Unexpected Kudos!
Date: November 8, 1996
To: Mr. Paul Green
From: Ken Bowman, Executive Director, ETA
I want to take a moment to tell you that I have appreciated your comments in recent Green Sheets concerning our name change and other issues of mutual concern. Even though we may not have broadened our mission as quickly as some would have liked, I believe that ETA is now on a very inclusive path. Of course, we will have many issues to discuss and figure out, but over time I think we will see an association that will truly represent all in our industry. I would hope, however, that you will not stop providing suggestions on how we should proceed!
Your article about the ABA and its view of ETA was interesting. You are correct in that BSA/ETA has always met before the ABA meeting as a convenience to our members, and not for any other nefarious reason. We have never felt that we were competitors of the ABA. (Perhaps we should think of this as a compliment!) ETA is a small association that represents one segment of the industry (acquiring) and their very large association represents another (primarily issuing). And, I can't think of why the ABA would feel mentioning BSA/ETA would be confusing to their members. In fact, I feel a case could be made where a liaison between our two associations would be beneficial. I know our members have considerable expertise, skills, experience, and products/services that ABA members use. One would think joint programs for the respective memberships might be of value.
I am sorry that the ABA did not allow you to circulate your Green Sheet. I thought it was a good one and I can't imagine it being threatening...or an endorsement of ETA. But, perhaps they just feel threatened? I do know that when I walked the ABA trade show, the comments that I heard from the exhibitors that exhibited at both the BSA/ETA and ABA trade shows (and there were a considerable number), the exhibitors liked the ETA show much better. They felt ETA's was more of a buyers' show...it seems we attract the decision makers.
In any event, keep up the good work and I know we will continue to monitor each other's publications and positions!
KB
