Breaking News: PBA and NCA Announce Merger

At noon today, The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) released an announcement that the two organizations have signed an agreement to merge, effective immediately. According to leadership of both groups, the merger will "combine best practices and leverage complementary strengths, assets and member benefits to improve all sectors of the professional beauty industry."

Over time, the proposed merger will have the NCA, which is currently based in Chicago, join the PBA's three existing company-based membership sections in its headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. This fourth "NCA" membership section will be based on NCA's existing individual membership criteria.

Steve Sleeper, PBA executive director.

The announcement indicates PBA and NCA will work as partners to conduct more comprehensive industry research, as well as combine government relations and lobbying efforts. In addition, members of each group will share in the benefits the other enjoys, such as free admission to major industry events, including the International Salon & Spa Expo and International Beauty Shows; special pricing on Cosmoprof North America and Symposium; and free subscriptions to various magazines.

"The NCA and PBA forming this strategic alliance was a natural evolution and obvious opportunity because we share the goal of working toward the success of our members, who represent all facets of the industry," says Steve Sleeper, executive director of the PBA.

Gordon Miller, NCA executive director.

"NCA has the largest, most diverse membership of any industry association, while the PBA has phenomenal show and event properties-from Cosmoprof North America to the North American Hairstyling Awards," says Gordon Miller, executive director of the NCA. "We both have longstanding shared values of doing good work on behalf of the industry and salon owners, professionals and future professionals. We are delighted to join forces with such a prestigious partner."

More details on the merger will be announced shortly. For information on the Professional Beauty Association, visit probeauty.org or call 800-468-2274. For more information on the National Cosmetology Association, visit ncacares.org or call 312-527-6765.