NIRA, SEMAA finalize merger

By Staff -- Industrial Distribution, 2/1/2001

San Antonio, Texas-The Safety Equipment Manufacturers' Agents Assn. became "the safety equipment affiliate" of the North American Industrial Representatives Assn. last month.

NIRA president Robert Cutler and SEMAA president Craig Lindsay announced the merger of the two associations. Cutler and Lindsay lauded the efforts of their respective negotiating teams that spent the better part of a year arriving at an agreement that was "win, win" for both groups.

For NIRA, SEMAA becomes its first vertical affiliate. The influx of 100 new member firms provides it a broader base and greater industry visibility. It will enable NIRA to continue its focus on promoting, protecting and improving the multiple-line representative function, Cutler said.

For SEMAA, its continuing thrust will be on industrial safety and the special skills necessary to service the safety market. SEMAA members will be able to take advantage of NIRA's numerous member benefits and services not previously available, said Lindsay. And for both, the affiliation is a reflection of the current blending of the industrial and industrial safety products markets.

Under the new organization, Lindsay will become a director on NIRA's board and will lead the SEMAA affiliate as its chairman.

In a related note, NIRA expected 150 attendees at its annual management and marketing conference, "2001 Tools for Success," scheduled for Feb. 22-24 in San Antonio.