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July, 2010
Dear NFMA Members
Noteworthy events have occurred over the last few months that I wish to share with you. I am happy to report that Pepsi and Budweiser have renewed their sponsorship agreements with the NFMA for another year. We are pleased and gratified that both of these prestigious companies recognize the mutual benefit of our relationship.
In June we awarded $1000 scholarships to three graduating high school students from member markets in California, Florida and Massachusetts. We wish those graduates success during their college years.
We have made significant progress in the legislative, political and public relations areas. Recently, we entered into an agreement with David Kim, a California lobbyist who will monitor all fifty states for any pending legislation and/or laws that might affect our industry in any way. David's reports are posted in the "Members Only" section of our website on a monthly basis. Members of our Legislative Committee have agreed to analyze and comment, positively or negatively, on the potential impact of these items.
At the Chicago meeting in June, the Board unanimously voted to hire the firms Rasky Baerlein Strategic Communications and The Suffolk Group a nationally recognized governmental relations firm. These firms, who maintain offices in Washington D.C. , will operate in a joint venture partnership to represent us in implementing a government/public relations program to establish the Flea Market Industry's strong identity and visibility.
In the short time that we have been associated with these firms they have raised the awareness of the existence of the NFMA through national press releases, website announcements and a recent introductory Washington visit by members of the legislative committee to the offices of various Senators and Representatives from States throughout the country.
We are excited by these significant steps towards protecting and insuring the longevity of our industry. We believe that this pro active approach will yield major dividends in the future.
Yours Truly,
Jeff Mann
President
NFMA
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