed Chair of the Council of American Survey Research Organizations (CASRO), announced that expansion of existing programs will be the focus for 2003.

CASRO will build on the organization's theme, "Advancing the Business of Research," In 2003, the organization will work to enhance its Privacy Protection Program (CASRO 3P) and CASRO University, as well as broadening the Full Service and Associate membership of CASRO.

Talmey is joined by Chair-Elect Simon Chadwick (CEO, NOP World), Treasurer Dale Lersch (Pres., Pert Survey Research), and Secretary Morris Davis (Pres., M. Davis and Company, Inc.), as officers of the organization.

Elected to the Board of Directors are: Manuel Barberena (Pres., Pearson Mexico), Eileen Campbell (Pres., Millward Brown, Inc.), Judith S. Corson (founder, GfK Custom Research Inc.), Richard Day (Pres., Richard Day Research, Inc.), Jerry Thomas (Pres., Decision Analyst, Inc.), and Chet Zalesky (Pres., CMI). Representing the Associate members on the CASRO board is Terry Coen (Pres., Survey Sampling, Inc.)

Continuing as members of the Board of Directors are: Bob Cohen (Pres., Scarborough Research), George Harmon (Ex. V.P., DMS/America Online), Kevin Mabley (Pres., ROI Research Inc.), Peter Milla (Sr. V.P., Harris Interactive), David N. Richardson (CEO, Wirthlin Worldwide), Jim Robinson (Pres., Robinson and Muenster Associates), Mark A. Schulman (Pres., Schulman, Ronca, & Bucuvalas, Inc.), Mark Shugoll (Pres., Shugoll Research), Nicholas J. Tortorello (V.P./Gen. Mgr. Lieberman Research Worldwide) and Don Ambrose (Pres., Consumer Contact) representing CAMRO.

Privacy Protection, Cornerstone Program, to be Expanded

"The nationwide series of Privacy Briefings initiated last year will be expanded to meet the needs of the CASRO members and the entire research industry," said Talmey. "CASRO has recognized its responsibility to inform its membership of professional research practitioners about the ways to satisfy privacy requirements while conducting survey research as privacy has increased in importance in our society. CASRO's 3P provides this critical information as well as materials specifically designed to assist professional researchers and their clients in complying with these regulations," he continued.

CASRO President, Diane K. Bowers; CASRO Board Members, Kevin Mabley, Peter Milla and CASRO Legal Counsel Duane L. Berlin (Lev & Berlin P.C.), all knowledgeable in the Privacy arena, comprise the core faculty of the CASRO Privacy Protection Program, known as CASRO 3P.

One-day privacy briefings are presented in major cities across the country. "This program has been so successful that we are exploring web casting and teleconferencing as more efficient ways to reach our members, " Bowers said.

Talmey continued, "This is a critical initiative. It is imperative that the public be protected from impositions on their privacy. And, we know that the research industry is committed to protect the public as it goes about the important business of gathering information to allow corporate America to make informed decisions about how best to serve the needs and interests of the public."

CASRO University Offers Project Director's Training, Marketing, Technology and CFO Conferences

CASRO University continues to provide the latest in industry and business management information in its coursework. The introduction of CASRO Education Units (CEU's) is planned for 2003.

CASRO University is opening the year with the highly rated Project Directors Training Conference (PMD 200). On February 20-21 in New York City, This "hands-on" workshop will be offered specifically for project directors and marketing analysts with less than two years of experience in the research industry. A distinguished faculty of research practitioners will address: study design, questionnaire design, sampling and report writing.

The Marketing Conference (CASRO University - BMS 335) introduced last year is scheduled for April 4, 2003 in Atlanta, GA. The Marketing Conference will enable participants to conduct better, stronger, and more successful marketing efforts

The CFO Conference (BMS 310) scheduled for May 30, 2003 in Chicago, IL is designed for member company Chief Financial Officers, Controllers, CEOs and other financial senior managers and will address current issues affecting the financial operations of research businesses.

The 8th Annual Technology Conference (CASRO University - BMS 330) takes place June 19-20, 2003 at The Roosevelt Hotel, New York City. This highly successful forum helps IT, systems, and senior research personnel understand and address the latest technology developments via conference sessions and exhibits.

Canada Site of 2003 Annual Conference

On October 1-3, 2003 the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Canada will be the setting for the CASRO 28th Annual Conference. CASRO will join co-host CAMRO (Canadian Association of Marketing Research Organizations) in welcoming North American research company leaders to discussions on current and future issues in survey research.

Based in Port Jefferson, New York, CASRO is the professional organization for full service survey research companies, their clients, and their service providers. More information may be found on the CASRO website www.casro.org or by contacting CASRO at 631/928-6954 or by E-mail: [e-mail].