Business association for domain name registrants and investors broadens representation; future board seats to be filled by direct elections

WASHINGTON, DC (April 28, 2008) – The Internet Commerce Association (ICA), the business association for domain name registrants and investors, said today Philip Reynolds has been elected to the organizations Board of Directors.

Reynolds is general manager of Thought Convergence, where he is responsible for day-to-day operations and serves as in-house counsel.  Well-versed in domain name issues and trends, Reynolds advocates for the interests of registrants and will work with the ICA to influence the fledgling body of laws and regulations that govern the industry.  Reynolds is a graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California Hastings College of Law.

ICA Executive Director Michael Collins said Reynolds’ election is the first of several that will be conducted by ICA members for the purpose of naming additional board members.  “It’s important that the ICA represent domain registrants and investors at all levels.  Going forward, we’ll ensure diversity on the board with elections by the membership.”  Collins said he is seeking nominations from the organization’s Silver Membership level.

According to Collins, the domain investment community is responsible for between 6-9% of the search advertising industry.  The marketplace is currently estimated at between $700 million and $1 billion annually.  The ICA’s membership represents more than 2 million domain names, generating over 100 million monthly unique visitors.