NORTHERN CALIFORNIA SECTION RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENT

The Northern California (NorCal) Section will receive the 2004 Gary Leach Award, thanks to their extraordinary service in fundraising and arrangements for the 2003 San Francisco AIChE Annual Meeting Welcome Reception.

The Welcome Reception gives Annual Meeting meeting attendees a time to network and relax with colleagues. But with over 4,500 chemical engineers and 1,000 students in attendance, it also poses a financial challenge to produce.

Thanks to the NorCal Section's tireless fundraising, guests at the Annual Meeting enjoyed an exceptional reception that will set the bar for years to come. NorCal raised $48,500 by enlisting the sponsorship of over 20 companies, including Eli Lilly, CH2M Hill, and Genentech, Inc.

"I know they worked hard to raise this money, and didn't take no for an answer," said AIChE President Bill Byers, "The NorCal Section is one of our most active and vital sections. And I am pleased present them with this award in support of their recent accomplishment."

Sponsored by the AIChE Executive Committee, the Gary Leach Award is presented to a group whose performance shows significant accomplishment toward the Institute's mission and objectives. President Byers will present this honor at the NorCal Section Symposium on April 20.