National Recycling Congress cancelled

The NRC board made the decision one week ago. It was announced today:

On April 29, the Board of Directors of NRC decided to cancel this year's annual Congress and Exhibition that was scheduled for Portland, OR, October 4-7, 2009. This decision was reached only after an extensive analysis of likely attendance and exhibitor and sponsor financial support, and with consultation with the host State and key NRC leadership. An overriding factor was the ability of our diverse and geographically dispersed membership to attend this year's Congress in light of limited government and business budgets and problematic travel restrictions. We very much regret having to take this step, but look forward to working with each of you in the following year to restore Congress to its rightful role as the central networking and educational event for the nation's recycling community.

Sincerely,
NRC Staff

A message from the National Recycling Coalition president

Dear NRC Members:

We are sending you this note, and the attached letter, in an effort to keep you informed of the activities of the NRC in these very challenging economic times. In February, the Board had written to the State recycling leadership and key stakeholders and informed them of the steps that the Board was undertaking in fulfillment of its fiduciary responsibilities. A copy of that letter is attached. The circumstances under which that letter was written have not changed. To bring you up to date, I would first like to emphasize that no decision has been made regarding the future of the organization, so statements to the contrary are inaccurate. Secondly, as we analyze the various options available to us, the Board has reached out to State recycling leaders for their valued advice. Finally, and to reiterate what is in the letter, on any issues involving merger and certain other major organizational options, it is the membership, through our by-laws, who is ultimately empowered to decide the future of the organization, and we are cognizant and respectful of that at all times during our deliberations.

In the meantime, we ask for your continued patience and understanding.

Sincerely, on behalf of the Board of Directors,
David Refkin, President

National Recyclng Coalition disbanding?

Reports from the Carolina Recycling Association conference that the NRC board of directors will be meeting this afternoon to decide on the fate of the organization. Among possibilities are voting to go out of business or to be taken over by Keep America Beautiful. Stay tuned.