Dear T2S Member:

1999 has been a busy year for the Technology Transfer Society. I am happy to report on a number of new initiatives that benefit you our members.

The Society has partnered with Kluwer Academic Publishers to produce the Journal of Technology Transfer. Already recognized as a "high quality peer-reviewed publication," the partnership provides a more professional look and expanded distribution through Kluwer’s international marketing channels. Many organizations that I have spoken with have commented on the professional journal that we produce. My thanks to the Editor, Al Link, for ensuring the high quality of the Journal.

As many of you have noticed, conference publicity was done exclusively through e-mail and the T2S website. We have entered the new millennium, relying exclusively on e-mail and the website to advertise the conference, communicate with our members and link with other organizations to attract new members. My thanks to Board Member Ken Dozier of USC for not only housing the website for free but also generously providing staff support, Colin Smith and Brian Leon, to create the website and communicate with you our membership. They have done a great job and deserve our heartfelt thanks.

We have also been successful in partnering with other organizations who have similar missions or who compliment our interests. A successful joint conference with the Product Development and Manufacturing Association (PDMA) was held in Austin in March. We expect to continue this relationship with them and provide more joint opportunities for our members to share information and network. In addition, we are also exploring partnership opportunities with a number of different organizations that will enhance our educational endeavors and provide value for your membership. Keep an eye on the website for additional information.

The number of T2S chapters has also increased. I was very pleased to have represented T2S at the first meeting of the Austin IC2/T2S chapter. They are already busy electing officers and making plans for future endeavors. We welcome them. In addition, there are a number of other chapters in the formation stage and we hope that they will become active in the near future.

Thanks to Ron Thornton, President-elect and his staff , the conference is an overwhelming success. I am sure that you all will agree that the caliber of speakers and talks that have been presented are thought provoking, cutting-edge and most of all informative. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank him for a "job well done."

As I end my presidency, I would like to thank all of the Board members for their hard work and support over the year. They worked hard to ensure the growth and survival of T2S, I know that they will continue to work to make the Society an even better organization. Thank you , T2S members for the opportunity to serve as President. I look forward to working with Ron Thornton and the Board on their future endeavors.

Susan Patow