The North American Meat Assn.'s board of directors on March 21 voted to approve an agreement and plan of merger with the American Meat Institute. If AMI's members also approve, the merger could be effective Jan. 1, 2015.
"The NAMA Board feels strongly that the members will be best served by this merger. We're excited to have this opportunity to form a new industry organization,' said NAMA Co-President Tony Gahn Jr.
AMI and NAMA initiated discussions about a possible merger in September of last year. Since that time, a committee composed of members from each association has explored how a new organization can best serve its members.
"The time has come for the industry to speak with one voice," said NAMA Co-President Mike Hesse.
NAMA has 600 member companies. AMI members will vote in April on the proposed merger. Both associations are based in Washington.
