NCA Reorganizes To Better Serve Salon Professionals Nationwide

“NCA continues to be totally focused on the needs of its members,” said newly- elected President Marlene Bridge of Pittsburg, PA. “Our members wanted a more streamlined association structure that is less dependent on volunteers at the state and local level. The leadership of NCA came together at our annual convention created a more efficient, effective and stronger national association.”

By streamlining the structure to a single national membership, NCA will be more accessible to all salon professionals and the organization itself will be better able to adjust programs to meet the changing needs of working professionals. Included in plans are two new-format national educational events each year that will be open to all. SalonLife ’06, July 17-18 in Las Vegas is an example of the expanded scope of educational programming this new NCA structure provides.

“This change,” explained President Bridge, “would not have happened without the guidance of our Immediate Past President, Josephine Zeppieri. Her leadership and steadfast dedication to the association, and especially to the needs of its individual salon professional members, is what made these changes possible. NCA will always be grateful to Josephine for the unwavering strength of her leadership during her term as NCA President.”

NCA members will continue to receive current benefits including American Salon Magazine, discounted or free admission to IBS/New York, The Chicago Midwest Beauty Show, and America’s Expo for Skin Care & Spa. Discounts for advanced education at industry academies, and other savings programs for members will also continue.

Volunteer educators and leaders also will remain an integral element of NCA. New opportunities will develop for members seeking to participate. A member-based committee structure and national delegate body will encourage member participation. The Americas’ educators for Hair, Nails and Esthetics will have increased opportunities as NCA launches National Certification, HairWorld 2008, and new national events, such as SalonLife ’06.

NCA’s Government Affairs and Legislative programs will expand to include staff support and a national committee of dedicated state members interested in supporting this critical area of association activity.

Member communication will also expand to include the new NCA Quarterly Journal SalonLife, enhanced Internet resources for all members and additional member recruitment and promotion tools. At the same time, NCA’s important community service initiatives, such as the Look Good…Feel Better program for cancer patients and the CUT IT OUT Domestic Abuse Awareness program, will be strengthened and expanded.

“It is important to note,” said President Bridge, “that while these changes to NCA’s structure will allow for expansion and growth of the overall organization, they also allow for state or local associations to continue their affiliation with the National Cosmetology Association in new ways.

“NCA has always represented every working salon professional. This has not changed…nor will it ever change,” concluded Bridge. “At a time when salons face more challenges than ever before, NCA’s values of inspiring success, giving back and protecting our profession will be even more relevant.”

Since 1921, the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) has represented the interests of professional working in the salon industry. Today, NCA's membership includes more than 25,000 licensed salon owners, hairdressers, nail technicians, estheticians, educators, and students - and is the world's largest association of salon professionals. NCA members live and work in all 50 states, and may participate in local and state as well as national activities of NCA. For more information please call the NCA headquarters office at 312-527-6765, email nca1@ncacares.org or visit www.ncacares.org.

Contact:
Kate Gallagher
Vi Nelson & Associates, Inc.
312-944-1262 / fax 312-664-8380
kate@vinelson.com