The Professional Paddlesports Association (PPA) has changed its name to the Paddlesports Industry Association. The name change is the first step in the organizations 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 organizations name,” said Matt Menashes, Paddlesports Industry Associations 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 Assoc! iation.”
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 Associa! tion has a strong foundation for building the future for paddlesports. “
