Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will happen to my current membership?
What is a Section?
What geographic areas will be served?
What about the journals?
What is the plan for future programs?
Will the annual conferences and exhibitions be combined?
What will happen to the current boards of directors?
Will there be elections for new boards of directors?
What is the timeline for this merger?
What will happen to the SBS and ALA professional staff teams?
Where will the headquarters be located?
What will happen to my current membership?
SBS members automatically become members of the SBS Section of SLAS, and their memberships expire at the end of the calendar year consistent with the timing of their current SBS membership term. ALA members become members of the ALA Section of SLAS. ALA memberships will shift from an anniversary year based on date of dues payment to a calendar year (any coordination of deadlines will be made in favor of the members).
What is a Section?
SLAS is organized to include two sections, each representing particular membership interests and expertise — the Biomolecular Sciences (SBS) Section and the Laboratory Automation (ALA) Section. Each section is represented by a member-elected Executive Council. When new members join SLAS or existing members renew their memberships, they will choose to be affiliated with one or both sections.
What geographic areas will be served?
SLAS is an international organization that represents scientific professionals throughout the world focusing initially on North America, Europe and Asia. A fundamental SLAS objective is to expand its existing global reach and influence.
What about the journals?
The SBS Section of SLAS will continue to publish 10 issues annually of the Journal for Biomolecular Screening (JBS) and the ALA Section of SLAS will continue to publish six issues annually of the Journal of the Association for Laboratory Automation (JALA).
What is the plan for future programs?
An immediate priority of the SLAS Board of Directors is to develop a meaningful strategic plan to drive the growth and development of the new organization, its sections, and their combined membership programs, standards, services and events. In 2011, SLAS will begin working toward the goals established by this SLAS strategic plan.
Will the annual conferences and exhibitions be combined?
The immediate plan is to ensure continuity of member benefits through the first 12-to-18 month transition phase of the merger. Currently, both the SBS and ALA annual conferences and exhibitions are under development and proceeding as planned for 2011. In the future, there is a possibility some programs and services such as the annual conferences may be combined. All membership programs, standards, services and events will be re-evaluated over time and perhaps refined, restructured or retired with respect to the strategic plan and initiatives developed by the SLAS Board of Directors and the SBS and ALA Executive Councils.
What will happen to the current boards of directors?
Current members of the SBS Board of Directors will become members of the SBS Section's Executive Council. Current members of the ALA Board of Directors will become members of the ALA Section's Executive Council. Designated representatives from both sections will serve on the new SLAS Board of Directors.
Will there be elections for new boards of directors?
Yes. Beginning in 2012, terms of service for three of the nine members of the SLAS Board of Directors will expire, terms of service for two of the six members of each Section's Executive Council will expire, and an election process will be held to replace them. Working through a Nominating Committee, the process will begin in early August 2011 and voting will be conducted in November 2011.
What is the timeline for this merger?
SBS member voting procedures: All SBS members will receive information regarding a Special Meeting of the members called for purposes of considering and approving the Plan and Agreement of Merger ("Plan"). Also included in this information will be materials for submitting a vote by proxy.
YOU DO NOT NEED TO ATTEND THE SPECIAL MEETING AND ARE NOT EXPECTED TO ATTEND. Instead we encourage you to submit your vote via the proxy materials provided as described below.
Participation Via Proxy. Pursuant to SBS Bylaws, a voting member may vote by appointing a proxy to vote on the member's behalf. If you wish to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf at the Special Meeting of the SBS members, rather than attending the Special Meeting in person, you must complete and submit a member Proxy Form. The Proxy Form may be submitted by email, facsimile, or mail to the mailing address provided on the Proxy Form. All Proxy Forms must be returned by 12:00pm EST on May 5, 2010.
Only SBS voting members in good standing on April 16, 2010 AND on the date of the Special Meeting (May 5, 2010) will be allowed to cast their vote.
ALA Member Voting Procedures: ALA will conduct a Special Meeting of its members at ALA's headquarters (330 West State Street, Geneva, Illinois 60134), and via teleconference, on May 5, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. (Central Standard Time) for the purpose of considering and approving the Plan and Agreement of Merger ("Plan"). ALA voting members may cast their votes for or against the Plan either in person, via teleconference, or by proxy. For those planning to participate and cast their vote via teleconference or by proxy, note the following:
Although you may attend the Special Meeting in person or via conference call, the ALA Board of Directors encourages you to instead submit your vote via Proxy.
Participation Via Proxy. Pursuant to ALA's Bylaws, a voting member may vote in person, via teleconference, or by appointing a proxy to vote on the member's behalf. If you wish to appoint a proxy to vote on your behalf at the Special Meeting of the ALA members, rather than attending the Special Meeting in person or via teleconference, you must complete and submit a member Proxy Form.
Participation Via Teleconference. The following dial-in information is for ALA voting members who plan to participate in the Special Meeting via teleconference:
- US/Canada (Toll Free): 877.889.5302
- International/Local: 706.902.2099
- For an International Toll Free Number contact Amy McGorry (email below)
- Conference Code: 59174296
When dialing in, you will be asked for your full name and your ALA Member ID. If you do not know your ALA Member ID, please contact ALA Senior Manager, Administration & Member Services, Amy McGorry, at amcgorry@labautomation.org.
What will happen to the SBS and ALA professional staff teams?
All existing professional team members, independent contractors and service provider companies will be considered for positions and responsibilities within the new SLAS organization. As the final SLAS virtual business model takes shape, one fundamental goal will be to eliminate duplication of costs and effort.
Where will the headquarters be located?
The SBS and ALA Boards of Directors recommend that the SLAS headquarters be located in the Chicagoland area, one of the nation's leading business centers for nonprofit membership organizations and professional association management talent.
