GCA proposes to introduce Associate Membership category

The British Greeting Card Association’s proposal to introduce an Associate Membership category has met with an overwhelmingly positive response from existing members. An extraordinary general meeting will now be held by the GCA to vote on a Resolution, which will amend the GCA Articles of Association to provide for the new membership category.

The GCA Council and many members have agreed that the association should represent the whole industry and that industry-affiliated businesses and individuals play an important part in this.

Associate Memberships are the means by which trade associations involve other interested parties without compromising or diluting the core membership group.

Sharon Little, GCA CEO commented “If the resolution is voted through, the Associate Membership category will enable the GCA to grow our membership further, foster a spirit of collaboration and represent the industry as a whole. This inclusivity will enable us to initiate industry-wide campaigns, work together to engage the next generation, speak with one voice to the press and allow a better flow of information throughout the industry.”

Associate members will be entitled to attend AGMs and other events, but will not be eligible to stand for the GCA Council nor have any voting rights at AGMs or other meetings. These rights will remain purely with our publisher members.

The proposal is that any individual or business with an interest in the greeting card industry will be eligible, including suppliers, trade fair organisers, agents and retailers. As with all memberships, the final say to admit each new associate member will rest with the Council. Associate Membership Benefits will include:

·       Attendance (without voting rights) at the AGM and other the GCA events/networking with members

·       Listing in a new Associate Members’ online directory

·       Access to the GCA Members’ area on the website, (but not the Members’ Warnings Forum)

·       Being a part of the GCA community and involved in industry initiatives as and when these occur.

While not having a seat on the Council, associate members could be invited, as non-voting members, to Council meetings where relevant issues were being discussed.

For more information visit the GCA website