Leaders of both organizations call it a perfect fit. The AWLP will maintain its own identity, continuing to offer professional membership services, an annual conference, education programs and learning and networking opportunities. The move is "progress for the field," said AWLP co-president, Denise Montana, "enabling us to reach a much larger audience of professionals." Said AWLP's executive director, Stephanie Trapp, "We both have a lot to gain from this move. WorldatWork went through a strategic reorganization recently and realized they had great depth of knowledge in compensation and benefits, but needed more in the area of work experience, one of their focus areas. Their members seem to be hungry for the kind of information we have. At their 2003 conference they had more people attend their work experience sessions than the sessions on benefits. And we'll be able to provide more for our members with a staff of 105. Most of the change won't be noticed by members at first. Memberships will stay separate, and there will be separate conferences, at least for a couple of years. And there will still be an AWLP board." The transition, and the move, will take place in January.

# 18322 Personal interview, Press release, 11-19-03

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