Welcome to the Comporium Pioneers website!
Our History The Comporium Pioneer Club, formerly the Catawba Pioneer Club is a local member of the national Independent Telecommunications Pioneer Association (ITPA). The organization consists of clubs across the United States which maintains the history of telephony and promotes telecommunications and community service via their current, former and retired employees. The Catawba Club (2303) was established in 1972 and now has over 230 local members who participate in community events. The club has had five national presidents and many more members have held numerous regional, state, and national offices. Cindy Downing, a Comporium employee, is currently serving as the National President for ITPA for the 2010-11 calendar year. The club has won numerous national awards including the Founders Award which is the award for the most outstanding club in the United States. The Comporium Pioneers have won this award more than any other club in the entire ITPA organization. The Comporium Pioneer Club is the last remaining active club in South Carolina.
Our Participation The members work on projects within the tri-city area of Fort Mill, Lancaster, and Rock Hill and participate in national projects such as literacy, blood drives, disaster relief, Alzheimer's research and the Support Our Troops effort. Pioneers also work on local events that help enhance the community such as Rolling In Rock Hill, Boys and Girls Home in Lancaster, Halloween Boo Ha Ha, Children's Attention Home, Mardi Gras, The Firehouse Run Motorcycle Fundraiser and ChristmasVille events. They have adopted families, and have helped others by supplying food, clothing, and monetary support to those in need. In addition, they have sponsored and supported teams for Relay for Life and Light the Night Walks. They have also adopted the soldiers from local National Guard units serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. More info on the national organization is available at www.nationalitpa.com.
Time To Ride: The 4th Annual Firehouse Run will be held on May 7, 2011. This event will be rain or shine. It starts and ends at the Oakdale Fire Station #2 located at 2080 Dunlap Roddey Rd, Rock Hill, SC. This tax deductible charity ride will provide funding for the Pioneer Club for the remainder of 2011. Please join us for a day filled with fellowship, fun and door prize drawings. Please help the Comporium Pioneers continue their support of those in need.
Veteran’s Paver Project: In 2009, a memorial was placed at 922 Bethelwoods, West Mount Gallant Rd, York, SC. Time and weather quickly took its toll on the initial landscaping. Prior to the Firehouse Run on May 7, 2011, this site will be made over and a new project was "born". Engraved pavers will be sold to pay tribute to our "HEROS". The pavers are 4” x8”. All letters will be uppercase. There is a three line maximum with 12 spaces on each line. Each space represents a letter, space or punctuation mark; The suggested layout would be to have the first name and middle initial on line #1, line #2 would be the last name (centered), line #3 is reserved for the military conflict or military branch served if you did not serve in a conflict. We are currently taking orders for the initial engraving session. Pavers are $50.00 each. See the order form (link) for more information.