The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) just announced the two organizations have signed an agreement to effect a proposed merger. The merger will combine the best practices and leverage the complementary strengths, assets, and member benefits of each group to improve all sectors of the professional beauty industry.

To benefit their combined memberships in a greater capacity, PBA and NCA will work as partners to conduct more comprehensive research into the industry’s best practices and results, as well as combine government relations and lobbying efforts for the benefit of the entire industry. In addition, members of each group will share in the benefits the other enjoys, as appropriate, including free admission to major industry events, including the International Salon & Spa Expo and International Beauty Shows, special pricing on Cosmoprof and Symposium, and free subscriptions to various magazines.

 “Representing all licensed professionals, future professionals, and salon owners, the NCA has by far the largest and most diverse membership of any industry association, while the PBA has phenomenal show and event properties and success from Cosmoprof North America to the North American Hairstyling Awards,” says Gordon Miller, executive director of the NCA. “What’s most important is that we both have longstanding shared values of doing good work on behalf of the industry and all who support the highest aspirations of salon owners, professionals, and future professionals.”

For more information, visit www.probeauty.org or www.ncacares.org.

— Judy