Responding to the ASA reorganization, which provides for six regions vs. the current 13, the Chicago Metropolitan Distributors Association announced its plans to merge with the Mid-America Supply Association.

In response to the American Supply Association reorganization, which provides for six regions vs. the current 13, the Chicago Metropolitan Distributors Association announced its plans to merge with the Mid-America Supply Association.

The boards of CMDA and MASA met in October to develop their merger plan and determine the governance structure of the new organization. A board of directors of six voting distributor members and one voting representative from its associate member ranks will lead the new regional association.

An association management firm will be selected after both organizations have approved the merger and the new board has been elected.

Under the new organization, members will continue to enjoy the local programs offered by the respective groups prior to the merger, such as CMDA's fall golf outing.

The focus of the new organization will be to provide a higher standard of educational programs, member services and networking opportunities, said Bill Bergamini, CMDA president, in a statement.

The Midwestern states served by MASA and CMDA will become part of ASA Region 2.