On May 12, 2007, the Rochester and Western New York Local Sections carried out a highly successful event with 2006 funding from the Innovative Project Grant (IPG) program. The IPG project itself was especially effective, but the collaboration of two local sections played an integral part in the success of this project.

Rochester partnered with Western New York (WNY) to charter a bus to Niagara Falls for a presentation of the New York Power Authority (NYPA), that included a talk called “Chemistry and Homeland Security,” a relevant topic to these sections near the Canadian border. Time was also allowed for individual tours of the Visitor’s Center and the event.

Members of both local sections enjoyed a lunch together before touring the NYPA. Rochester planned the lunch event and handled the travel logistics, while the WNY Section managed communications and tour plans with the NYPA. The cost of the luncheon was paid by the individual members attending. A cake, decorated with the two sections’ logos, was served for dessert and added to the celebratory tone of the occasion.

Because of the success of the Niagara Falls event, the Rochester Local Section and the WNY Section decided to make it an annual event. Greg Shafer, a member of the WNY Section, summed up his anticipation of future joint events: “I had a great time and learned quite a number of interesting facts and history at the NYPA visitor center. I especially enjoyed the lunch with fellow members and friends from the Rochester section. An excellent group of people whom I am looking forward to seeing at next year’s event.” The two local sections hope to expand their joint programming in the future to include other ACS local sections or the nearby Canadian Society.

Other local sections are invited to apply for IPG funding in order to plan projects that expand their programming, better meet the needs of their members, and possibly engage one or more neighboring local sections to replicate the success of the Rochester and WNY Sections’ collaboration on a joint event. For more information visit IPGs.

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