Two major US trade bodies have announced name changes as their representative roles expand.
The National Petrochemical and Refiners Association (NPRA) is to become the American Fuel & Petroleum Manufacturers (AFPM). The change will take place in January 2012, the NPRA's 110th Anniversary, and will be the fourth incarnation of the organisation since it started in 1902. The new name will come with a new red, white and blue logo.
The name change reflects the organisation's desire to highlight its patriotic heritage as well as its role in the US manufacturing economy. According to NPRA President, Charles T. Drevna: "Our new name will emphasize more than ever what we stand for. American manufacturing and jobs, proven and reliable products for your life every day, economic and national security and benefitting consumers.”
The organisation will continue its role as a lobby group for its fuel and petrochemical manufacturing members, seeing itself as an educator as well as an agitator. “We’re changing our name for several reasons,” Drevna continued. “We’re proud to be American, and we want everyone who hears or reads our name to know that. We’re proud to be high-tech manufacturers and we want everyone to know that as well.”
Meanwhile, the Chicago-based Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) is set to become the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association (TEMSA). EMA also includes the Truck Manufacturers Association within it and the name change reflects the need for an integrated approach to its work.
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EMSA's remit it to represent US manufacturers of static and non-road mobile engines worldwide as well as medium and heavy-duty truck makers. Recent success for the organisation has come through its work with US policy bodies the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in setting regulations on emissions and fuel efficiency - work that will continue in earnest on behalf of its members under the organisation's new name.
Just to confuse matters, although the organisation will be known as the Truck & Engine Manufacturers Association and will introduce a new logo, it will continue to use the initials EMA.