WRITING INSTRUMENT MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION

                                                                          (Last updated 03/11/09)

       The Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association was established in 1943 to bring together the voices of the pen, marker, and mechanical pencil industries.  Since that time, the industry and the Association have grown substantially, and WIMA's name and logo are widely recognized and have become synonymous with the industry.  In 1994, the Pencil Makers Association merged with WIMA to strengthen the industry's voice, making the impact of this Association even stronger.

        The purpose of the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association is to promote the overall interest of the writing instrument industry in the United States, Canada and Mexico.  To this end, the Association strives to keep its members well informed on issues which affect the industry and individual companies.  The Association provides a forum in which to discuss such issues and take action as is deemed appropriate.  The Association maintains a public relations program to inform the general public concerning the safe and proper use and importance of writing instruments.

        The Association sponsors three Certification Programs to benefit its members and consumers.  The Ink, Pencil, and Eraser Certification Programs ensure that the products which carry the Certification Seals conform to ASTM Standard D4236, as well as other state and federal regulations.  For its members, WIMA retains a renowned toxicologist, Dr. Woodhall Stopford, MD, MSPH of Duke University Medical Center to review materials used, determine if any labeling is required , and report to the Association approval for use of the Certification Seal on that product.

    With over $3 billion in sales each year, the writing instrument industry faces new challenges every day.  Each one impacts the sale of pens, cased pencils, mechanical pencils, markers, erasers which are sold separately, or components of these instruments.  The voice of the industry is the Writing Instrument Manufacturers Association (WIMA) which helps members deal with these issues.  The Association continues to be very active in developing industry positions and forwarding comments to government agencies, both federal and state, on issues affecting member companies.  Through the Association, a company can make its voice heard concerning legislation.

David H. Baker, LLC

Executive Vice President

                                                    Law Offices of David H. Baker LLC

                                                    1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.

                                                                    Suite 300

                                                            Washington, D.C. 20006

                                                             www.dhbakerlaw.com

                                                                202 253 4347 Cell

                                                                202 330 5092 eFax

Web Site address: www.wima.org

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