• Dr. Martin Blackburn, Manager in Pratt & Whitney Materials Engineering
• Dr. John Morral, Director of UConn's Department of Metallurgy and Materials Engineering (Represented by Dr. Marcus)
• Dr. Harris Marcus, Director of UConn's Institute of Materials Sciences
• Dr. Michael DeHaemer, Managing Director of ASM International

Comments/Action Items:

Workshop Theme:
Focus on change in industry, academia and organizations, which comprise material sector in Connecticut. An analogy to "Who Moved My Cheese" by Spencer Johnson was illustrated. It was suggested that the sector incorporate more of the characteristics of "Sniff" and "Scurry" in managing change. Perhaps ASM could provide more of the "Sniff and Scurry" for its members.

Industry Information Flow
Flow driven by -

• Alloy (Materials) & Data Information
• Proprietary and Government Restrictions
• People - Training and Professional Development
• Technology Sector Specific Vs General Industry

Action 1 - Internet Vs Intranet access of ASM Publications, should ASM become an Internet Provider source for Material Information? Databases would be on-line searchable and accessible, possibly to members paying a special association fee. Alternatively, should ASM provide the same, or similar, databases on CDs to companies who are concerned about exposure problems on the Internet?

Action 2 - ASM International is exploring parternships with two Simulation Software providers, FIBER (Ohio) and GRANIA (Cambridge, UK). Pratt & Whitney as experience with PROCAST software in modeling Die Casting, Casting, forging and other material processing. Computer modeling has proven itself and its use is increasing. Besides cost, a shortage of individuals trained in both the use modeling software and material processing is a barrier. No comment was made on the specific merits of FIBER or GRANIA.

Academia Information Flow
New to the University of Connecticut is an Undergraduate (BS) Metallurgy and Materials Engineering Program, the only one of its kind in the State. The decision to expand the materials program beyond the existing graduate (MS, Ph.D.) programs now was made in part due to the continued demand for materials professionals and the UConn Vision 2000 which includes upgrading the existing programs. UConn requests help in promoting and supporting its undergraduate Program.

Action 1 - UConn is establishing a task force that will travel to Connecticut High Schools to promote materials careers. ASM, though the Hartford and Southern Chapters, should become involved as promoting material awareness is part of our charter. What materials and exhibits does ASM International have for a Student Display?

Action 2 - Uconn offers special programs for High School students during Engineering Week and a program to generate undergraduate awareness of polymer sciences. ASM International sponsors a Materials Camp for High School Students. Can elements form both these efforts be used to enhance and promote each other? Both UConn and ASM should share details and through the local Chapters incorporate awareness and promotion of both.

Action 3 - Materials Week offers an opportunity to kick off Materials Awareness. Special meetings and events, including other societies, should be planned.

Advanced Material Sub-Cluster
The sub-cluster would provide growth opportunities for small/medium size companies, giving them a competed advantage in dealing with material related items through the pooling/networking of expertise, information and resources. Seed funds can be made available through a grant proposal to DECD (CT Department of Economic and Community Development) under the Cluster Initiative.

Advanced Materials Sub-cluster Workshop - June 16, 1999
What is an Industrial Cluster?

Requirements to making the Sub-Cluster work includes commitment form companies upper management in the form of short and long term financial involvement, people involvement and support for the proposal to DECD. Also, the "Materials Technology Center (Virtual)" needs definition (i.e., a charter), including operational location and cross allocation and compensation of support funds.

Action 1 - Materials can be considered an "enabling technology" and not an industry of itself. Awareness that materials is a critical factor in production and business need to be promoted. Presentation of the Advanced Material Sub-Cluster concept will be made at a special joint meeting (workshop) of professional societies during Materials Week in Connecticut (Third week of April). ASM will host. Will and Joe are to contact the other societies.

Action 2 - Once going, the sub-cluster would coordinate the pool of local (CT) materials experts. ASM International could be a provider for National/Worldwide expertise.

ASM International Information
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Core membership in ASM has fallen from a peek of 52,000 in 1990 to 40,500 in 1999. This drop mirrors a similar drop in Aerospace and manufacturing employment. The Board of Trustees initiated a study on what our core membership is comprised. To increase membership, ASM is evaluating expanding into geographical areas (Mexico) experience increases in manufacturing and embracing more emerging technologies at a faster clip. ASM has also accelerated Web and Professional Development enhancements. Significant upgrading of Headquarters and Training Facilities has been undertaken. The annual operating budget includes $1.8M from members dues and $1M in revenues from publications and conferences. Regional Training through Chapters have been initiated.

Action 1 - Philly Chapter credo is "Sustaining Members are Everything." New Companies are visited and made aware of the benefits of ASM and being Sustaining Members. Sustaining members are expected to have a representative at monthly meetings and to actively support the Chapter. It is a double edge sword (chicken and the egg?), that works for them in increasing membership and support.

Action 2 - Hartford Chapter's Membership Chair put fort the concept of "Group or Networked Consultation." Retirees and other members would be tapped to help address a materials related problem of a Chapter Sustaining Company. Dr. DeHaemer suggested the use of a disclaimer and will provide an example form from Headquarters.

General Action
Workshop idea was well received by attendees. Another workshop will be scheduled in the spring or fall when weather should be less of a factor in attendance.

Submitted by,
Arnie Grot
Hartford Chapter Secretary