My fellow members, to be a chairperson of a Chapter of ASM International is an honor to which any member may properly aspire. As this mark of distinction can be conferred upon only a comparative few, all officers should consider themselves signally favored in having an opportunity to serve on the Executive Committee. Our immediate past Chair, Arnie Grot lead the Hartford Chapter to Five Star recognition for the 2003-4 year. He will be signally recognized for this achievement at Past Chair Night on February 8, 2005. On this night we honor all individuals who have also served in this office. They are our guests for the evening and are asked to proudly wear their Past Chair Name Badges. Please ask them about their year as chair.

Our February meeting is also Trustee Visit Night. Dr. Fred Lisy, FASM, 2004-2007 ASM Trustee, will talk on mimicking natural systems to maneuver autonomously. As historically fascinating as is all the changes that evolution has enabled, it arouses the imagination to higher plains to think what wondrous applications we will realize with such algorithms in the near future. Dr. Lisy's wisdom will be made the most of during his visit. His schedule includes meeting with our officers in the afternoon. He will also travel to UConn to meet with the ACerS/ASM/TMS Student Chapter and faculty of the Department of Materials Science and Engineering.

Both our January 11 and March 8, 2004 meetings afford opportunities to garner insights into advance materials research at BAE Systems and at the University of Connecticut. In January, Steve Kaye will stimulate our thoughts on the development and applications materials in gyroscopes and guidance systems. In March, come and witness the accumulation of years of research, months of preparation and weeks of competition by UConn ACerS/ASM/TMS Student members for the privilege of presenting to ASM Hartford. Only three, out of an over seventy possible projects, can be selected. Those not selected in the competition will have poster boards of their research available for review. This technical program demonstrates why UConn is the number one public University in New England.

To help achieve our mission of providing technical knowledge, education, networking and professional development we are introducing the ASM Hartford Apprenticeship/Mentor Program. Individuals, companies and the Chapter will benefit from the broad knowledge of materials issues and contacts obtained through this program. We are presently building a list of tours and workshops that will be part of the program. More details are found on our web site. Contact Jack Piela or me to add your company for at tour or workshop or to be part of this program.
The ASM Hartford Golf Outing on September 15, 2004 was a ruckus affair with 112 golfers enjoying fellowship and networking during a shotgun start round of 18 holes, continental breakfast, boxed lunch, buffet dinner and raffle. Supported by Rebecca Gatzen and her committee, altogether we raised in excess of $3,000 for our student outreach programs.

A joint Hartford/Southern CT committee is developing preliminary plans for Materials Week, April 11-15, 2005. They are pursuing a Materials Career Day of company displays in conjunction with the New England Air Museum on April 12, 2005. Please contact Joe Zucco at (203) 250-6922 to be part of this team.
The Hartford Chapter 2005 Annual Golf Outing will be another Classic. Rebecca Gatzen has booked a shotgun start at Blackledge Country Club in Hebron for September 14, 2005.

Networking to help you succeed through ASM Hartford,
Arnie Grot
Executive Committee

Based on the ASM vision "To be the first stop resource for technical knowledge, education, networking and professional development for members and customers in the metals and materials community," the Hartford Chapter is The first stop information source for the materials industry in northern Connecticut.

ACerS, ASM and TMS partner on the brightest new student program for MS&E students - MATERIAL ADVANTAGE!!!
ASM International has excitedly announced the new, premier membership option for post-secondary students attending institutions within North America. ASM International, along with The Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society (TMS), and The American Ceramic Society (ACerS) teamed to create Material Advantage (www.materialadvantage.org), which replaces the ASM/TMS Joint Student Program and ACerS Student Program. Students are invited to join the Material Advantage program for the low cost of $25 and have access to the benefits and services of all three societies.