(Overland Park, KS – April 25) The Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards (FSMTB) is the grateful recipient of a generous donation of $10,000 received from Massage Envy. Debra Persinger, FSMTB’s executive director, accepted the donation at the 2012 Massage Envy Annual Franchise Conference held in Phoenix, Arizona.

“The FSMTB is a valuable partner for our franchisees and the people we serve,” said CG Funk, L.M.T. and Massage Envy vice president of industry relations and product development. “The FSMTB has made a positive impact for the profession by providing an examination that assures the public of safe and knowledgeable therapists and helps move qualified therapists into the workforce more expeditiously.”

The Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) was developed with input from more than 7,600 massage and bodywork professionals, state regulatory agencies and subject matter experts in massage and bodywork education and practice. It was introduced in October 2007 and is accepted by 39 state regulatory boards and agencies for licensure, thus far.

“The members of the FSMTB sincerely appreciate this recognition of the work of the state regulatory community,” said Kathy Jensen, L.M.T. and FSMTB president. “We value Massage Envy’s support of practitioner professionalism and consumer safety.”

In acknowledgement of the professional partnership, Persinger stated, “The commitment I hold for the regulatory and professional community is fueled in no small part by the passion of CG Funk.”

Taken by surprise when the donation was presented, Persinger stated, “This is an honor to accept the donation on behalf of the whole FSMTB team. We are so grateful for the ongoing support from the Massage Envy community and in particular the executive leadership team who model the Massage Envy values of open-mindedness, drive, caring and respect.”

The federation’s mission is to support its member boards in their work of public protection, improve communication between states and offer prospects for enhanced licensing reciprocity for the ultimate benefit of safe massage and bodywork practice protecting consumers.