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PPA Re-brands Itself as
Paddlesports Industry Association
January 8, 2007
The Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA) announced
today that it has changed its name to the Paddlesports Industry Association.
The name change is the first step in the organization’s adoption of the
recommendations put forth by the Paddlesports Industry Unification Workgroup
(PIUW) to create a single trade association that represents the entire
paddlesports industry.
“We now have a strong unified vision for the future
of paddlesports, and to better represent this vision and our objectives we felt
it was prudent to change the organization’s name,” said Matt
Menashes, Paddlesports Industry Association’s Executive Director.
“Though the name change may seem trivial, it is significant as we have
shifted from primarily focusing on improving the business of paddlesports as
PPA, to a more comprehensive position of building and strengthening
participation in paddlesports as the Paddlesports Industry Association.”
The PIUW, comprised of industry leaders selected by the
boards of the Professional Paddlesports Association and the Trade Association
of Paddlesports (TAPS), met throughout 2006 and developed an action plan and
framework for an association that would establish a single voice representing
the manufacturers, outfitters, retailers, instruction centers, sales
representatives, and outside suppliers of the paddlesports industry. The PIUW
was working toward unification of PPA and TAPS as a means to accomplish unity
within the industry, however in December, TAPS withdrew from the process.
“TAPS’ decision is unfortunate, and though we
feel that the unification of our organizations would be the best for the
industry, we are moving forward with the recommendations of the PIUW,”
added Menashes. “With the strong support we have from the industry and a
clear direction in the recommendations and action plan of the PIUW , the
Paddlesports Industry Association has a strong foundation for building the
future for paddlesports.”
While the Paddlesports Industry Association’s chief
objective is to increase participation in paddlesports, it will continue many
of PPA’s initiatives, particularly those that enhance industry business
practices through better education.
The Paddlesports Industry Association is a 501 (c)(6)
trade association dedicated to the growth of paddlesports. The association
represents the interests of manufacturers, retailers, outfitters, instruction
centers, sales representatives, and outside suppliers of the paddlesports
industry throughout North America. The organization supports industry growth
and its membership through programs that include representation in
government/legislative affairs, consumer education, outreach/marketing
initiatives, market research, membership cost saving benefits, and professional
development programs such as the National School for Paddlesports Business and
the annual Paddlesports Pro conference. ###
