PPA Re-brands Itself as Paddlesports Industry Association
Springfield, VA, January 8th, 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. For more information visit http://www.paddlesportsindustry.org.
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Contact-
Matthew E. Menashes, Executive Director
Professional Paddlesports Association
7432 Alban Station Blvd Ste B232
Springfield, VA 22150
Ph: 703-451-3864 x 26
matt@paddlesportsindustry.org
