The Council elected members to the Committee on Committees, Council Policy Committee, and Committee on Nominations and Elections.

Reviews were made of the activities of President Walter, President-Elect Wasserman, Past President Anderson, and Chair of the Board Shields. These activities primarily reflect representation of the society at various meetings. Dr. Soulen reported on the initiation of a new long-term care insurance plan starting on January 1, 1999.

Executive Director Crum spoke on the advances in ACS offices, many of which relate to computer issues including publications on the www.

Bylaw changes relating to wording of the activities and dues for the Corporation Associates were passed.

The Council recognized Councilors who had 15 - 45 years of service.

The regions of the Society need to be redistricted because of demographics changes. This should not significantly affect our local section.

Budget and Finance reported that it will likely end the year with about $800,000 in the red. This net decrease is due primarily to additional expenditures in infrastructure.

The Division of Chemical Toxicology was moved from probational to permanent status.

A revised edition of the Professional Employment Guidelines was passed. There was discussion about temporary employees and if small businesses could meet the guidelines. The employment environment seems to be positive for chemists in general.

For 1997, the outstanding local sections were: large, New York; medium-large, St. Louis; medium, Dayton, Memphis; medium-small, NE Oklahoma; small, Illinois-Iowa. Twenty six local sections have not yet sent in their annual reports and are at risk of forfeiting their allotments..

Meetings and Expositions reported 13,723 attendees, 6,640 papers, and 438 booths with 248 companies present. Total attendance was 16,647. The web pages for the meeting were actively used. Dates and locations for 2008-2010 national meetings were set. A motion to set the registration fees for 1999 at $235 was defeated by 166 to 276. This is a recommendation to the Board which will actually set the fee. (I voted against the increase although I recognize that National ACS meetings are of high quality and low cost.)

The meeting was adjourned at approximately 11:30 am.

For a complete report on the meeting, you are welcome to refer to the agenda book in my office, 138 Schrenk Hall, University of Missouri-Rolla.

I continue to serve on the Publications Committee as member and participated in the meeting on the preceding Friday. I also serve as Chair-Elect of the Division of Polymer Chemistry, Inc. Please let me know of your concerns relative to the operation of the ACS.

Respectfully Submitted,

Frank D. Blum, Councilor
South Central Missouri Section