National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues to dissolve as independent organization; folds into AVMA

Schaumburg, Ill.

— The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) announced July 13 that, pending final approvals, the National Commission on Veterinary Economic Issues (NCVEI) will cease to exist as an independent organization and become part of AVMA.

In early June, the AVMA Executive Board approved purchasing NCVEI’s assets for the $50,000 annual contribution it had already set aside for the group this year. AVMA’s decision is in response to the NCVEI “funding difficulties,” AVMA says. Assets to be purchased include the NCVEI website, database and brand. As a non-profit organization, NCVEI legally couldn’t just give the assets to AVMA, according to a prepared statement from the association.

AVMA, along with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) and the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges, formed NCVEI in 2000 as a resource to help ensure the economic future of the veterinary profession.

In 2011, NCVEI received $50,000 in funding from AVMA and $5,000 from AAVMC. But AAHA severed ties with NCVEI in late 2010, citing concern over the group’s business model and administrative costs.

As a result, NCVEI reorganized its bylaws and board, reducing it from 12 to nine members.

But this year, AAVMC also pulled back on its funding for NCVEI for 2012. AAVMC chose instead to direct its resources toward the North American Veterinary Medical Education Consortium, AVMA says.

In a prepared statement from AVMA, NCVEI Executive Director Dr. Karen Felsted says it’s a “natural fit” for NCVEI.

AVMA says it plans to develop a more long-term strategic plan for the organization by the end of the year.