MRS Council Examines Progress, Charts Goals

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REPORT


Treasurer Clif Draper presented the Treasurer's report (see the September/ October 1986 issue of the MRS BULLETIN, p. 53-54). In the period from November 15, 1985 to November 14, 1986, the total assets of the Society grew from $727,927 to $1,051,621. The total fund balance is $989,345. Total liabilities have decreased slightly to $62,276. The Society has sustained this growth at the same time it has initiated a major new project, journal of Materials Research. The Society's primary sources of income have been corporate sponsors and grants, registration fees, the sale of proceedings volumes (these three activities comprise 73% of the total revenues), and member dues. The fastest growing source of revenue has been the sale of proceedings volumes. In 1987, the income from the sale of proceedings volumes will surpass income from meeting registration. MRS has also begun to publish conference proceedings from other scientific meetings which are not sponsored by the Society but are of interest to the membership. Finance Committee Chair Sue Kelso presented the preliminary 1987 budget. Projected 1987 expenses are just over two million dollars; projected income, $2,136,790. The Council approved a motion presented by the Finance Committee that $400,000 be set aside in a designated fund which can be used to fund the longterm goals of the Society (e.g., purchase of a headquarters building, endowments for special awards, fellowship programs, etc.) Fall Meeting

Executive Director John Ballance reviewed the 1986 MRS Fall Meeting. Over 1,400 papers were presented in 22 symposia with a total meeting registration of approximately 2,500. Although this represents an increase over the previous year,

the rate of increase between years has decreased significantly. The Fall Meeting has lost none of its momentum despite successful Spring meetings on the West Coast. Considerable discussion was noted (particularly in the Long Range Planning Committee) about whether this growth requires a change in the format and size of the Society's meetings (e.g., limit the meeting to one hotel, limit the number of symposia, limit the repetition of symposia). These are all questions for which the officers and councillors would appreciate suggestions and opinions from the membership. MRS Headquarters

The headquarters continues to grow in response to greater demands (e.g., expansion of the MRS BULLETIN, publication of proceedings volumes, and expanded membership services). In addition to the present ten staff members at headquarters, the Council authorized two additional fulltime, permanent staff members. These positions will be filled in the areas of data processing and editorial activities. Headquarters will take advantage of additional space that is available adjacent to the present offices in order to accommodate the new staff members. John Ballance introduced Regis J. Ebner, Jr., the new financial controller at headquarters. John Ballance emphasized that all members are welcome visitors at the headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. Membership

At present the