PPFA membership approves merger with PMA

RICHMOND, Va.--In a special meeting of the Professional Picture Framers Association (PPFA) held in October, its membership approved three resolutions leading to an affiliation with the Photo Marketing Association International (PMA) A total of 953 members (approximately 30 percent of PPFA's voting membership) voted via proxy ballots.

Special Resolution Number 1: Plan of Affiliation between PPFA and PMA passed by a margin of 737 in favor (77 percent) and 216 opposed (23 percent). Special Resolution Number 2: Plan of Dissolution of PPFA passed with 740 in favor (78 percent) and 213 opposed (22 percent). Special Resolution Number 3: Implementation of Plans passed with 742 in favor (78 percent) and 211 opposed (22 percent). To be approved, a minimum of 66 percent of those voting had to vote in favor of each of the resolutions.

Under the Plan of Affiliation, PPFA will become a section of PMA. It will retain its name and its board of directors, who will continue to be responsible for determining PPFA policies and direction. The PPFA will also continue to provide education, certification, a technical helpline, publications, local chapters and business services.

In most cases, membership dues will decrease significantly. The new dues structure will go into effect when a shop's membership comes up for renewal. The PPFA will also retain its Certified Picture Framer program and be able to develop an advanced certification module.

Besides maintaining current member programs, PPFA members will be able to take advantage of PMA's publications, business resources and annual convention, according to PMA officials. In addition, PMA's research department will conduct consumer and industry research that can be used by both art and framing retailer and supplier members.

According to Barry Kaufman, PPFA president, "PPFA's board of directors voted to send the proposed affiliation to the membership for a vote because It believes that the alliance is in the best interest of PPFA members and the purposes for which the association was formed.

"PMA is a 75-year-old association with 18,000 members worldwide and an annual budget of $20 million. It has both the desire to help PPFA grow its membership and programs and the ability to help us do so. I look forward to working with the new organization to strengthen PPFA."

Over the next several weeks, PPFA's staff in Richmond will be working closely with their counterparts in Michigan to ensure a smooth transition. By year's end, PPFA's operations will be moved to Jackson, Mich.

The PMA is a non-profit trade association composed of photo/video-related retailing, processing or service firms. The majority of its members are single-location, independently-owned operations. Like the PPFA, the PMA is dedicated to expanding the market for and the profitability of its industry. All income is invested in programs that benefit members.