The Association of Industry Manufacturers' Representatives (AIM/R) announced a change in association management. Manufacturers' Agents National Association (MANA) will assume responsibility for the day-to-day management of its business activities, effective Jan. 1 and will report directly to AIM/R's executive board.

MANA is a non-profit organization of 4,600 sales agencies that is owned, governed and managed for the benefit of the entire rep profession by working manufacturers' representatives. While not an association management company per se, the organization's staff of 16 has been managing North America's largest group of outsourced professional sales companies for 55 years. MANA is known for its advocacy of the rep profession, educational programs and its support of industry specific associations of manufacturers' representatives.

This is MANA's first foray into association management. The two organizations will be independent and responsible to separate boards.

While trade associations in many industries are merging as a result of financial pressures, this new relationship between AIM/R and MANA is unique in that both organizations are financially strong and are anxious to maintain their independence and distinct organizational character, but are committed to many of the same objectives, AIM/R said in a statement.