MERGER VOTE RESULT - ACTION PLAN
The result of the ballot issue concerning the possible merger of WPPN with NAWP was passed by four votes.
As a result of the vote the board is moving ahead and has formulated an action plan to accomplish this.
At its board meeting on April 7, the WPPN board discussed the merger issue and outlined the parameters necessary to go forward. The discussion focused on how to accomplish the merger in a manner of fairness and in the best interest of all WPPN members:
In order to accomplish this:
1. Principles were discussed on the issues and concerns that WPPN is requesting of NAWP.
a. WPPN Members wishing to join NAWP be offered a one-time dues reduction in order to join NAWP.
b. NAWP will create positions on their board of directors for all current WPPN board members.
c. After WPPN pays all financial liabilities, any funds remaining in the WPPN treasury will be transferred to NAWP for the expressed purpose of educational programs for members. At the present time this number is estimated to be approximately $6000.00.
d. NAWP will make a conscientious effort to expand the visibility of all members in the following manner:
1. By adapting the soon-to-be revised WPPN website for NAWP use.
2. By making a conscious effort to expand beyond the current limitations of the name: "Wedding Professionals". This includes making known that members serve other industries besides weddings, i.e. events, parties, corporate events, etc.
An exchange of emails and phone calls have been on-going between WPPN president Chuck Drago, and NAWP-Naples chapter president Kelly Werder. The focus of this exchange resolved these issues and thus the following plan will be implemented:
NAWP's current dues are $200 per year. As a result of our discussions, NAWP will offer membership to any WPPN member in good standing at a one-time one year price of $125. This offer will be available until May 15, 2010.
Any current WPPN board member who wishes to do so, will be made a full voting member of the NAWP-Naples chapter board of directors.
NAWP has agreed to the transfer of any remaining funds from WPPN be used solely for the purpose of education. The funds will not be used for any other operating expenses.
Still to be resolved is the issue of the WPPN website. NAWP is very interested in adopting the site, but the actual mechanics of how this will be accomplished still needs to be decided.
Based on these commitments, all WPPN members will be given a pro-rated dues refund until the end of their current membership. They will be then allowed to apply for membership in NAWP at the reduced rate until May 15, 2010.
Questions and concerns will be answered at the meeting on April 27th.
