Press Release

The HTML Writers Guild Merges with the International Webmasters Association (IWA) to Form World's Largest Association of Internet Professionals.

Pasadena, CA (August 30, 2001)-Effective today, The HTML Writers Guild, Inc (HWG), an educational not-for-profit for web authors founded in 1994, has voted to approve a merger with the International Webmasters Association (IWA), an association committed to certification since its 1996 inception.

Under the terms of the merger, IWA will assume responsibility for all HWG operations, while preserving the HWG identity and programs during an expected twelve months transition period under direction of HWG Board of Directors. HWG has instituted several industry recognized programs including HWG online classes, email discussion lists, The AWARE Center, and Gutenberg at HWG which will continue beyond transition under IWA direction. IWA will continue to maintain and promote these core association programs.

Strategic Benefits to Members and Industry

Kynn Bartlett, President of HWG, says "IWA's long history as a successful association for web developers was a factor, but the greatest factor was the philosophical match between the Guild and IWA, as both have founded and built their organization on creating value for their members."

"We are all excited about our strategic combination with HWG", stated Richard Brinegar, IWA Executive Director. "What makes this strategic combination such a logical opportunity is that both organizations can leverage their shared core competencies in education and certification. Furthermore, we can establish a qualified leadership position in this market if we continue our focus on these efforts", says Richard Brinegar.

The HWG has a longstanding commitment to supporting accessibility standards for the Web. HWG is the only individual membership association of web authors that participate through membership in the World Wide Web Consortium (www.w3.org). IWA has agreed to adopt HWG's accessibility policies and continue with support and participation of W3C standards.

About HWG

The HTML Writers Guild is the world's largest international organization of Web authors with over 123,000 members in more than 150 nations worldwide. The Guild was founded in 1994 and is recognized world-wide as the leading educational organization for web authors. HWG offers comprehensive curriculum of online classes taught by expert members via a web-based classroom system. HWG initiative and programs include the AWARE Center, a industry resource focused on web accessibility issues and standards, and the Gutenberg at HWG project focused on preserving literary works in XML-based formats.

About IWA

IWA, a non-profit global professional association, an industry recognized leader in providing certification standards through its Certified Web Professional (CWP) programs. IWA's initiatives now support more than 100 official chapters representing over 24,000 individual members in 106 countries. IWA's objectives are to provide services and benefits to all Web professionals, which will assist them in their career advancement. Our members adhere to the IWA Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Practices to guide them in their business communication and conduct.

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