At North Shore Technology Council Business Breakfast on Wednesday, June 27, 7 to 9 a.m., Gloucester resident Beebe Nelson discusses how using voice-of-the-customer techniques can help companies improve early-stage product development practices. Nelson, co-author of "New Product Development for Dummies" and co-director of the International Association for Product Development, will speak at the Peabody Marriott, 8A Centennial Drive in Peabody. Event costs $25 for members, $40 for nonmembers. For more information, call 781-246-3046 and to register visit www.nstc.org.
nnn
The Salem State College board of trustees recently elected Lawrence resident David Abdoo chairman. Abdoo, a 1997 Salem State graduate, is the media and intergovernmental affairs officer for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services in the New England region. He serves as the liaison for local, county, state, tribal and federal governmental relations within New England.
Previously, Abdoo served as the policy director for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Transportation, and prior to that, he worked in the Massachusetts Senate.
Abdoo has served as chairman of the Lawrence planning board for more than five years. He also serves as the city's representative to the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission. He is an active member of St. Patrick's Church and serves on its finance council and other ministries at the South Lawrence parish.
Salem State College enrolls approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students representing 27 states and 52 nations. Salem State College is the third largest public institution of higher education and the largest state college in Massachusetts.
nnn
Barry Ivan was recently appointed as the new artistic director and executive producer of North Shore Music Theatre by the board of trustees. Ivan will succeed Jon Kimbell, who after 25 years will be assuming the new role as artistic director emeritus.
Ivan's career includes work in New York City theater, television and film. His accomplishments range from directing and choreographing over 20 musicals at NSMT to being a guest director at Yale University; his international credits include directing and choreographing "West Side Story" for the German State Opera.
A four-time Independent Reviewers of New England nominee for best director and best choreographer, Ivan's productions of "The Full Monty" and "Hairspray" at NSMT both received IRNE awards for best musical.
Highlights from Ivan's regional theater career include directing and choreographing "Company" starring Malcolm Gets and Michelle Pawk; "Anything Goes" starring Carolee Carmello; and several productions of Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music," including a recent production starring Dee Hoty and Tony Award winning actress Beth Leavel. Actively involved in the development of new works, Ivan staged Tony Award-winning composer Maury Yeston's new musical, "In The Beginning," and recently directed "Tales of Tinsel Town" for The Director's Company in New York City.
Through the end of the 2007 season, Ivan will work closely with Kimbell to ensure a smooth transition of the day-to-day artistic director and executive producer responsibilities. In February 2008, Ivan will assume the full-time artistic director and executive producer role. In addition, Ivan plans to direct and choreograph at least one musical each season.
nnn
The Registry of Motor Vehicles announced the 2007 Low Number License Plate Lottery. Applicants in this year's lottery will be vying for 205 of the most coveted Massachusetts license plates, including 137, 1056, 1Z and A59.
"With thousands of applicants each year, the Low Number Plate Lottery continues to generate considerable interest among Massachusetts residents," said Registrar Anne Collins. "In addition to announcing 205 winners, we will, once again, be providing 25 people with a second chance in our runner up alternate drawing."
Applications are available in RMV branches and online at www.mass.gov/rmv. All entries must be mailed and postmarked by Aug. 3, 2007. Postcard entries will not be accepted. Only one entry per applicant will be accepted. Winners who do not register their vehicle with their winning lottery plate by Dec. 31, 2007, will automatically forfeit their plate. All forfeited plates will be offered to the alternate drawing winners.
Details of the drawing will be available later this summer. Applicants should check the Registry Web site, www.mass.gov/rmv, for official drawing details. Lottery winners will be posted on the RMV site after the drawing.
