In a brief, unsigned, statement, the organization said that “move will allow the associations to set strategic direction to meet their individual demands” and let each market focus on activities that are most relevant to its members and “allow for more agility and decisiveness.” The merger of the North American and European branches only started in 2011, after a majority of ESTA members (as the North American branch was known before it merged with PLASA) voted to approve the merger in 2010. We’ve reached out to PLASA to speak to someone and get some more information. Let us know what questions you’d like to ask in the comments. The complete statement from PLASA is after the jump.
The statement from PLASA:
To allow PLASA to refocus and concentrate on the needs of their respective membership bases, the PLASA Governing Body announces that PLASA’s North American and European Union Regional Boards will end their cooperation agreement and return to functioning as separate associations. This move will allow the associations to set strategic direction to meet their individual demands. It affords more focus of resources in each market toward the activities that are most relevant and pertinent to members and it will allow for more agility and decisiveness. This in turn will foster the health of both organizations and protect their futures. As we did prior to the start of the cooperation agreement, the two associations will continue to work cooperatively on issues of common interest for the benefit of their members and the industry.
