For 70 years, SSPC and NACE have represented distinct parts of the asset protection industry. Both organizations have developed industry-respected standards, provided education and training to professionals serving many functions, and contributed to the advancement of the technical and practical knowledge critical to protecting the world’s infrastructure. In many instances, we have collaborated to the benefit of our industry.
Each organization’s leadership recognizes the value and importance of collaboration, and in 2018 brought together representatives to discuss the possibility of combining both organizations in an effort to better serve the industry and avoid duplication of effort.
Throughout 2019, representatives met several times for in-depth discussions to discover the feasibility of a combined association and the mutual benefits it would provide to the SSPC and NACE members, as well as the broader industry. A third-party consulting firm was hired to facilitate discussions, conduct research, and ensure a fair and balanced approach to discussions and decision-making. Stakeholders representing the diverse perspectives in each organization were interviewed to gain an understanding of their perceptions of each organization and the prospect of a combined association.
As 2020 begins, each organization’s board of directors is reviewing information created by the task group on how a combined association could look and function. More information will be shared in the upcoming weeks with the memberships of both SSPC and NACE. Please contact your board members if you would like to share your opinions about the discussions, or use the feedback form on the SSPC website to share your comments. We also encourage you to participate in the Town Hall meetings that both organizations are hosting at the upcoming Coatings+2020 conference in Long Beach and the CORROSION 2020 conference in Houston.
Following is a timeline of upcoming discussion-related milestones.
- January – Task Force Meetings
- February 1-2 – SSPC Board of Governors Meeting
- February 3, 4, 5 – SSPC hosts Town Hall meetings at Coatings+2020 in Long Beach
- February 24 – NACE Board of Directors holds update meeting
- March 14 – NACE Board of Directors Meeting
- March 16, 17, 18 – NACE hosts Town Hall meetings at CORROSION 2020 in Houston
If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].
Please check your inbox next Wednesday, January 15 for Update #2 – Certification Considerations Q&A.