PBA, NCA Form Beauty Superpower
In a joint statement to the press, the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) announced today that they will merge, combining operations and member lists. The PBA’s current membership consists of three types: Salon/Spa, Distributor/Retail Beauty Stores and Manufacturer/Manufacturer Representative. NCA’s constituents will add a fourth group. Members of PBA and NCA will also enjoy the benefits of their new sister organization, such as complimentary admission to PBA’s International Salon & Spa Expo and NCA’s International Beauty Show.
“Representing all licensed professionals, future professionals and salon owners, the NCA has by far the largest and most diverse membership of any industry association, while the PBA has phenomenal show and event properties and success from Cosmoprof North America to the North American Hairstyling Awards,” said NCA executive director Gordon Miller. “We are delighted to join forces with such a prestigious partner.”
The new arrangement also united the lobbying and research efforts of both organizations to further industry education. For example, earlier this week the PBA released results from its new Salon/Spa Performance Index (SSPI), which tracks the overall well-being of the beauty business. The composite score rose .7% in the second quarter of 2009 to 101.8—an encouraging sign in rough economic times. “The SSPI stood above 100, which is a positive sign for the overall health of our industry,” said PBA executive director Steve Sleeper. “Salon/spa owners reported a positive six-month economic outlook for both sales and the overall economy, while capital spending plans held relatively steady.”
The numbers also indicated that service and retail sales increased for many salon/spa owners, while employee hours declined.