AOCS history is a story of success built on the contributions of hundreds of volunteers through the past ten decades.  But at the start, there were nine dedicated individuals who created the Society of Cotton Products Analysts, as AOCS was known initially.  The original nine members had a goal of providing proven methods for analysis of cottonseed products.  And the need for common methods has been the basic foundation for the society through the years.

14th Annual Convention, Hot Springs National Park, May 1, 1923

How does a small regional organization of nine persons become an international society with influence throughout the world?  Dedicated volunteers guided the society through its early years, contributed time and money to help it survive the Depression, then had to adjust to AOCS' rapid expansion in the 1940s.  Almost by accident, AOCS established offices in Chicago, Illinois, in the 1940s.  It was to be the society's home until the early 1970s when a twist of fate led to a decision to move those offices about 150 miles south to Champaign-Urbana, Illinois.  International expansion in the 1970s presented new challenges.  AOCS modified its structure and activities as volunteers perceived the need for new services, new publications, and new activities.

At the 2009 Annual Meeting in Orlando, AOCS will celebrate 100 years of service to our membership worldwide.  Join in the celebration! 

AOCS Corporate Centurions

The Sponsors of the AOCS 100th Anniversary

The AOCS greatly appreciate the generous contributions from the following organizations.  Without their assistance, the celebration of the AOCS' 100th anniversary would not be possible.

Diamond Level Sponsor

Sapphire Level Sponsor

Desmet Ballestra North America

Donor

N. Hunt Moore & Associates Inc.

Donor

Interested in becoming a Corporate Centurion?  Download the sponsorship program brochure (.pdf). Questions on the Sponsorship Opportunities:  Please contact Connie Hilson by phone: +1-217-693-4831 or by e-mail: connieh@aocs.org. 

inform — AOCS is celebrating the centennial through monthly inform articles, written by George Willhite, AOCS Historian. These articles showcase how the Society has grown into an international society.

• 1909: Let's Meet at the Jockey Club (April 2008)

• 1910–1918: Getting Started   (May 2008)

• 1919–1928: A New Decade, A New Name   (June 2008)

• 1929–1938: Survival   (July 2008)

• 1939–1948: Rebound   (August 2008)

• 1949–1958: Post-war Adustments  (September 2008)

• 1959–1968: Everything is Changing  (October 2008)

• 1969–1978: Expansion  (November 2008)

• 1979–1988: Coping with diversity  (December 2008)

Our First Century

Podcasts

Enjoy the audio reflections of AOCS members as they talk about their industry and association experiences.New podcasts will be posted bi-weekly so check back often.

• A message from Casimir Akoh, the 100th President of the AOCS.

• Thomas A. Foglia, Past President, 2002

Presidents of the AOCS

Timelines (coming soon)

100th AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo

May 3–6, 2009

Rosen Shingle Creek

http://Annual_Mtg.aocs.org

Join us in Orlando to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of the premier global business and scientific forum for the fats and oils professional.  Mark your calendar now and plan to take advantage of the technical presentations, business updates, exhibtion, and networking opportunities that only the AOCS Annual Meeting & Expo will provide.  And you don't want to miss the Colossal Centennial Celebration, a once-in-a-century event.