The Columbia Marine Aquarium Club (CMAC) is a registered Nonprofit Incorporation based out of Columbia, South Carolina. Our goal is to bring an outlet for the trading of captive-raised coral frags, an outpost for the trading of used marine aquarium equipment and dry goods, and a source for reef-related conversation to the Midlands of South Carolina and surrounding areas. At CMAC, we promote the purchase of net-caught livestock and other techniques that do not leave scars on the reefs of our blue planet. With that in mind, it is our goal to help create a more self-sustaining hobby for reef aquarists in all stages of the hobby - beginners, pros, and even those in all stages of the marine aquarium industry.
What does it cost?
How do I join?
What's in it for me?
Nothing. CMAC is a free club to all aquarists wishing to participate. We currently have two types of members: Paying and Free. Paying members have access to certain club functions for a lesser amount, and are helping to support the clubs operation with their dues. Donations for club expenses are accepted.
Free members are always welcome at all meetings & functions.
Joining CMAC is simple. Either attend one of our monthly meetings or fill out our Online Signup Form found in the "Join CMAC" section to be added to our list of active members. More information regarding becoming a paid member of CMAC will be available in coming months. Please stay tuned to our discussion forums for info on paid memberships.
CMAC is not only a wonderful source of information from fellow, experienced hobbyists, but it is also a place to trade used equipment and dry goods, livestock, and coral frags. Some of the coral frags available through other hobbyists are virtually unavailable through retail outlets. In addition, paid members will receive exclusive discounts at online and local stores as well as access to special website features.
What about meetings?
How old is CMAC?
I still have questions.
Meetings are simple and fun. We try to keep things as informal as possible. Each meeting features a discussion topic. We sometimes spotlight a Fish, Coral, and Invertebrate of the Month, each chosen and presented by a single member. Any other topics that need to be brought up by the members are also welcomed. After all discussion has concluded, the floor is opened for trading of coral frags, livestock, and dry goods. Currently, CMAC meetings are held on the 13th of each month.
CMAC was started in November of 2002 and held its first meeting on 10 December 2002 at the home of Paul Ifkovits. The first meeting brought together a mere twelve members, but through our rapid, recent expansion, CMAC has grown several times what it was in the beginning with members coming from more than three states. CMAC has also registered with the State of South Carolina as a Nonprofit Corporation.
In early 2004, CMAC's Board of Directors decided to register CMAC with the State of South Carolina as a tax-exempt Nonprofit Corporation. As a Nonprofit Corporation, CMAC upholds its prime goal of bringing an educational, enjoyable, and affordable resource to reefkeepers and other aquarists in South Carolina and surrounding areas. Below you will find copies of our Bylaws, Articles of Incorporation, and our Certificate of Incorporation from the State of South Carolina. Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws were filed with the State of South Carolina on May 12, 2004. We were certified as a Nonprofit Corporation on June 3, 2004.
For more information on CMAC's incorporation, to ask any questions regarding CMAC as a Nonprofit Corporation, or to request copies of any of our incorporation materials in other formats, please visit our discussion forums.
Who is CMAC?
CMAC is made up of members from at least three states, including South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. The members are who keep CMAC active and interesting, and without them, we would not have a club. CMAC is run by its Board of Directors. The Board is made up of the following positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a single at-large Board member. The following CMAC members make up the 2006 Board of Directors:
Feel free to contact any Board member if you have any questions at all regarding CMAC. Also keep checking this section for information regarding elections and open positions on the Board of Directors or CMAC Committees.
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