The objectives of the Plastics Pioneers Association shall be to recognize achievement in the field of plastics/polymer science, engineering, technology and management; to support industry-wide educational programs; and to promote the study and improvement of plastics, science engineering and technology. These objectives shall be achieved by:

• Conducting an annual meeting to enable members to reach decisions on which programs should be initiated and/or supported, and what achievements should be recognized
• Contributing funds from its' treasury to educational programs which the Association deems worthy of support
• Administering a scholarship program for deserving students in the study of plastics/polymer science, engineering, technology and management

Membership in the Plastics Pioneers Association is limited by its Constitution to two hundred-fifty. (250)

The Plastics Pioneers Association, a society for industry leaders with long records of service, has expanded its support for education to include grants to programs that increase the understanding of plastics by general the general public. At the same time, they have increased college scholarship funding.

The Plastics Pioneers Association was founded in 1942 as a society dedicated to fostering friendship among long-standing members of the plastics industry. Today, the Plastics Pioneers has two objectives: friendship and education. Membership is limited to 250. An applicant must have made some significant contribution to the industry, must have been employed in the industry for at least 30 years, and, at some time during that period, must have worked at a company while it was an active member of SPI - Society of the Plastics Industry.

Managing director of the Pioneers is:

Palmer G. Humphrey, Chairman
R.C. Molding, Inc.
19 Freedom Court
Greer, SC 29650

• John R. Kretzschmar - President. Mr. Kretzschmar is president of S & K Sales Consultants in Rudolph, Ohio.

• Paul N. Colby - Vice President, Education Committee Chair, Finance Committee Chair. Mr. Colby is the CEO of Spirex Corporation in Youngstown, Ohio.

• Theodore Debreceni - Secretary. After beginning his career with F. J. Stokes, Mr. Debreceni served as Vice President of the Lombard Division of USM. He then became owner and president of Plastics Systems, Inc. He retired in 1991.
  
• Robert D. Swain - Treasurer. Chairman of the Board of the Chroma Corporation, McHenry, Illinois
  
• John L. Hull - Past President
  
• G. Plamer Humphrey - Managing Director
  
• Richard G. Johnson - Member
• Anthony C. Mack - Member
• Vivian E. Malpass - Member
• Bruno E. Wessinger - Member
• David B. Woodman - Member
• Peter M. Zacher - Member

Plastics Pioneers Grant $34,500 for 23 College Scholarships

Palmer G. Humphrey, managing Directror of The Plastics Pioneers Association announced the award of $34,500 in $1500 scholarships to 23 college students working toward careers in plastics.

"The number of students awarded scholarships this year not only is the largest since the Pioneers began their program of annual educational grants in 1988 but also includes the most women" said Humphrey, noting that five female students received scholarships. "In a field where men have long predominated, this number is significant and very encouraging, since it promises a new source of much-needed talent for the plastics industry of tomorrow." To support their scholarship program, the Pioneers draw on the earnings of a special fund based entirely on contributions from Assocation members. The program is administered by the Plastics Institute of America, based at the University of Massachusetts/Lowell.