 Founded September 2010 ◦  Purpose ◦ Support the association of core laboratory managers, researchers, students, and others with similar and complementary interests. ◦ Facilitate regional or special interest meetings that will help promote networking, education and communication. ◦ Educate potential ABRF members regarding the value of ABRF membership.

 Current Members Dr. Steven F. Jennings Dr. Steven F. Jennings (Chair) - University of Arkansas at Little Rock Bryan Fleming - Vermont Genetics Network Dr. David B. Friedman - Vanderbilt University George S. Grills (Co-Chair) - Cornell University Dr William G Hendrickson - Univ. of Illinois, Chicago Preston Hensley - Lotus Translational Medicine Prof Philip E Hockberger - Northwestern University Dr. Elke Kuster-Schock - McGill University, CIAN Dr Katia Sol-Church - AI duPont Hospital for Children Theodore W Thannhauser - United States Department of Agriculture/Ag Research Service Dr. Anthony T Yeung (EB Liaison) - Fox Chase Cancer Center Michelle M Detwiler (EB Liaison) - Roswell Park Cancer Institute Dr Karen R Jonscher (EB Liaison) - University of Colorado Denver Bryan Fleming Dr. David B. Friedman George S. Grills Dr William G Hendrickson Preston Hensley Prof Philip E Hockberger Dr. Elke Kuster-Schock Dr Katia Sol-Church Theodore W Thannhauser Dr. Anthony T Yeung Michelle M Detwiler Dr Karen R Jonscher

 Charter ◦ Develop meeting/organization guidelines and resources, assess applications from new groups desiring to form chapters or who wish to become affiliated with the ABRF ◦ Recommend chapter/affiliate applications to the ABRF Executive Board for approval ◦ Operating procedures:

 What are Chapters? ◦ Special interest groups  common interests and/or geographical boundaries  grassroots networks to help advance ABRF goals ◦ Facilitate an exchange of information and expertise  support and advance members' careers and professional development ◦ Help with two-way communication with ABRF

 Chapter Benefits ◦ Access to the ABRF Community ◦ Local Networking ◦ Career Advancement ◦ ABRF Infrastructure for Activities/Events  Organizational assistance  Some financial assistance  Technical assistance (TBD)

 Chapter Benefits (continued) ◦ Access to ABRF non-profit status ◦ Event planning support  Registrations  Website ◦ Financial management assistance  Accounts payable/Accounts receivable ◦ Liability Insurance possible ◦ Directors and Officer Insurance possible

 Chapter Responsibilities ◦ Support of the ABRF and furthering of the mission of ABRF ◦ Conformity with ABRF bylaws ◦ Fiscal management consistent with good management practices and non-profit status ◦ Annual report

 What are Affiliates? ◦ Special interest groups ◦ Autonomous to ABRF ◦ Collaborate on  Joint marketing  Joint meetings  Joint membership activities

 Affiliate Benefits ◦ Marketing and membership recruiting  Including use of ABRF logo ◦ Some technical support  Web pages  Surveys  Membership databases (TBD)

 Affiliate Responsibilities ◦ Maintain a mutually beneficial and supportive relationship ◦ Support the ABRF’s initiatives, mission, and ideals ◦ Complement and support the goals and activities of the ABRF ◦ Not duplicate or compete with the ABRF ◦ Work with ABRF to raise each other’s visibility within their membership and educate their memberships about their missions

 Approved Chapter ◦ Midwest Association of Core Directors ( ◦ First conference:  Chicago, Oct  ~150 attendees, 37 posters  14 corporate sponsors  Affiliate Application Received ◦ MidSouth Computational Biology and Bioinformatics Society (

 Chapter Application Questions ◦ 1. Proposed or Existing Name of the Chapter ◦ 2. Proposed Geographic Area or Community of Interest the Chapter Will Serve ◦ 3. Goals and Scope of Chapter ◦ 4. History ◦ 5. Existing Resources ◦ 6. Meetings ◦ 7. Organizational Structure, Founding Members and Initial Officers of the Chapter ◦ 8. List of Supporters ◦ 9. List of Requirements ◦ 10. Additional Information ◦ 11. Your Contact Information

 Affiliate Application Questions ◦ 1. Name of Organization ◦ 2. Current Community of Interest Your Organization Serves ◦ 3. Goals and Scope of Affiliate ◦ 4. History ◦ 5. Existing Resources ◦ 6. Meetings ◦ 7. Leadership Structure ◦ 8. Additional Information ◦ 9. Your Contact Information