The month-long ballot, in which over 1,000 members participate, will decide places on PLASA's European and North American Regional Boards, together with a single seat on its over-arching Governing Body.
The two Regional Boards are still a relatively new concept for PLASA, having been formally launched at the start of 2011. Their role is to represent the interests of members affiliated to those regions, ensuring that PLASA offers strong on the ground support to members.
Both the North American and European Regional Boards are looking to fill a number of places for 2012. Following the death of the European Chair Rob Lingfield earlier this year, Ed Pagett of Panalux, who served as Vice Chair, is standing for the position of Chair. A number of representative positions on the European Board are also up for election. Malcolm Burlow of Highlite and David Harwood of Central Theatre Supplies have put their names forward to represent Dealer/Retailer members, while Peter James of Shure Distribution UK is standing for the position of Distributor representative.
Individual members of the Association are also voting to elect a representative to the European Board, with project consultant Ed Manwaring and lighting designer Jonathan Dawson-Butterworth putting their names forward.
There are three positions up for election on the North American Regional Board. Standing for the position of Vice Chair are Mike Gormley of Blue Planet Lighting and Bill Groener of A.C.T Lighting who has been serving in the position following the death of David Taylor earlier this year. Dinna Myers of Musson Theatrical is standing for the position of Secretary, while Arren Wetzel of CLE and Evan Williams of Riverview Systems Group are standing for the position of Production Services representative.
John Simpson of White Light and Bill Sapsis of Sapsis Rigging will contest the single 'at large' position available on the main Governing Body, the Board which has oversight of the two Regional Boards and sets the overall strategic direction of the Association.
PLASA CEO Matthew Griffiths said, "I would encourage all voting members to exercise their right to vote. Our members' views are vitally important to us and we need to work closely with them to ensure we serve them effectively, both now and in the future."
The results will be announced in early November, ahead of the new members of the Boards taking up their positions in the New Year.
(Jim Evans)
