We are starting 2009 off with a bang, because Tom Humphries, President and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber is going to speak about the Regional Chamber initiatives to promote regionalization and to change the structure of local governments and school districts. In February, we are scheduled to have a tour of RTI International (formerly RMI) in Niles, Ohio. In March, Professor Don Coates, from KSU, will speak on Innovation and TRIZ. As always, if you have any suggestions for future speakers or ways we can better our local section, please email me or give me a call at (330) 307-7995.

The section meeting is Monday January 12th at Kent State University, Trumbull Campus in the Workforce Development Building, Room #211 on 4314 Mahoning Avenue NW in Warren, Ohio 44483 The pretechnical will start at 5:00 lead by Jim Odom and deals with "Statistical Verification of Process Improvements." There will be a short break with a light meal and refreshments at a small charge. Please RSVP Marie DaBelko at Kent Phone: 330-675-8811/ Fax: 330-675-7650 / Email: mdabelko@kent.edu

The main presentation will start at 6 PM given by Tom Humphries. Tom Humphries is the President and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, a position he has held since April 1997. From 1985 to 1997 he was the General Manager of Sprint, Ohio East. Tom has an A.A.B. in Business Administration from Youngstown State University and an Executive Management Certification from Duke University. He is a Board Member for numerous organizations and foundations.