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SEARCHAt 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.
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.
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