PMAC and SCL announce plan to merge

With the support of their respective boards of directors, The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) and Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) have announced their intent to merge operations.

The new organization, which is subject to the approval of both associations’ memberships, would become the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA). PMAC and SCL will hold votes at their Annual General Meetings, both to be held June 12,  in Ottawa and Toronto, respectively.

If approved, members of the two organizations would become members of SCMA on Sept. 3.

“It’s a natural evolution,” said PMAC board chair Mike Whelan. “As organizations, our strengths complement each other; by combining them we can offer supply chain professionals in all disciplines the very best opportunities for professional development, networking, and employment.”

SCMA would retain the best of both associations, including local events, a focus on research, an annual national conference and an annual student case competition, which would become a national event.

Through its 10 provincial and territorial Institutes, SCMA will continue to grant the internationally recognized Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation, provide tactical training through the Supply Management Training program, as well as continuing peer-to-peer education and providing forums for industry networking.

“We are excited about the opportunity this presents for our members,” said SCL board chair Al Norrie. “SCMA will preserve the best SCL has to offer and provide access to an expanded network of supply chain professionals, top quality supply chain education, and strong employer advocacy.”

“This chance to re-envision the future for Canadian supply chain professionals through advocacy, research, education and employment opportunities, comes as we prepare to implement a new three-year strategic plan,” said PMAC’s president and CEO Cheryl Paradowski, who will lead the new association. “The expertise and experience that SCL members bring to the joint membership and leadership structures can only strengthen our ability to offer supply chain professionals, and their employers, top-quality education and leading-edge supply chain solutions.”

SCL executive director Alison Toscano said: “I think both SCL and PMAC members will find a home in SCMA. It’s going to be a great organization.”

Watch our video about the planned merger here: http://www.ctl.ca/videos/play/?plid=1002251314.