The Mobile Marketing Association has added 33 new members to its ranks, taking its total membership to nearly 600 companies in the mobile space nationwide and overseas.

The 350 percent growth in the MMA membership in the past couple of years is evidence that more companies are taking mobile marketing seriously and as a vital component of the media mix.

"The MMA and its members have spent the last few years laying a solid foundation for growth and we look forward to making 2008 the year for mobile marketing globally," said Laura Marriott, president of the MMA, in a statement.

Companies who have joined the MMA include 1024 Wireless Services LLC, AdHere Mobile Ltd., AdObjects Inc., Aradiom Inc., Catalyst Group, Charged Media, Cobalt LLP, Bercut Ltd., Washington State Employees Credit Union, Codec Iletisim ve Danismanlik Hizmetleri Ltd. Sti. and DIMOCO -- Direct Mobile Communications GmbH.

The rolls also include Discovery Communications LLC, G-Nius Mobile Intelligence Pty Ld., Hiwave GmbH, Iamota Corp., Immersion Corp., Mobiltim Iletisim Kurumsal Hizmetler A.S., Integmo Iletisim A.S., Jinny Software Ltd., MGM Grand, MO7 Mobile Interactive Marketing, Mobisix, Myxer Inc., O2, Sharpcards, Qwikker, Real Content Group, Reward Phone Inc., SnapNow, Tagit Pte Ltd., Turatel Mobil Medya Itelisim ve Bilisim Hiz. Ltd. Sti., Unkasoft Advergaming and Telecom Italia SpA.

The news comes only weeks after the MMA partnered with the Irish Mobile Messaging Forum to debut the Mobile Marketing Association Ireland. Eamon Hession, CEO of Puca and former chairman of the Irish Mobile Messaging Forum, is chairman of MMA Ireland.

MMA Ireland's membership includes Vodafone, O2, 3 and Meteor. The organization is part of the MMA's Europe Middle East and Africa regional chapter.

Meanwhile, the MMA is working on plans to host its Mobile Marketing Forums in Sao Paulo March 26, London April 15-16, New York June 10-11 and San Diego Nov. 13.