EASTERN ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT NEWSLETTER
Eileen Kaplan, President
Madeline Crocitto, Newsletter Editor		 Vol. 5 No 1
Fall 1999
EAM 2000 Philadelphia 1999
Highlights		 About Our Website Group and Organization
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Eileen Kaplan
Montclair State University
I'd like to offer greetings on behalf of EAM and extend a warm welcome to all our new members. I'd especially like to thank several people who have worked to make this organization so effective and give it its unique culture that so many of us treasure. 

First, a special thanks to Bonnie Betters-Reed for her excellent job as EAM President 1998-99. Bonnie accomplished so much - from re-negotiating the Sage contract, to smoothly transitioning the Treasurer's job, to getting things started for the EAM 2000 conference. As a result of her Herculean efforts and her keeping me in the loop at all stages of the process, my job will be so much easier. Thanks to the other officers who made key contributions including Cheryl Tromley's excellent start as Treasurer. This was no small task considering she followed in the near-legendary footsteps of Jim Carroll. Ted Peters, completing his term as Vice President - Membership, really deserves a round of applause for tackling the issues of systematizing our membership database and reaching out to new members. In all candor, sometimes incumbents in less visible jobs do not get the credit they deserve for initiating the systems and processes that contribute to the smoothly flowing operation needed to keep EAM strong. Ted's successor, Ed Christensen, and I had a long talk at the Academy and I know he already has about 200 good ideas for innovations in his and other positions.

Second, I want to comment on the two successful conferences that we ran this year. Many of you were at the wonderful EAM meeting in Philadelphia. The joint endeavors of Joel Harmon and Deanna Geddes and their respective teams made this an enjoyable, successful, and, yes, profitable conference. Clearly, one of the high points was the presentation of Judy Wicks, CEO, White Dog Enterprises and her stirring talk on "Making a Difference." It's always good to see that smart business paired with noble ideals can work. And the restaurant serves absolutely delicious food! 

I'd also like to thank Bill Starbuck and Sam Jelinek for their wonderful Distinguished Scholar Sessions. They have such terrific ideas and are both such consummate researchers that it's really art! (By the way, for those of you who don't know, Sam is at the National Science Foundation this year. She's eager to receive proposals in her area of Innovation and Organizational Change. Contact her at mjelinek@nsf.gov if you want details or just to say hello.) You can read about these and other highlights of the meeting elsewhere in this Newsletter. 

On a more sober note, we held a sunrise memorial service for Carolyn Dexter. I am happy to announce that there will be a Best paper Award in her name given by EAM International. Finally, the jury is still out on the Saturday-Sunday idea compared to our traditional ending on Saturday at noon, so let us know your comments about this as we plan future meetings.

The 2000 Program is shaping up. I've had several conversations with Steve Meisel. The program he and his Track Chairs are putting together will have many interesting features. The conference theme "Profits and People: the Human Rights Challenges in Organizations" promises many provocative discussions. He and Fran Amatucci, Vice President - Local Arrangements, are doing a super job. We are all looking forward to relaxing in a superb resort. The timing couldn't be better coming at the end of AY 99-00. Speaking of timing, please keep in mind that the deadline for submissions is November 3, 1999.

I was fortunate enough to be in Prague to attend the Managing in a Global Economy VIII conference. Dave Palmer, Theo Peridis, and Kathy Dechant did a fantastic job. As always, there were stimulating speakers, great paper sessions and a fabulous banquet at the end. The Czech Republic has undergone many changes since I was there in 1993-following the Berlin Conference-and it was good to get a fuller understanding of how these not always so positive changes have influenced the country and its economy. 

The site for Managing in a Global Economy IX in June 2001 is Costa Rica. Need I say more? I hear some folks are already booking flights! Dilip Mirchandani (as Lead Director) promises to top Dublin. He and his team are working with INCAE to bring to fruition an exciting and fun program.

I'd like to mention a few other points relevant to EAM based on the August National Academy meeting in Chicago. 

  • The National Academy is starting to work more closely with the Regionals. One outcome is a new council established to deal with various issues. The President or Past President of AOM will be expanding their role at the Regional meetings. They look forward to participating beyond just delivering updates of Academy news. Anne Huff will be attending the meeting in Danvers.
  • I attended the Group and Organization meeting. Chris Earley is seeking reviewers and possible new members of the Board. As some of you know, Alison Konrad has been named Associate Editor and she will serve as EAM liaison regarding reviewers and Editorial Board members. Chris is truly open to your suggestions and comments.
  • The International Best Paper Award has been re-named the Carolyn R. Dexter Best Paper Award to honor Carolyn's many contributions at the international level for the Academy of Management.

In closing, I hope your academic year is off to a wonderful start. By the way, I'd love to hear your comments, ideas, and general feedback. Please feel free to contact me at kaplane@mail.montclair.edu. 
Last year was a wonderful mix of accomplishment, excitement, and hard work, all made possible by your support and efforts. A special thank you to Joel Harmon and the exceptionally talented Program Committee. Deanna Geddes and the magnificent arrangements folks in the Philadelphia environs organized an outstanding array of activities and events. It was a very successful conference and annual meeting. I would also like to thank the entire Board of Governors, network and committee chairs for making it a successful 1998-1999. A warm note of gratitude goes to our retiring directors and officers: Dave Palmer, Sam Jelinek, dt ogilvie (newsletter), Bruce Tracey (secretary), Ted Peters (Membership) and Gayle Porter (VP at Large). Special congratulations and thanks to Dave Palmer, Dilip Mirchandani, Theo Peridis and Kathy Dechant for a fantastic IEAM meeting in Prague. I look forward to seeing you all again in Danvers.