The SOV Chapter was formed in 1995. In the Fall of 1999, in an effort to deal with declining membership, a reduced volunteer leader base and splitting of vendor support, our chapters looked for a way to provide local programs, services and a venue to discuss laboratory management issues for their members. One such method of maintaining viability for its' membership was the merging of chapters.
The Board of the Central VA Chapter of CLMA met in January 2000 to discuss the feasibility of merging with the Spirit of Virginia Chapter. Both chapters are located in the central VA with common vendors, and member issues so the next logical step was to determine the feasibility of such a plan. A Steering Committee consisting of members from both chapters met in April of 2000 to review basic chapter demographics and operations. A transition team was chartered to develop a time line and work out the mechanics of the merger including a communication plan with the members of both chapters.
A new set of by-laws incorporating joint decisions for the Spirit of Virginia Chapter was filed with International CLMA, all members of the Central VA Chapter were transferred to their new chapter and elections were held. A new slate of officers were installed at the SOV annual business meeting in October 2000 and successful collaboration was born.
Since the merger, the SOV Chapter has held general educational sessions during the year and collaborated with the Tidewater Chapter to produce an annual Fall Vendor & Educational Session.
BD Booth at Fall Educational Session Exhibitors and participants were able to share during exhibit hours.
Quest Booth at the Fall Educational Conference These participants were deep in conversation.
Exhibitors Share a Moment During the exhibit hours participants and exhibitors are able to renew aquaintenances.
President, Marcia Accordino with Past President, Ann Harris Marcia presented an engraved desk clock to Ann Harris as a token of appreciation from the chapter during the strategic planning session held by the BOD in January 2003.
