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Membership Benefits and Association Activities Minimize

With over $4 billion in sales each year, the writing instrument industry faces new challenges each day. Each one impacts the sale of pens, cased pencils, mechanical pencils, markers, erasers which are sold separately, or components of these instruments. The voice of this industry is the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA).

HISTORY
WIMA was established in 1943 to bring together the voices of the pen, marker and mechanical pencil industries. Since that time, the industry and WIMA have grown substantially. As a result, WIMA's name and logo are widely recognized and have become synonymous with the industry. In 1994, the Pencil Makers Association merged with WIMA to strengthen the industry, making the impact of the Association even stronger.

MISSION STATEMENT
The purpose of WIMA is to promote the overall interest of the writing instrument industry in the United States , Canada and Mexico . To this end, WIMA strives to keep its members well-informed on issues which affect the industry and individual companies. WIMA provides a forum in which to discuss such issues and take such action as is deemed appropriate, and maintains a public relations program to inform the general public concerning safe and proper use and importance of writing instruments.

INDUSTRY PRACTICES
WIMA and its members are committed to the conduct of business on the basis of expertise, effort and ability with ethical and responsible behavior in compliance with the laws and regulations of pertinent government authorities. WIMA supports the ethical conduct of business in the writing instrument industry worldwide.

ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
WIMA holds an annual membership meeting and several board and committee meetings throughout the year. Only members are eligible to attend WIMA meetings. The meetings are an opportunity to learn, discuss and network.

ACTIVE COMMITTEES
WIMA keeps its members involved! Each committee consists of, and is chaired by, members. Each committee has a specific purpose, but the goal remains the same-to benefit WIMA members and the industry. WIMA's board of directors oversees the following committees: International Trade, Pencil Section, Product Safety and Programs & Exhibits.

ASSOCIATION ACTIVITIES
WIMA sponsors three certification programs to benefit its members and consumers. The ink, pencil and eraser certification programs ensure the products that carry the certification seals conform to ASTM Standard D4236, as well as all other state and federal regulations. For its members, WIMA retains a renowned toxicologist, Dr. Woodhall Stopford of Duke University Health Center , to review materials used, determine if any labeling is required and report approval for use of the certification seal on that product.

PENCIL CERTIFICATION
The pencil certification program was established in 1971 and continues today as a model for all programs. The program reviews all components before they are manufactured into a pencil.

ERASER CERTIFICATION
The eraser certification program covers all erasers sold separately from pencils. The program reviews all of the components used in the manufacture of erasers before they can be used.

INK CERTIFICATION
The ink certification program covers all ink used in pens, markers and other writing instruments. WIMA's toxicologist must review each formulation before the seal can be used.

FEDERAL & STATE LEGISLATION
WIMA and its counsel, David Baker of Thompson Hine in Washington , DC , track and keep members abreast of important federal and state legislation. The Labeling of Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA), California Proposition 65 and local ordinances concerning anti-graffiti legislation are just a few which affect the industry. WIMA continues to be very active in developing industry positions and forwarding comments to government agencies, both federal and state, on issues affecting member companies. Through the Association, a company's voice is heard concerning legislation without bearing the direct costs.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE
WIMA endorses fair trade practices in international commerce and takes a very active role to ensure the industry is heard by the appropriate government agencies. WIMA has interacted with the U.S. Customs Service, Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Commerce Department. WIMA continues to address issues of country-of-origin marking requirements, duty classifications, and aggressively attacks dumping of low-priced products from foreign sources.

WIMA and its international trade counsel watch international trade issues closely. General information concerning import and export policies and regulations affecting writing instruments are regularly distributed to members. WIMA acts as the industry liaison with the U.S. Customs Service on behalf of, and to the benefit of, its members.

INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS ORGANIZATION
WIMA is directly involved with the development of international standards, and works closely with the International Standards Organization (ISO), the European Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (EWIMA) and the Japanese Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (JWIMA) to develop international standards for writing and marking instruments. This is WIMA's way if keeping its door open to foreign markets on behalf of its members.

