The ICG NE Regional Chapter held its first meeting at The Raindancer restaurant in Amsterdam, NY. From the looks of all the attendees in the picture, nobody went away hungry!

The following were in attendance: Gene Kaczor, of Manlius, NY; Robert Tourville, of Easthampton, CT; Keith Hoffman, of Cedar Lake, NY; Bob Donohue (luncheon coordinator), of Fort Johnson, NY; Ron Rizio, of Rome, NY; Philip Perry, of Garnerville, NY; Bob Faubel, of Redding, CT; DJ McIntosh, of Raymond, NH; Jack Hudzik, of Manchester, NH; and yours truly (Steve Newton), of Ilion, NY.

The main purpose of this meeting was to query members as to their preferences for future regional meetings. The group decided to hold at least two meetings each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. In order to minimize driving for attendees, it was decided to hold future meetings in the general vicinity of a corridor between Springfield, MA (eastern edge) and Schenectady, NY (western edge).

Attendees agreed that weekend meetings were preferable, and the location should be determined by the meeting format (golf course, restaurant/hotel or member’s shop). There was a definite interest in dedicating at least one meeting per year to some sort of advanced training module and/or sponsor technical presentation, and a second meeting to more of an informal/social event such as a golf outing.

I briefed the group on a special licensing offer put forth by ICG Sponsor, Optimal Flight, and indicated that I would pass the specific offer flyer along to anyone desiring more information.

Everyone agreed that one of the key (but intangible) benefits available to members of a professional organization such as the ICG is that of professional networking, and that the ICG Chapter program will provide that benefit once all chapters commence activities.