Background
In early 2009, SBS and ALA began discussing ways the organizations could work together to further their respective and similar missions. These discussions led SBS and ALA to recognize that coordinating programs and activities offers many significant advantages. Accordingly, SBS and ALA assigned a task force of eight experienced volunteer leaders, four from SBS and four from ALA, to explore options and determine the viability of an SBS-ALA amalgamation and, if viable, the appropriate structure to accomplish it. The task force unanimously concluded that both SBS and ALA could be strengthened by merging into a new entity that advances their common missions and goals while respecting and protecting the unique individual histories and identities of SBS and ALA.
Rationale
Members of the SBS and ALA Boards of Directors agreed that merging the organizations will significantly advance the organizations' respective goals and, thereby, benefit individual members of both organizations and the public at large, expanding opportunities and strength by:
- Embracing and building shared goals and priorities
- Expanding organizational scope and global influence
- Elevating the quality and significance of annual conferences and exhibitions
- Enhancing the reach, impact and efficiency of promotional opportunities for exhibitors and sponsors
- Streamlining operational costs and increasing administrative efficiencies
- Creating a sound financial foundation for organizational maintenance and growth
Due Diligence
As part of SBS and ALA's investigation regarding the viability of consolidation, each organization conducted a thorough due diligence review of the other. Following the completion of these reviews, both organizations agreed that the idea of a merger was both viable and attractive, and thus directed that a formal Plan and Agreement of Merger be developed outlining the terms and conditions of such a merger for consideration by the boards of directors of both organizations.
Agreement and Recommendation
In January 2010, a comprehensive SBS-ALA Plan and Agreement of Merger was presented and discussed by both boards of directors. After the boards of directors provided input and made revisions, a final Plan and Agreement of Merger was adopted by both boards via separate resolutions with recommendations that the Plan be presented to the SBS and ALA memberships for a vote.
About the Name and Logo
The name Society for Laboratory Automation and Screening (SLAS) is inspired by its origins: the union of two respected and established organizations — the Society for Biomolecular Sciences (SBS) and the Association for Laboratory Automation (ALA).
The definition statement An International Community Advancing Scientific Research and Discovery through Laboratory Technology communicates at a glance a simplified explanation of the SLAS global purpose, mission and desire to appeal to scientists, engineers, professionals, and students from many disciplines and industries.
Through the use of color and abstract imagery, the SLAS logo creates a visual crossroads that metaphorically represents the coming together of the two organizations. The triangular elements that form the V-shape element hint at separate paths, while nodding to the shapes and curves in each of the separate organizations' logos. The use of different colors further emphasizes convergence, ultimately combining to form a third color.
To suggest that SLAS is a resource for never-ending information and knowledge, supplied by both SBS and ALA, the points at the beginning of the paths are left open.
To position SLAS as a modern and respected organization, a clean, heavy (bold, sans serif), and up-to-date typeface is used. This typeface not only suggests that this organization is cutting edge but also proves to be a font that can stand the test of time.
The teal and green colors within the logo are fresh and possess energy. The black found in both the edges of the elements and the typeface suggest strength and professionalism.
