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The Evolution of TOSCOT ...
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Back in 1919 the Toronto Society for Coatings Technology (TOSCOT)
began. Originally named the Toronto Club of Paint and Varnish
Superintendents, the group first met in March and has since
developed into an important source of technical information for the
coatings industry.
TOSCOT was one of the founding societies of the Federation of
Societies for Coatings Technology (FSCT), and has contributed much
to the growth and development of the organization. The first
international president it provided, Gordon C. McEwan, has much to
do with shaping the direction of the Federation during his 1926-27
term. Since his tenure, five TOSCOT members has served as President
of FSCT: Eugene E. Sparrow (1923-33); Joseph W. Tomecko (1957-58);
William Dunn (1975-76); A. Clarke Boyce (1982-83); and Kurt F. Weitz
(1990-91).
In 1994, the Toronto Society for Coatings Technology celebrated its
75th anniversary. At that time, a historical account of the group
was developed. Some of the highlights reported in this account,
prepared for the Toronto Society by Coatings Magazine, reveal a
Society that has evolved over the past 75 years, much like the
industry it represents.
One of the hallmark of TOSCOT in its early years was the unbridled
enthusiasm of the group. Despite this, early meetings were marked by
low attendance. Even if eligible members wanted to attend, they were
often forbidden by their employers. The times and developing
technology had much to do with this attitude. Paint chemists had
only recently come into an industry that until then had been all
art. One prominent company manager went firmly on the record at a
Canadian Paint, Oil, and Varnish association meeting stating: "We
never had problems in the paint industry until we let the chemists
in."
The TOSCOT founding fathers quickly hit upon a successful format
that has changed little in the intervening time since inception. The
club held regular monthly meetings, from September until June, with
invited speakers presenting the latest technological developments of
the time. In those early years, it was felt that the annual $2.50
membership fee paid off for members many times because the club
heard speakers tell of the development, uses, and potential of new
technical revolutions that were to drastically alter the face of
paint production.
Although many changes have occurred in the industry over the past
years, the vision of the Toronto Society remains the same. TOSCOT's
dedication to the advancement of the coatings education has resulted
in significant accomplishments not only at the Society level but for
the Federation as well. Milestones include hosting 160 people at the
Federation's ninth annual convention in 1930 to welcome over 7800
attendees to the FSCT Annual Meeting and Paint Show in 1991.
Educational courses, award-wining technical presentations, and
successful seminars have been sources of pride for the group.
Above all, the success of the Society is attributed to the many
volunteers who have served throughout the years. Proud of its
heritage, the Society will continue this tradition into the future.
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Check out the Calendar link...........there you will find a list of
events that are planned for the 2007-2008 calendar. Mark your
calendars in advance to ensure you make it out. |
| The next TOSCOT course is beginning soon.
Please contact our Education Co-ordinator or consult the education tab
for additional details. |
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