The Springfield Consumer Protection Association (SCPA) was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation on December 28, 1972, and opened for business on January 2, 1973. Its founder, executive director, and president was John J. Jewett, an economics major at Sangamon State University who worked at the SCPA during his Applied Study Quarter. The organization’s primary goal was to resolve complaints by dissatisfied consumers about businesses, products, and services. Problems that required legal action were referred to the Illinois Attorney General’s office or a qualified attorney. A secondary goal was to provide informational and educational services for consumers.

The types of complaints received by the SCPA varied, but common subjects included car and home purchases and repairs, television and appliance servicing, and the sale of insurance and furniture. Although some of the SCPA’s cases involved fraudulent activity, many were less serious conflicts or misunderstandings and were easily resolved.

As president, Jewett was responsible for supervising and controlling the SCPA’s business. Also serving on the board of directors were Thaddeus Miller and Sandra K. Jewett, who were elected Vice-President and Secretary-Treasurer, respectively. The chief advisor to the SCPA was Walter Johnson, an economics professor at Sangamon State University.

The SCPA provided its services at no charge and was staffed entirely by volunteers. It relied on donations to cover its operating costs, and closed within a year of its establishment due to insufficient funds.