How it all began At the time NCR was founded in 1884 a reference to war meant the Civil War. The airplane was yet to be invented. Speedy transportation meant going by rail. And to be a salesman was the lowest of the low. Rough-looking. Cigar-puffing. Whiskey-reeking. Undisciplined hawkers and peddlers of wares of dubious manufacture. There they stood. Impeccably groomed. Black shoes polished to a gloss so high you could see your reflection in them. White shirts starched. Collars buttoned. Suits pressed. The 70 charter members of the world’s first CPC were already sales professionals of the highest caliber—ready to face two weeks of systematic sales training, camaraderie and entertainment by the officers of the National Cash Register Company (NCR). This landmark event celebrating the top sales achievers in 1906 was held February 4-16, 1907, on the 8th floor of NCR’s Building No. 10 in Dayton, Ohio. 2006 marks the 100th anniversary of CPC, the oldest and most elite sales club in the world. The first written record of CPC can be found in the June 8, 1906 edition of "Quota Number N.C.R." Mailed to the entire U.S. selling force, it did a great deal toward popularizing the 100-point movement which had started in the Chicago district office with the encouragement of District Manager E. W. Russell and Office Manager C. T. Walmsley, who were both ardent supporters. To become a member, a sales agent was required to secure an average of 100 points a month for 12 consecutive months, from January 1 to December 21, or 1,200 net points per year. CPC was a direct outgrowth of the sales quota plan devised by founder John H. Patterson for measuring and recognizing selling ability. Billed by Patterson as "the most exclusive organization of any selling force in the world," the announcement of the 100 Point Club* described the club’s features and organizational model and promoted the ultimate prize, "a two weeks’ convention exclusively at Dayton, Ohio." The purpose of the convention was to gather together for an exchange of ideas and general discussion in order to “increase their efficiency as salesmen.” All traveling expenses and hotel bills were paid by the company. "Loyalty Produces Leaders" was the motto adopted by members of The Club—loyalty to the company and to the company’s sales practices. The Club’s insignia was the monogram of the letters "C.P.C." As was noted in the proceedings, "It shall be inscribed upon the flag adopted by The Club, and each member shall be given a flag." G. L. Baker of San Francisco made NCR history as the first sales agent to qualify for CPC Membership. According to the rules of the time, he became president of CPC for the year. *Editor's Note: Known variously as the 100 Point Club, Hundred Point Club, Century Point Club, The Club or CPC. For the purposes of clarity, the word CPC is used throughout this site.