Purchasing Management Association of Canada and Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada Announce Amalgamation Intent

Subject to member approval, new organization to become Supply Chain Management Association

TORONTO, April 24, 2013 /CNW/ - With the support of their respective boards of directors, The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) and Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) today announced their intent to merge operations.

The new organization would become the Supply Chain Management Association (SCMA). The amalgamation, which is subject to the approval of both associations' memberships, would cement SCMA's position as the preeminent association for Canadian supply chain professionals. PMAC and SCL will hold votes at their Annual General Meetings, both to be held June 12, 2013 in Ottawa and Toronto respectively. If approved, members of the two organizations would become members of SCMA on September 3, 2013.

"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, engage in peer-to-peer education and provide 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."

About PMAC
The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (PMAC) is the leading, and largest, association in Canada for supply chain management professionals. With 6,500 members working across private and public sectors, PMAC is the principal source of supply chain training, education and professional development in the country, and requires all members to adhere to a Code of Ethics. Through its 10 Provincial and Territorial Institutes, PMAC grants the SCMP (Supply Chain Management Professional) designation, the highest achievement in the field and the mark of strategic leadership. pmac.ca

About SCL
Supply Chain & Logistics Association Canada (SCL) is a non-profit organization of business professionals interested in improving their logistics and supply chain management skills through a comprehensive program of education, research and networking opportunities.  For more information please visit www.sclcanada.org

SOURCE: Purchasing Management Association of Canada

For further information:

Media Contacts:

Cori Ferguson
Director, Public Affairs & Communications 
PMAC
416-977-7111, ext. 3129
[e-mail]

Alison Toscano
Executive Director
SCL
905-513-7300, ext. 257
[e-mail]