Scaffold Industry Association approves name change

The Scaffold Industry Association (SIA) members approved a name change for their association. Effective Oct. 1, 2011, the association will be called the Scaffold & Access Industry Association (SAIA).

"Over the past 30 years there's been quite a change in what types of equipment are used to work at height," said Steve Smith, SIA president. "The industry's expanded" and as a result, so will the SIA.

Discussion about the name change took place during the SIA Executive Board meetings in June and the final decision was made at the SIA's general membership meeting July 18. The move passed by an overwhelming majority of SIA Convention and Exposition attendees. More than 25 names had been considered, Smith said.

"It may take some time for the new name to become second nature, and the acronym SAIA may not roll off the tongue quite as easily as SIA, but give it time," Smith said. "It took many years for the original name to be recognized countrywide and around the globe.