1 CHAPTER ACTIVITY NEWSLETTER As we look toward the proverbial “light at the end of the (pandemic) tunnel,” it is encouraging to see a return to in- person meetings. As many began this return in the late Summer of 2021, we saw the emergence of Delta and Omicron variants of COVID-19 that forced us once again to rethink how and when we meet. Some events were canceled, some went virtual, and some continued to forge ahead with live events. You’ll see on the following pages how our chapters responded in some creative ways! But first, let’s touch on what’s been happening organization wide. Our Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase in December 2021 safely convened more than 400 attendees in New York City for a new format of two- and-a-half days of education, networking, and exhibits, featuring our “75 Years of Beauty & Beyond” panel in celebration of SCC’s 75th annual meeting! Following strict protocols for masking and full vaccination for the meeting, we are pleased to say that there were no reports of anyone contracting COVID-19 as a result of attendance at our event. And… For the first time in SCC history, we’re headed to Los Angeles to host our 76th Annual Scientific Meeting & Showcase, December 12-14, 2022! We are excited to expand our audience and focus on the future of SCC’s hallmark event. Much like our members and chapters, we felt the pain of the global pandemic on many fronts. Despite the best efforts of the Board of Directors and HQ staff, the past two years have had a significant impact on the financial stability of the organization. SCC experienced an unprecedented loss in membership of over 30% since 2020, negatively impacting the primary source of revenue (membership dues, 62% of budget), producing a material net loss over the past two years. We were fortunate enough to receive two Small Business Administration (SBA) Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans in 2020 and 2021 totaling $212K which helped us sustain operations in those years, both of which were granted full forgiveness by the SBA. Without them, the organization would have seen a much more significant impact to its reserve funds. Our focus remains on ways to provide long- term, sustainable value to our members, chapters, and the industry. We ask for your patience and support as we reexamine business models organization-wide that support the long-term success, industry relevance, and financial stability of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists. Despite these financial challenges, the Society continued to provide new and/or enhanced benefits and resources. For chapters, we have significantly increased the tools and resources for their leadership. Highlights of these include: the launch of the Speaker Database expanded content in the Chapter Leader Resource Portal Orientation and Onboarding sessions web- based chapter Microsites hosted by HQ hosted electronic Elections QuickBooks Online tutorials, Vol. 52 No. 1

2 training, and live support and increased engagement/connectivity with the Board. For members, we continued to build on the benefits of membership through access to virtual classes, webinars, and other education events increased the number of available resources in the Media Library and Resource Center digitally launched the Journal of Cosmetic Science (JoCS) and significantly increased the impact factor acknowledged their contributions through awards and recognition expanded our website crafted new diversity and inclusion efforts – including the first awards of the Madam CJ Walker Scholarship and created an open, transparent volunteer process for our committees. In fact, our national committees have grown considerably and are currently comprised of more than 180 volunteer members (versus less than 75 two years ago)! Throughout the pandemic, our Chapter network has remained strong. None of our success would be possible without YOU! I applaud the dedication of our volunteer Chapter Leaders across greater North America – your efforts have not gone unnoticed! Individually and collectively, you have continued to deliver on the SCC promise: to provide the education, networking, and resources members need to do their jobs better – and it shows throughout this newsletter! In closing, I wish to personally thank each of you for your hard work, dedication, and passion for our members and this great cosmetics and personal care community we call home. Cheers to 2022 and delivering the innovation, science, and fellowship that SCC is known for! With gratitude for all you do, Erica L. O’Grady, CAE SCC Chief Executive Officer