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AMPED Association Management, an accredited full-service association management company with offices in Madison, Wisconsin and Metro Washington, DC, has been selected to manage the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA).

As a partner with WMIA, AMPED will bring a wealth of trade association experience and provide full management services, including leadership, strategic planning, governance, policy, membership development, meeting planning, industry relations, financial management, and communications.
WMIA is one of many stand-alone associations that AMPED has helped transition into the AMC model. In fact, two-thirds of their 18 clients were stand-alone organizations before joining AMPED.

“For the past few years, and especially during the pandemic, we’ve seen a trend of more stand-alone associations looking to AMCs to manage their operations,” said AMPED President and Owner Lynda J. Patterson, FASAE CAE. “AMCs have the experience and resources to not only take their organizations to the next level in terms of growth and initiatives, but also to showcase the value of association membership during times of uncertainty.”

Donté P. Shannon, FASAE, CAE will serve as President and CEO of WMIA, overseeing operations of the organization and working directly with the Board of Directors, members, and sponsors. He will be supported by a team of four at AMPED who will focus on WMIA’s operations, finance, partnerships, meetings, trade shows, industry relations, and growth.
“AMPED is very excited to be working with WMIA,” said Shannon. “We look forward to communicating the value of WMIA and working in partnership with the volunteer leaders so that they can focus on advancing WMIA and its mission with confidence, knowing that management and operations are in experienced hands.”

According to Jim Besonen, WMIA Chairman of the Board, “AMPED provides a more cost-effective structure for WMIA and will deliver the highest quality services and benefits to all our members, while achieving our long-term goal of being the premier trade association for woodworking machinery and supplies providers in North America. With AMPED, we will have the strength in technology, creativity, and focused management that will ensure WMIA’s value and relevance for years to come.”

Since 1978, the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) has represented importers and distributors of woodworking machinery and ancillary equipment in North America. WMIA is the recognized voice of importers and distributors and serves as a vital communications link between suppliers and manufacturers of wood products in North America.