Founding Declaration

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Certified Trading Card Association, Inc.

A Declaration of Unity for the Trading Card Industry

For too long, the trading card industry has operated as a collection of individual voices rather than a unified force. Dealers, manufacturers, graders, and affiliated companies have faced industry challenges in isolation, lacking the collective strength that comes from organized representation.The trading card market has evolved dramatically, spanning sports cards, gaming cards, and entertainment cards worth billions of dollars annually. Yet unlike virtually every other major industry, we have operated without a dedicated trade association to champion our interests, establish standards, and provide a unified voice in the marketplace.This gap ends today.

The Certified Trading Card Association exists to unite, advocate for, and elevate the entire trading card industry. We bring together dealers, manufacturers, graders, and all affiliated companies under one banner to strengthen our collective impact and ensure the industry's continued growth and professionalism.

We envision a trading card industry that operates with unified standards, speaks with one powerful voice, and provides every participant - from local dealers to major manufacturers - with the resources, advocacy, and community they need to thrive.

1. Industry Advocacy

We will be the authoritative voice representing trading card industry interests in regulatory matters, market developments, and public discourse. No longer will individual businesses face industry-wide challenges alone.

2. Quality Standards & Best Practices

Working with established grading companies and industry leaders, we will help establish and maintain quality standards for authentication, grading practices, and business operations that elevate the entire industry.

3. Professional Networking & Community

Through events, conferences, and ongoing communication channels, we will create meaningful connections between industry participants, fostering collaboration and mutual growth opportunities.

4. Education & Industry Intelligence

We will provide members with critical market research, industry trends, educational resources, and training programs to keep our community informed and competitive.

5. Dispute Resolution & Member Support

We will offer fair, professional dispute resolution services and ongoing support to help our members navigate challenges and maintain the industry's reputation for integrity.

Collective Strength: Individual businesses have limited influence. Together, we command attention and respect in the marketplace.

Professional Credibility: Association membership demonstrates commitment to industry standards and best practices.

Competitive Advantage: Access to industry intelligence, networking opportunities, and educational resources that independent operators simply cannot obtain alone.

Industry Leadership: Help shape the future of the trading card industry rather than simply responding to changes.

Community: Connect with like-minded professionals who share your passion for the trading card industry.

We commit to maintaining direct, transparent communication with our members through email, text, and social media channels. Your feedback will guide our direction through regular surveys and input opportunities. We will work tirelessly to ensure that every membership dollar invested returns value through advocacy, services, and community benefits.

The trading card industry deserves the same level of professional organization and advocacy that other major industries enjoy. We have the opportunity to build something unprecedented - a trade association designed specifically for our unique industry needs.We invite every dealer, manufacturer, grader, and affiliated company to join us in this historic undertaking. Together, we will establish the standards, advocacy, and community that will define the trading card industry for generations to come.The foundation is being laid. The vision is clear. The time is now.

Join the Certified Trading Card Association. 

Help us build the industry we all deserve.

Founded by industry professionals, for industry professionals.