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The membership of the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) and the Vacuum Cleaner Manufacturers Association (VCMA) announced that the two associations will merge, effective Dec. 31, 2003.
As a result of the merger, the VCMA will be assimilated into AHAM's Floor Care Division, which has been operating since January 2003.
According to AHAM, the step follows increased interest shown over the past several years by VCMA members in the services offered by AHAM.
Joseph M. McGuire, AHAM president, commented: "The merger makes good sense for members of both associations since they will be able to better leverage the breadth of the appliance manufacturing industry. Our newly configured Floor Care Division will offer a full portfolio of services to manufacturers of vacuum cleaners, extractors, central vacs, and other floor care appliances. Services will include market statistics, standards and technical services, legislative, and regulatory monitoring and advocacy and communications."
Michael Merriman, CEO of Royal Appliance and a former VCMA president, led discussions with AHAM that resulted in the merger.
"As our industry focuses on an increasingly global market, our need for association services has grown," Mr. Merriman said. "By unanimous vote our membership elected to join ranks with AHAM.
"AHAM has made us feel welcome and has been open to our suggestions," he continued. "They have strong competencies in areas such as public policy and market data -- subjects important to the floor care industry and our retail partners. We look forward to joining forces with the AHAM membership."
Since 2002, VCMA had been managed by Thomas & Associates, an association management firm in Cleveland, OH, U.S.
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