Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. (AOA) was created in 2014 when Alpaca Owners & Breeders Association, Inc. (AOBA) merged into Alpaca Registry, Inc. (ARI). ARI was then renamed Alpaca Owners Association, Inc. As of 2014, AOA is the world’s largest alpaca association with nearly 10,000 members and over 230,000 alpacas in its registry database. AOA provides an internationally recognized pedigree registry, national marketing program for alpacas and alpaca fiber products, and magazine (Alpacas Magazine). AOA also provides the industry’s largest Expected Progeny Difference (EPD) program, national show system, and judge training program. AOA continues to provide education to current and prospective alpaca owners throughout the world. AOA is a not-for-profit corporation, which is managed by a team of eleven employees who report to a nine member board of directors. Those nine individuals, who oversee the organization, are elected by the AOA membership to serve staggered three year terms AOA’s primary purpose is to promote awareness of alpacas and alpaca products, while maintaining an official DNA validated genealogical registry system, administering an alpaca show system, providing education to members and the public about the operation of sustainable alpaca businesses, marketing alpacas and the use of alpaca products, and promoting scientific research to the benefit of the alpaca industry. With more than 26 years of history, AOA continues to provide support to the North American alpaca industry through programs that assist members in growing their alpaca, alpaca fiber, and alpaca product businesses.