Date: Wednesday, January 9, 2002 at the Cynwyd Club, Bala Cynwyd, PA
Time: Mixer, 5:30 PM; Dinner, 6:30 PM; Talk and Business Session, 7:30 PM

Some Unexpected Surprises
When Starting Your Own Small Chemical Business

Charles A. Garber, Ph.D., President, Structure Probe, Inc., West Chester, PA.
E-Mail: Charles Garber

Abstract:

Surprises come in all shapes and sizes and colors.....especially when viewed over the thirty plus years period since the inception of Structure Probe, Inc., an independent analytical and testing laboratory specializing in the use of electron and light microscopy approaches for the solution of industrial problems. An early experience involving the bankruptcy of the original venture capital backer, unexpected competition coming from universities and other nonprofits, the impact of business pressures on one's personal life, the joys and disappointments of developing others to take key management roles in the organization, to the unexpected impact of societal changes leading to the need for changes in the marketing approaches for laboratory professional services would represent just a partial list of the types of "surprises" to be covered.

Also to be covered will be the "latest surprise", that is, the unique position those who are technically up-to-date in chemistry and physics find themselves in terms of taking advantage of the newest opportunities in the rapidly emerging field of Information Technology.

Biography:

Dr. Garber founded and has been president of Structure Probe, Inc. for over 30 years. During much of this period, the company operated from facilities in four different states. He was previously employed as a Research Physicist in the (former) Plastics Department of DuPont at the DuPont Experimental Station. This followed receipt of his Ph.D. in Engineering from Case Institute of Technology. Dr. Garber has also held adjunct professorships teaching courses in Polymer Chemistry, Polymer Characterization, and Structure and Properties of Polymers. Dr. Garber is a frequent consultant in areas involving electron and light microscopy and the characterization of the solid state structure of materials.

Location: The Cynwyd Club, 332 Trevor Lane, Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004. From I-76 drive S on City Line Ave. (US Rte. 1). Turn right on Conshohocken State Rd. (Rte. 23); stay in right lane. After second light watch for white left-turn arrows painted on street (about .14 mi/750 ft). Do not follow Rte. 23 left at turn but instead go straight ahead onto Llandrillo Rd. (passing to right of Valley Press printing). In one block bear left onto Trevor Lane at stop sign. Clubhouse and parking are on the left. Please park in lot if space is available; otherwise park on Trevor Lane. If lost, call the club at 610-667-4524  

Reservation: To make a diner reservation, leave an E-Mail: CCN Reservation or call the ACS office at 215-382-1589 no later than noon, Thursday, January 3. Leave a message on the machine if necessary. Meeting fee is $20 by reservation or $25 at the door. No-shows will be invoiced. No reservation required if attending the talk only, but it is advised to tell us you're coming so you can be reached in case of cancellation.