As you scan the headlines or read your technical journals these days there is a reoccurring theme of economic uncertainty and job outsourcing. And as discussed during our February meeting, you must be able to differentiate yourself for promotions and during job interviews. With AIChE it’s good to know you have the opportunity to build your leadership skills, just in case you need them, by being a Section Leader. Leadership isn’t painless and it takes a little work but there are many rewards. You become better at expressing your views, better at being able to listen and find common ground, and you gain confidence. As a Section Leader you will also standout as a person who knows how to work with and influence others. And it is also a great way to form new friendships.

Now is a great time to plan to become a volunteer leader in AIChE as the Annual Meeting is quickly approaching and a new slate of officers get ready to lead our section. Just drop a line to our Vice Chairperson, Dan Harper, the Distillates editor, Lia Treffman, the Chairperson, Kevin Keating, or any officer listed in the Distillates. Any and all of us will be happy to help you learn to become more active in AIChE.

Meeting Notes

Last month the Indianapolis Section met with the Purdue Student Section of AIChE in West Lafayette to discuss employment trends and what to expect as you enter the job market. Attendance at this meeting was large and active and the program was well received by both the Indianapolis and Purdue Sections as well as being a lot of fun. This trip to Purdue is fast becoming one of the highlights of the year as we interact with future chemical engineers from one of the top Chemical Engineering schools in the country.

March’s Meeting

Our meeting for March will explore your sweet side as we welcome Mr. Craig Moyer of Hershey Foods to Indianapolis to present, “Chemistry of Chocolates”. This is a joint meeting with the local American Chemistry Society (ACS) and a large turnout is expected for this delightful topic. Craig Moyer will be presenting a program on the development and production of Hershey Chocolate Kisses, please see the opening page of this issue of Distillates for more information. Dinner will begin at 6:30 PM. Space is limited so please make your plans now to join us.

April's Meeting Preview

For our April event we will once again have the opportunity to hear an excellent speaker at our annual dinner meeting held at Milano Inn. Sunniva R. Collins, Ph.D., Manager of Materials Technology for Swagelok Biopharm will present “Rust Never sleeps” Common Corrosion Failures of Stainless Steel. Corrosion is a major problem and cost for all industries, and engineers from all disciplines should make this meeting a priority. This meeting is scheduled for April 19th, 2005 at the Milano Inn on the south side of Indianapolis. You can find additional information on this meeting in this and in the next issue of the Distillates. Once again space will be limited so please mark your calendars now.

Respectfully,
Kevin Keating, Chairperson