New seminars offered at Rubber Expo '05.

The Rubber division is offering a number of new seminars that will be held during the November Rubber Expo '05 in Pittsburgh, PA.

The testing of rubber: Selecting, performing and interpreting ASTM rubber test methods

This two-day seminar, taught by Peter C. Surette, Sr., of Focused Solutions and John S. Dick of Alpha Technologies, reviews the most commonly used rubber test procedures in the industry today. The lecturers will discuss the nature of tests, why the tests are performed, interpretation and how this information can be used to improve rubber fabrication. All the major physical and chemical tests, as well as various standard practices, will be covered. Cost for members is $985 and the non-member price is $1,200. Course price includes continental breakfast and lunch both days.

Are your developments protected? Intellectual property basics for engineers, scientists and R&D managers

This two-hour seminar, taught by Ed Kennedy and Karen Butera of Buckingham. Doolittle & Burroughs, is an introduction to the basics of intellectual property (IP) and a review of IP issues that arise for engineers, scientists and R&D managers, with tips for addressing these issues. Members: $100. Non-members: $200.

The rubber executive summit: Solutions for surviving today's business environment

This will be a unique opportunity for owners/managers at the Fall Rubber Expo.

As a business owner or manager, your time is limited and must be balanced among multiple demands. The Rubber Division, ACS, recognizes this and has joined efforts with the Rubber Manufacturers Association to offer the first completely business focused session geared towards top level managers and owners.

This seminar will not only impact your company, but the industry as well. Al Frink has been invited to lead the rubber industry focused discussion, in which attendees will be able to communicate to the U.S. Department of Commerce how the federal government can help them compete globally. Frink is the first Assistant Secretary for Manufacturing & Services, serving as chief advocate for the U.S. manufacturing sector within the federal government.

In addition to the interaction with a Washington delegate, the general session will include a dynamic discussion with Glenn Mercer on "The North American automotive battleground: Winning strategies for suppliers."

The second day of the Rubber Executive Summit provides the opportunity for all levels of management to explore critical cost/productivity drivers with a focus on economic forecasts, domestic alternatives to offshore outsourcing, TSCA legislation updates, environmental compliance and emissions updates, and IMDS topics.

The Rubber Executive Summit is a wonderful learning opportunity for all levels of management. We know that the investment of time will be worth the dividends it will pay to your business operations. You can find additional details at www.rubber.org or http://www.rubber.org/meetings/summit.htm.