JPMA and ABC finalize negotiations for unification

 

ABC to provide $1.2 million of funding to JPMA

HTT Staff -- Home Textiles Today, 3/29/2012 11:20:06 AM

Washington, D.C. - The Juvenile Products Manufacturers Assn. and All Baby and Child have finalized negotiations to merge the two groups.
The negotiations were finalized during the JPMA Annual Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. this week, where the JPMA and ABC executed a letter of intent agreeing to actively pursue a merged industry not-for-profit trade association dedicated to promoting the interests of the entire industry.
As part of the agreement, a minimum of $2.6 million has been committed over three years to execute specific industry-wide strategic objectives identified by the two organizations' boards.
In a separate agreement, ABC has agreed to provide $1.2 million of funding to JPMA over the same period to support JPMA initiatives. In return, JPMA will continue to endorse the ABC Kids Expo as the largest trade show of its kind serving the juvenile products industry.
Based on the terms of the agreement, JPMA and ABC will work together to assure the effective and efficient utilization of resources to accomplish a variety of juvenile products industry objectives, including:
To establish the industry trade show as the preeminent worldwide event for the juvenile products industry
To increase the scope and effectiveness of safety standards
To expand and promote JPMA member benefits and emphasize the value of JPMA membership
To develop a vibrant retail trade group to advance the interests, growth and well-being of independent juvenile products retailers
To enhance communications among manufacturers, retailers and other stakeholders.
JPMA and ABC set a target date for a merger agreement of June 20, 2013.