The delegates to the 86th annual convention of the National Cosmetology Association (NCA) voted unanimously on March 3, 2006, to improve the way NCA provides member services, as well as how the association will be governed. NCA will now be managed as a one-tier, national organization with the outdated by-laws and organizational structure dating back 85 years eliminated. By streamlining its structure to a single national membership, the NCA will become more efficient, effective and accessible to all salon professionals.
NCA members will continue to receive great association benefits. Two new initiatives will be Salon Life, a quarterly magazine exclusively for NCA members that covers all the aspects of successfully living a truly balanced professional and personal life, and Salon Life '06, an event taking place July 17–18 in Las Vegas, featuring personal finance expert Suze Orman, O, The Oprah Magazine's health guru Bob Greene, life coach Amanda Gore and Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac, plus many salon industry experts. In addition, NCA member benefits include American Salon magazine; discounted or free admission to IBS/New York, The Chicago Midwest Beauty Show, America's Expo for Skin Care & Spa and discounts for advanced education at industry academies.
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Membership participation in the association has always been at the heart and soul of NCA. The change to a national platform will serve to increase new opportunities for members who wish to participate in the association by serving on a committee or as a national delegate. Here are some ways to get involved:
- The Americas' Educators for Hair, Nails and Esthetics will have increased opportunities as NCA launches new programs, such as National Certification for hairstylists, nail technicians and estheticians; hosts the World Championships of Hairdressing in 2008; and expands national events, including Salon Life '06.
- Government Affairs and Legislative programs will expand with increased staff support and a national committee.
- NCA's important community service initiatives, including the Look Good...Feel Better program and the CUT IT OUT Domestic Abuse Awareness program, will be strengthened and expanded.
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"NCA has always represented every working salon professional. This has not changed nor will it ever change," says newly elected NCA president Marlene Bridge of Pittsburgh, PA. "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."