SSPC and NACE International Members Vote in Favor of Combining Organizations
PITTSBURGH – The Society for Protective Coatings (SSPC) and NACE International announced that their members have voted to approve the associations’ proposal to combine. During the two-week voting period, thousands of SSPC stakeholders worldwide cast votes, with 88.3% in favor of combining forces with NACE, and 89% of NACE stakeholders voted in favor of combining forces with SSPC.
The vote came after more than a year of discussions between the member leadership of both organizations and a unanimous vote this past February by SSPC’s Board of Governors in favor of a resolution to bring the combination to a member vote, and a vote in March by NACE International’s Board of Directors in favor of the resolution.
According to SSPC President Joseph Walker, “This was a vote of historical importance to SSPC members and to the coatings and corrosion industries. The level of engagement and interest throughout the process and the impressive showing for the vote demonstrates the enthusiasm the industry has for the potential of this combination. I look forward to working with my colleagues at NACE as we move forward on creating this new organization.”
NACE President Terry Greenfield added, “With what is clearly a resounding ‘yes,’ the NACE membership has spoken. As a member and as NACE’s President I could not be more excited with this result. This will bring more benefits and resources to the members of both organizations, and it will have a strong and positive impact on the coatings and corrosion profession worldwide.”
Several steps are required before a specific timeline for completion of a combination can be set, and most changes will not be immediate. Initial efforts will be focused on determining the new governance and membership structure by Jan. 1, 2021. Member volunteers will drive discussions and decision-making to ensure the final combined organization represents the best interests of the membership. McKinley Advisors will continue to serve as a third-party, independent advisor to assist both organizations with combining resources, knowledge and cultures.
SSPC Executive Director Bill Worms and NACE International CEO Bob Chalker issued the following joint statement: “From the time each of us began working for our organizations, we have believed our members can be stronger together. We are devoted to providing our members with the best services, education and products possible, and we know this combined organization will accomplish that and more. We are pleased to see this come together and look forward to a bright future ahead for the members of SSPC and NACE.”
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