National Parking Association and National Valet Parking Association Announce Agreement to Merge

Washington, DC —The National Parking Association (NPA) today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent and plan of merger with the National Valet Parking Association (NVPA). The entire membership of NVPA will become a part of NPA’s membership. The merger is expected to be completed by December 31, 2012. NVPA members will begin receiving NPA welcome materials and access to NPA benefits effective July 1, 2012.

“This strategic merger with NVPA will enable us to more fully serve the widest range of parking professionals and parking sectors by bringing together the knowledge, expertise and networks of NVPA,” said NPA Board Chair Jed Hatfield, CPP. He added, “NPA is fast becoming the preferred parking association in North America for its diverse membership base, focus on executive education and fundamental professional development for parking managers focused on bottom line results.”

Ellis Dumont, President of the NVPA stated, “Our choice to join forces with the NPA was directly attributed to the benefits our members would gain. The NPA is clearly the leading parking association bringing together best practices in professional development, peer networks and research.” Dumont added, “Together the NVPA and NPA will combine the best of our associations to support valet parking professionals and valet parking operators to gain further expertise and competitive advantage. These ideals and commitment to excellence are fostered through the Valet Olympics.”

NPA and NVPA will jointly host the Valet Olympics at NPA’s Convention & Expo, Oct. 15-18 at the Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, Fl. NPA is hosting a specific valet track at the 2012 convention as part of the welcome of NVPA members. As part of NPA’s continued expansion of its Certified Parking Professional Program, plans are already well underway for the introduction of a valet certification module for 2013.

NPA President Christine Banning, CAE said, “Over the past year, NPA has expanded member benefits with NPA Peer Networks, the NPA Issue Alerts Program, manager’s webinar series, expanded convention learning tracks and more robust capital market and executive education.” She added, “NPA is the fastest growing parking association in North America and we appreciate the confidence and trust of NVPA in joining with us to provide valet parking professionals, executives and owners with access to the full range of educations and benefits available to members through NPA.”

The Boards of Directors of both organizations have approved the plan to merge. The associations will operate as separate legal entities until year-end. Ellis Dumont the President of NVPA will join the NPA Board of Directors and a Valet Council will be formed within NPA, consistent with NPA’s recent governance model change to form member, sector councils effective in October 2012.

About NPA

The National Parking Association is the nation's leading parking trade group advancing the interests of the private and public sector in parking technology, sustainable mobility, certification, advocacy, research and education. Founded in 1951, NPA has more than 725 member firms, 2,400 members and represents all facets of the parking industry.

About NVPA

The National Valet Parking Association advances and promotes training and professionalism within the valet parking industry and hosts the valet Olympics a competitive and demonstration event showcasing the skills and professionalism of valet parking professionals.