Open letter on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of CPC: Few business traditions outlive their creators. So it is quite an achievement that 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of NCR’s Century Point Club (CPC), or simply, The Club. NCR’s founder, John H. Patterson, recognized that training is the link to “infinite sales,” and the best training results from having successful salespeople share their experiences. That’s why he created sales conventions and CPC. Starting with the first CPC in Dayton with 70 U.S. members attending, it has grown into an annual global event that continues to recognize the “best of the best” in sales excellence at NCR. The tradition of CPC has more than survived, it has thrived. CPC has thrived because it offers an unparalleled educational experience—an opportunity for top sales leaders from Boston to Beijing to share their winning strategies. Often imitated but never duplicated, CPC is an NCR sales fundamental. As this commemorative booklet illustrates, so too are many of the sales strategies Patterson pioneered—strategies that are as enduring, as powerful and as relevant today as they were more than a century ago. These include sales conventions, sales territories, direct mail advertising, the first documented selling tool, the quota system, the “pull-through” sales model, the sales receipt and many more inventions and innovations too numerous to list here. There is staying power in these fundamental sales practices established by our founder. Likewise, there is staying power—and a great deal of heartfelt nostalgia—in the remembrances of CPC we have collected from many of our Life Honorary Members. NCR has a fascinating heritage and an even more promising future. I am delighted to be a part of NCR as we embark together on making sales history once again. Sincerely, William (Bill) Nuti President and CEO NCR Corporation