|  ESTA, PERA                  		Announce Intended Merger The Entertainment Services and Technology	Association (ESTA) and the Production Equipment Rental Association	(PERA) announced an agreement to merge, subject to final ratification.	Under the agreement, PERA will become the PERA Council within	ESTA, retaining its focus on the production of film, television,	and commercials. The council’s mission is to focus on	development and implementation of programs and services for	production rental businesses.  The move will provide PERA members                  	with immediate access to a wide array of benefits and services                  	as well as the support of a professional staff while allowing                  	the PERA leadership to focus on its core mission. By adding                  	a key sector, ESTA strengthens its voice on behalf of the                  	entertainment technology industry and brings an important                  	new dimension to many of its programs.  ESTA President Bill                  	Groener commented, “In a time where uncertainty rules                  	the day and even General Motors is a question mark, the merger                  	of these two closely related industry organizations makes                  	economic sense and, more importantly, business sense for the                  	companies that make up the membership of both organizations.”  “This                  	will provide greater membership value and expand opportunities                  	for companies serving the entire entertainment technology                  	industry,” said PERA President Pat Patin. “This                  	merger strengthens the position of both organizations.”  ESTA                  	is one of the world’s leading trade associations for                  	the entertainment technology industry. Its more than 500 members                  	work in all areas of the industry and its benefits and services                  	include the ANSI-accredited Technical Standards Program, Entertainment                  	Technician Certification Program, Market Research Program,                  	and the new Business Peer Group Advisory Program. PERA is                  	the international trade association for film and video production                  	rental companies. It supports the use of new technologies                  	in the production industry, promotes the professionalism of                  	its membership, and provides a unified voice on issues affecting                  	the industry. To Top   |