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THE
IDEA
The idea
of a merger grew from the success of the joint annual meetings,
and the need to be more mindful of members that belonged to
both associations. Some members found themselves faced with
duplicate dues, conflicting meeting dates and loyalties. Both
associations were also aware that a larger membership would
provide financial strength, help attract stronger speakers,
and allow the group to book quality conference facilities.
THE VOTE
In May 1986
the South Carolina Co-op Association held its annual state meeting
as part of the Southeastern Regional Co-op conference in Charlotte,
NC. During the business meeting, Dave Scherrep of Clemson University,
proposed a resolution to study a merger with the South Carolina
College Placement Association. After intense discussion, the
resolution passed with Dave Scherrep agreeing to write to Tom
Kosmoto, United Technologies, who was President of SCCPA. asking
if they would be interested in exploring the idea of a merger.
After a positive vote from SCCPA, a joint committee was formed
under the leadership of Al Mathiasen, also of Clemson University.
The committee was tasked to review all implications of a merger
and report back at a joint meeting held in Charleston during
May 1987.
At the Charleston meeting, the merger committee rendered its
report to the combined membership of both associations. The
committee recommended that the two groups join forces and form
a new association. They found that merging had worked quite
well in Georgia and Alabama, and that several other southern
states were considering merging, but had not taken any action
at this time. The mood of both groups was so positive after
the committee's report, a vote was taken in joint session, rather
than adjourning to vote separately. After a brief discussion,
the group voted unanimously to merge.
FIRST MEETING
The first
meeting was held in May 1988 at the Ocean Dunes/Sand Dunes Hotel
in Myrtle Beach, SC. Lydia Arledge of Furman University both
secured charter member plaques and designed and produced special
conference t-shirts which were presented as a gift to all members.
During the business meeting, Pat McCrory of Duke Power Co.,
was elected the first President of SCCPA along with a slate
of new officers that represented the interests of education
and industry. It was a very strong beginning for the new organization.
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