STATISTICAL PROGRAM
WIMA members have the opportunity to participate in statistical programs regarding sales and distribution of products. After collecting and compiling this information, WIMA distributes it to members for use in marketing and financial strategies. This is the only source of detailed statistical information available on the industry. This program has been providing members with essential information for their businesses since 1951.

ONLINE DIRECTORY
WIMA publishes online a directory of manufacturers and products of the writing instrument industry. Each writing instrument manufacturer and component supplier listing provides the address, telephone and fax numbers, email and website addresses, contact names and what products the company manufactures and/or distributes. The directory is accessible through the WIMA website at www.wima.org.

PUBLIC RELATIONS
WIMA is the information source to which the public turns, whether it is a trade journal writing a story on markers, a consumer looking for the refill of their favorite pen, a manufacturer searching for component parts or a pupil in elementary school writing a report on how a pencil is made, WIMA is there to answer questions, point them in the right direction and most importantly, promote the industry. WIMA regularly distributes press releases regarding National Handwriting Day, the Write Show, industry awards and other industry information.

MEMBERSHIP ELIGIBILITY
Any legally established for-profit business entity, which falls into the following business classification, may be admitted to membership in WIMA.

Writing & Marking Instrument Manufacturers – Applicant must operate facilities for the manufacture or assembly of finished writing and marking instruments in the U.S. , Canada or Mexico . Foreign manufacturers or assemblers of writing instruments must have an office based in the U.S. , Canada or Mexico whose principal business in the U.S. is the sale of such writing instruments in the U.S.

Component Suppliers – Applicant must operate facilities within the U.S. , Canada or Mexico for the manufacture or assembly of components, materials, equipment, machinery or supplies used by manufacturers of writing and marking instruments. Foreign suppliers must have an office based in the U.S. , Canada or Mexico whose principal business in the U.S. is the sale of components, materials, equipment, machinery or supplies in the U.S.

Exclusive Distributors – Applicant must have a contract from a writing or marking instrument manufacturer which indicates they have the exclusive right to distribute these writing instruments in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

If you have any questions about WIMA activities or membership, please contact WIMA headquarters.
Why Join Our Membership? Minimize
 

Become an active part of a growing and evolving industry. WIMA encourages its members to be a part of diverse and active committees committed to educate, inform and produce specific results geared toward promoting ethical conduct of business in the industry, worldwide. As a member you also have many opportunities to network with other industry members.

 
Membership Eligibility Minimize

Any legally established, for-profit business entity, which falls into the following business classifications, may be admitted to membership in WIMA:

Writing and Marking Instrument Manufacturers

Applicant must operate facilities for the manufacture or assembly of finished writing and marking instruments in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Foreign manufacturers or assemblers of writing instruments must have an office based in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico whose principal business in the U.S. is the sale of such writing instruments in the U.S. Click HERE for U.S. Manufacturer Dues Schedule.(PDF)
Click HERE for Foreign Manufacturer Dues Schedule. (PDF)

Component Suppliers

Applicant must operate facilities within the U.S., Canada, or Mexico for the manufacture or assembly of components, materials, equipment, machinery, or supplies used by manufacturers of writing and marking instruments. Foreign suppliers must have an office based in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico whose principal business in the U.S. is the sale of components, materials, equipment, machinery, or supplies in the U.S. Click HERE for Component Supplier Dues Schedule. (PDF)

Exclusive Distributors

Applicant must have a contract from a writing or marking instrument manufacturer which indicates they have the exclusive right to distribute these writing instruments in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.

Advertising Specialty Companies

Applicant must operate facilities within the U.S., Canada or Mexico and be affiliated with producing promotional products within the writing instrument industry. Foreign advertising specialty companies must have an office based in the U.S., Canada or Mexico.

Raw Material Suppliers

Applicant must operate facilities within the U.S., Canada or Mexico for the manufacture of raw materials used by component suppliers of writing and marking instruments and/or writing instrument manufacturers. Foreign suppliers must have an office based in the U.S., Canada or Mexico whose principal business is the sale of raw materials.
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