X-Message-Number: 10657 Date: Thu, 29 Oct 1998 21:37:38 -0600 From: Linda Chamberlain <> Subject: =?iso-8859-1?Q?Alcor_President=92s_Report?= President’s Report For the September 13, 1998 Annual Meeting of the Board of Directors of the Alcor Life Extension Foundation This last year has seen a lot of “forward motion”. We have attempted to keep as much balance as possible when setting priorities, rather than focus exclusively on one area or another. The result has been steady improvements across the board without allowing some projects to dominate others. Since Membership confidence is the most meaningful yardstick we possess, we are gratified by the fact that feedback from Members tells us that their confidence in and commitment to Alcor as their choice of cryonics organizations continues to grow. Membership Services and Growth: Emphasis has been evenly divided into two areas: (1) holding onto current members (through improved membership satisfaction, designed to decrease the number of cancelled memberships), and (2) converting an already sizeable flow of inquiries into an improved membership growth. To improve member perception of the services they are receiving as Alcor Members, an extensive “Member Handbook” has been distributed, in a custom loose-leaf binder. A quarterly follow-up system is under development to improve the conversion rate of inquiries to sign-ups. (See also Promotion, as these areas are very interrelated.) Promotion: A very successful conference was held in April, at which notables like Marvin Minsky and James Halperin were key players. Major cosmetic improvements have been made to the Cooldown Bay (to improve the image of Alcor and heighten the impression made during tours of the facility). The improved format and content of Cryonics magazine and coverage in the Alcor Phoenix (of the many advances taking place within Alcor) both serve as a important marketing tools to sell Alcor over its competitors as well as resulting in heightened membership awareness and enthusiasm. (See also Patient Security, as these areas are very interrelated.) Domestic CryoTransport Readiness: Four (basic level) courses for Transport Team Members were held, and three more courses are scheduled before the end of the year. Videotapes and tests for (basic level) refresher training are being distributed (emphasis in 1999 will be on advanced training). BioTransport, Inc. was formed and is now an Alcor Contractor, with immediate goals to: (1) pursue registration of a public offering, (2) perform critical tasks for Alcor and (3) develop research approaches to evaluate existing suspension methods and explore alternatives. A detailed consulting and coordination trip laid the groundwork for suspensions which might take place in or around Laughlin, NV. A (basic level) training course for full time employees (EMTs) of Don Laughlin has been negotiated and scheduled, and will result in the deployment of a full set of cooling and medications kits, as well as a new HLR. This is a “first”, in any individual member’s preparedness for cryotransport. An Alcor standby was held in which outside technology was brought in, from 21st CM (for a fee.) Although no long-term contract has yet been negotiated for access to 21st CM technology, exchanges and leases of equipment for consulting and the certification of Alcor Members by Biopreservation, Inc. have opened a doorway once closed to the prospect of cooperation and access to new technologies that could be developed. New field washout equipment under development by Alcor was refined and tested in conjunction with Mike Darwin’s course, as part of an animal research procedure. Foreign CryoTransport Readiness: A relationship has been developed with a large international mortuary shipper located in London. This makes servicing of our European members more realistic. The U.K. group has become reinvigorated by the prospect of a course this coming November, and is recruiting attendees from among Alcor Members in Europe as well as the U.K. At an earlier time this year, it appeared that the Alcor U.K. building (which was purchased and equipped some 10 years ago) might be sold. This potential loss of facilities now may be reversed, largely as a result of new enthusiasm and confidence that the U.K. and Europe can have a viable program. Research: A baseline air-transportable perfusion (ATP) system has reached the stage of being ready for “manufacture” (in small numbers). Full documentation for validation testing of the cooldown/crackphone system is progressing well. Initial breadboard measurements of bioimpedance in living tissues have begun, as part of the planning process for Alcor and BioTransport research. An intensive literature search and initial studies are in progress. Patient Security: Eight video cameras for monitoring critical security areas at Alcor were installed. A seven-day video recorder was acquired, permitting 24-hour recordings of four of the cameras (sequentially and in “quad-view”), including those in the Patient Care Bay and the Cooldown Bay. Concerned Directors launched a “Y2K” preparedness effort, which may lead to Alcor’s acquisition of LN2 conservation, reliquification or generation equipment. An emergency generator was acquired, and is being installed. A renovation project for the Patient Care Bay is underway, with painting of the interior doors, new paneling for the cooldown cabinets to give them a more modern, medical equipment look, and planning to improve both the security of the exterior walls and general appearance of the area. A highly detailed study of liquid nitrogen consumption was completed, and the consolidation of samples has substantially reduced LN2 costs. Organizational Strength: Three additional Directors joined Alcor’s Board, filling vacancies and bringing it to full strength. The Board is pleased to add the talents of Ralph Merkle, Ph.D. (researcher), Derek Ryan (web master) and Gary Meade (attorney). Carlos Mondragon (taking a well-earned leave after serving Alcor for eleven years, some of which were the most demanding and trying years in Alcor’s history) has retired from his position as a Director, but retains his title of President Emeritus, and remains on the Alcor Board of Directors as an Advisor. We are also fortunate in the fact that Carlos is remaining as a Board Member on the Patient Care Trust. Scientific and Medical Advisory Boards: Alcor has asked a number of members (physicians and scientists) to serve on the new Scientific and Medical Advisory Boards. Almost all that were invited have accepted; their willingness to support Alcor publicly will help Alcor to gain still more participation from other professional Members, as well as supporting Alcor through their direct advisory support. An article introducing the Scientific and Medical Advisors will appear in the January issue of Cryonics and on Alcor’s web site. Longer Range Planning and Summary A “vision” statement is under development by the Alcor Board, Advisors and Staff. This should give us an improved picture of how Alcor needs to develop over the next decade. In summary, Alcor is maintaining its balance and breaking ground in many new areas, as well as planning for the long term. Respectfully submitted, Fred Chamberlain President/CEO Linda Chamberlain () CryoTransport Manager For information about a thriving, life affirming cryonics organization: Alcor Life Extension Foundation Non-profit cryonic suspension services since 1972. 7895 E. Acoma Dr., Suite 110, Scottsdale AZ 85260-6916 Membership Information: (877) GO-ALCOR (462-5267) Phone (602) 905-1906 FAX (602) 922-9027 for general requests http://www.alcor.org Rate This Message: http://www.cryonet.org/cgi-bin/rate.cgi?msg=10657