Good Manufacturing Practices Training & Education Association, Inc. (GMP TEA)

Save the Date! 

The next Mid-Atlantic Chapter meeting is scheduled for May 18.  We are actively seeked a host, sponsor, topics, and speakers.  Please contact Ken Petelinkar if you would like to participate in any of these capacities. 

The Mid-Atlantic Chapter is the oldest and largest chapter by membership in the GMPTEA.  It borders the Northeast Chapter (BETA) in the north with the New York City metropolitan area.  New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania comprise the mid-section and the majority of the members.  Delaware and southern Pennsylvania make up the southern edge bordering the Southeast Chapter.

 As per the GMPTEA bylaws there currently are no membership dues to join the chapter.  The only requirements for membership are to be a compliance trainer in the life science or related industries.  You should be willing to share your knowledge and experience with your industry peers.  Training consultants and vendors may apply for membership which is decided by the Board of Directors.

Like the GMPTEA, the Mid-Atlantic chapter’s mission is to unite life science training and behavioral education individuals in an effort to educate, collaborate and share best practices as we develop and prepare the workforce of the future for members in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Our major purpose is to provide a platform for displaying the proper training and development discipline and learning the key initiatives set forth by the GMPTEA Board of Directors. 

In order to accomplish our mission we hold periodic meetings each year.  Meetings are generally held at life science companies in the area who volunteer space and food for the meetings. The presenters at our meetings are trainers from the local area who share their experience and knowledge with the group.  We occasionally have national level speakers who are from other chapters, regulatory agencies, or vendors. 

Many of the current members of the GMPTEA, and most of the current GMPTEA Board of Directors, started in the Mid-Atlantic region.  With a diverse and extensive list of life science companies in the region, Mid-Atlantic chapter members have access to a large amount of expertise from industry training professionals within these companies.  In addition, development opportunities abound and are available to the active members of the chapter.  Many of our members also actively participate in other organizations related to training and the life science industry, including the PDA , ASTD, ASQ, ISPI, and ISPE.

Please take a moment to look at our By-Laws by clicking the link above.  Feel free to contact any of our officers.  For information concerning chapter membership, please contact the chapter vice-president, Gina Bielen.  For information concerning the national organization or another chapter, please contact gmptea@yahoo.com.

If you are interested in hosting or sponsoring a meeting, or perhaps presenting, please contact our current chapter President, Ken Petelinkar.  

As per the GMPTEA by-laws, attendance at one chapter meeting is required every 24 months to retain Active Member status.

Note from the President's Desk

February 2012:  The days are getting longer and there is a hint of Spring in the air --- at least it's been a relatively mild Winter around here.  We successfully concluded our chapter meeting on February 3 at Almac Clinical Services.  Over 40 GMPTEA members networked and saw six talented presenters discuss various training topics.  Thanks again to Almac for hosting and for everyone's participation.

Our next chapter meeting is scheduled for May 18.  We are currently seeking a site and a sponsor for this meeting as well as speakers.  Please contact me directly if you are interested in hosting, sponsoring, or speaking at this meeting.  

The GMPTEA leadership is still working to schedule the first of its kind mini-conference in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter region. This mini-conference will be most likely be held in the Fall and will effort to bring guest speakers from industry, including the FDA, to highlight trends and thoughts.  Stay tuned for more information.

We are still soliciting member companies for donations to either the GMPTEA or the chapter.  These donations help fund future events and activities.  Sincerest thanks to Bella Kampmeyer of Merck for her generous donation.  Please contact Vince Ranieri, our treasurer, to find out how your company can help "the TEA" be even better.

Compliance rules in 2012! 

 Ken

Mid-Atlantic chapter officers 

 - Ken Petelinkar - President (Bristol-Myers Squibb)

- Gina Bielen - Vice President (Catalent Pharma Solutions)

- Sandy Wilson - Secretary   (Merck)

- Vince Ranieri- Treasurer (Integra LifeSciences)