Massage & Bodywork

September/October 2012

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PUBLISHERS' LETTER Celebrating 25 Years: A Big Thank-You Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) began with a simple idea. Our founder, Sherri Williamson, believed she was not alone in wanting a professional, inclusive membership association for massage therapists and bodyworkers that would offer good value and responsive personal service. A lot has changed in 25 years, but those hallmarks resonate as strongly as ever. We suspect that even Sherri is surprised that ABMP now has an opportunity to serve 82,000-plus members. Our talented staff of 53 have worked hard to improve membership value each year, but credit for that growth goes equally to our members: the central engine of ABMP's growth has been favorable recommendations about service and value from already pleased members. Thank you for your continuing referrals. We earn your trust by hiring and supporting a highly talented, creative staff. Since the current ownership group took the helm in 1996, ABMP has dramatically enhanced the depth and breadth of its member supports. • Massage & Bodywork advanced from a modest compilation of whatever articles got submitted, to an award-winning publication attracting sage writers and focusing on issues of great importance to the diverse massage and bodywork profession. • Advice and tools for starting and sustaining a practice keep getting stronger. ABMP's President Les Sweeney (left) and Chairman Bob Benson (right). Rick Giase Photography • ABMP's voice was felt as the number of states with massage regulation grew from 22 to 44. • We went from essentially zero school engagement to a seven-person education department that constructively supports the universe of now more than 1,400 massage and bodywork schools. At ABMP.com, meet the members who received membership dues refunds in celebration of ABMP's 25th anniversary. • Platforms and communications vehicles that didn't previously exist now are important to ABMP members. For example, 25 years ago we didn't know what a webinar was; today, ABMP members can access (at no charge) more than 90 archived webinars presented by leading thinkers in the profession. In addition, we now provide member website support, social media connections, and online continuing education. Our staff members are here for you to develop the content and assist you in accessing it. Visit the newly designed ABMP.com. Log in. Explore. Enjoy. 9

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