The National Paint & Coatings Association (NPCA) and the Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement that outlines the details of a prospective merger of the two organizations. The agreement describes a "governance merger" that will consolidate the governance, management, and administrative functions of both groups under NPCA while preserving each organization's separate identities, operations, functions, and member services. The NPCA and FSCT will remain separate organizations managed through a common governing structure. As part of the merger, FSCT and NPCA have agreed to combine the International Coatings Expo (ICE) with the American Coatings Show and Conference (ACS) to be held on June 2-5, 2008, in Charlotte, NC. With the combination of ICE into the ACS, ICE 2008 in Chicago will be canceled. NPCA and FSCT will fully endorse and support the American Coatings Show as the premier industry exhibition for the coatings industry.

For more information, visitwww.paint.org/ind_info/press.cfm#199.