As part of the merger, FSCT and NPCA have agreed to combine the International Coatings Expo (ICE) with the American Coatings Show and Conference (ACS) to be held on June 2-5, 2008, in Charlotte, NC. With the combination of ICE into the ACS, ICE 2008 in Chicago will be canceled.

NPCA President Andy Doyle and FSCT Executive Director Joe Pontoski issued the following joint statement:

“NPCA and FSCT view FSCT as the leading technical and scientific educational organization for the industry and NPCA as the leading advocacy and public policy-based organization for the industry. NPCA and FSCT fully endorse membership in and the programs and activities of both organizations. NPCA and FSCT are committed to combining their resources and expertise for the greater benefit of the industry. The purpose of integrating the management and financial resources of both parties is to enhance the overall quality and breadth of programs and services provided to the industry and to efficiently and effectively apply resources to industry priorities. In addition, we recognize that an important aspect of a successful merger of our two organizations is a continued affiliation and effective interaction with the industry’s network of local societies, councils and associations, and the Coatings Industry Education Foundation. We not only expect our relationship with these groups to continue, but to be enhanced and expanded.”

FSCT’s Board of Directors has already approved the Memorandum of Agreement and has recommended approval to its membership; NPCA’s Board of Directors will take formal action on the Agreement at its meeting on March 19. Following a decision by NPCA’s Board, the Agreement will be submitted to the FSCT general membership for approval beginning on March 21.