As several blog sites including AuctionBytes.com, TradingAssitant Journal and AsWas.com have been reporting, there appears to be a significant internal struggle within the IMAMerchant.org group.

I called the phone number listed on the IMA website and spoke with the person who answered the phone. He identified himself as Steve Grossberg Founder and President of IMA. Steve refused to comment on any disciplinary actions taken by the board against any member of the group, including actions against Officers or Board Members saying IMA will never divulge this information to it's members or the media. Steve went on to say that this is in accordance with the associations by-laws.

Steve did say that the membership has the right to overturn these by-law restrictions, and added that if this was done, all disciplinary actions against ANY member would be public.

Regarding the reports of possible disbanding of the association, Steve said that no steps had been taken or started towards that end as of the time we spoke, and that he was confident the association would be stronger and more vibrant after this situation is resolved.

Steve also stated that the situation was a result of a lack of communication though he refused to provide any details. As to the reports that the President (Steve) had been suspended, his response was "Well I'm talking to you aren't I?" and would not discuss any further information. He did say that the situation was under investigation and that was all he could say regarding the matter.

I appreciate his answering the call and though I agree that disciplinary actions against individual members may in fact be a private issue of the association, it is certainly my feeling that actions against or regarding an officer or board member of the association should be public knowledge. Maybe the details of such action should be kept private, however the results should be public!

This is for the good of the group and it's members.

In full disclosure, I am a member of ECMTA.