The National Electronics Distributors Association (NEDA) and the Electronic Components Association (ECA) recently announced a merger agreement and have formed a merger-transition team to finalize details. Upon completion the merged entities will be renamed the Electronic Components Industry Association and will commence operation in January 2011, the groups said.
The ECIA's stated mission will be "to promote and improve the business environment for the authorized sales of electronic components. The merger will enable the industry to speak with one voice fo the manufacturers and distributors of electronic components on issues of critical importance to the authorized channel. The combined membership, resources and leadership will incorporate the necessary elements to provide enhanced member benefits and services while reducing duplication of efforts and decreasing costs."
"NEDA and ECA have been united with respect to their fight against counterfeit product and in support of the authorized channel," said Robin B. Gray, Jr., NEDA's executive vice president. "It makes good business sense to combine our efforts for maximum effectiveness."
The merged group intends to champion best manufacturing practices, standards, industry advocacy and industry statistics. ECA and NEDA will continue to manage unique programs and services for each association's constituencies prior to full integration into the new association.
Bob Willis, ECA president, said, "Our associations have worked together on past events that have proven to be highly beneficial to our combined memberships. ECIA will extend cooperative efforts to ECA and NEDA into year-round programs that will enable our members to weather change, exploit new technologies and create a better environment for business success."
