National Association of Electrical Distributor, 1181 Corporate Lake Dr, Saint Louis, MO 63132, US

About EASA The Electrical Apparatus Service Association, Inc ( EASA ) is an international trade organization of over 2, 100 electromechanical sales and service firms in 58 countries. Through its many engineering and educational programs, EASA provides members with a means of keeping up to date on materials, equipment, and state-of-the-art technology. For sales, service and maintenance of motors, drives, controls and other electromechanical equipment, look to EASA and EASA members for Reliable Solutions Today! In 1933, under the National Recovery Act ( NRA ), industries were required to establish and use codes of practice to bolster the national economy. Led by a group of electrical repair firms from Charlotte, North Carolina, 23 firms from 8 southeastern states met on August 4, 1933, in Bluefield, West Virginia. Officers were elected, delegates began finalizing an industry code, and the National Industrial Service Association ( NISA ) was created. For nearly three years the code was negotiated with the NRA. In May of 1935, the NRA was declared unconstitutional and so were NISA's original objectives. Rather than disband, NISA members resolved to develop solutions to problems with competitors, to discuss plans and operations, and to learn from one another while enjoying friendly relations. Mutual help and cooperation in upgrading the industry became NISA's new objective. Early records indicate that the young organization grew quickly. The first chapter charters were granted in June of 1934, and in 1937 an Associate membership category was established for suppliers. ( The first Associate members were John C. Dolph Company and Anaconda Copper. ) By 1938 NISA had 117 members, some as far north as Canada. Responding to changes in the industry and to better represent its members' activities, the Association adopted a new name effective April 1, 1962. After 28 years, NISA became the Electrical Apparatus Service Association ( EASA ). Today, EASA has 34 chapters and nearly 2, 200 member firms ( including approximately 125 Associate members ) throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and South America, as well as overseas in England, Europe, Australia, New Zealand and elsewhere. As the organization continued to grow and evolve domestically and internationally, new membership regions were formed. In November of 1972, for example, a new region ( Region 9 ) was established to serve members outside the North American Continent. Another ( Region 10 ) was created on a provisional basis in February of 1984 to represent members in Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan and neighboring countries ; it was given final approval in June of 1988. Meanwhile, several membership regions in the United States and Canada were consolidated to provide more equitable representation for all members. EASA's Board voted in 2000 to reduce the number of regions in the U.S. from 13 to 7. There are now 10 membership regions around the world. NISA's original constitution provided for four officers, a board of directors and an executive committee. During the early years, the officers, board members and executive committee handled all the work. In 1938, Stewart N. Clarkson was hired part-time as executive secretary ; Fred N. Wipperman became the first full-time executive secretary in 1953 ; and August ( Gus ) Baechle served as executive vice president from 1961 1996. Today, President/CEO Linda J. Raynes heads a staff of 15 employees, including 3 technical support specialists and a pump specialist, at EASA's International Headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri. NISA dues were originally $10 for firms with five or fewer employees and $25 for companies with more than five workers. These dues proved inadequate and during the early years contributions from members kept the Association in existence. EASA's annual operating budget now exceeds $2, 600, 000. Today, EASA serves members who sell and service electrical, electronic and mechanical apparatus by ed