Mark Bier discussed our proposed joint Symposium with the ACS Environmental Sub-Group. Mark’s brother, from the Western PA Conservancy, requested a date change for his talk to the end of February (probably Feb 24^th). His talk will focus on the effect of pollutants on wildlife. We will then invite another speaker that will focus on "Real World" samples, showing the effect on the environment. Joe Grabowski will check on the EPA Web site for potential speakers. Ken will check his resources as well. We may want to get someone involved in rain forest activities. Kasi will search the ASMS disk for topics. Ron Hites, who spoke previously at the discussion group meeting several years ago, may also be a candidate. Mark suggested that this talk occur in the evening over dinner. The group concurred.

Joe Grabowski suggested that we make tentative plans for the discussion group through the year 2000 and beyond. The group agreed that this was an excellent plan.

We tentatively set Manufacturers’ Night for Tuesday May 16, 2000. This date falls between Pittcon & ASMS. At that point, most venders should have plenty of new items to discuss. We want to invite a well know speaker who will "gather a crowd." Several suggestions were made as to the topic/speaker: Bob Cotter — miniaturization, The Mars Lander Project, Robotics, Hubble Telescope, Olympic Drug testing, Customs (packages, airline luggage, etc.) drug testing. Joe will find out about the Olympic drug testing. There was someone at ASMS 1995 or 1996 that spoke on this topic. An afternoon, perhaps over lunch, would be a good time for this program.

We will shoot for September 2000 for a short course on Proteomics or Genomics. Joe Grabowski will get a few names for Ken to contact. Several names suggested were Staltz, Marshall, and McLafferty.

February 2000 would be the target date of a workshop (1/2 day) on CZE-MS.

Early May 2001 would be the next meeting. Several topics could be breath analysis, Cancer Tissue analysis, Neonatal Screening. The general topic could be "Diagnosis of Disease." Mark suggested that this could be our "Big" event to recognize Pittsburgh as a center of excellence.

Our next committee meeting will be on Tuesday November 16, 1999 at the University Club. We will host the three speakers for the afternoon seminar series. We will discuss speakers for the Manufacturers’ Night as well as proposed speakers for those series outlined above.

Friday December 10, 1999 will be a regular committee meeting to finalize plans for the Feb 24^th Environmental Symposium. We will continue to develop the plans for 2000 & 2001.

If you have questions or find errors, please contact me anytime.

Respectfully submitted,

Ken Rosnack

Chairman PMSDG