Discussion

By Joe Webb on Sep 10, 2012

The organizational structures of the two associations are so vastly different, that this is not a surprise, even though it is very disappointing. NAPL is easy: it's one organization. PIA is the national organization plus the affiliates. I would prefer to see the two organizations competing for member dollars by specializing in the needs of particular constituencies, and let the decisions of each printer be their vote. Cooperation might actually be cowardly in that context; demanding these two differently structured and purposed organizations to merge might be wrongheaded, and use resources instead to re-size and re-focus their organizations. And what if the right answer was for PIA National to close and set the affiliates free to compete as they wish in the geographies they choose, much like the "Baby Bells"? What if some of the printers involved in the discussions decided that they would support a new and separate association? Many printers find it is easier to start new together rather than to deal with the gnarly facts of merging. In the end, it's all about relevance for what the associations do, and not 2012's relevance, but 2020's and 2025's. My column next Monday which is likely to include some more specific comments and speculative considerations. But today, heartfelt gratitude should go to all those who worked diligently in the attempt for the betterment of the industry.

By Chuck Gehman on Sep 11, 2012

I find this press release lacking in detail, and would like to hear the full story of why this fell apart.

The last paragraph sort of implies that it was the Printing Industries Affiliate structure that blew the deal out of the water.

The analogy Dr. Joe makes of the baby bells is flawed. These aren't companies. They don't have significant assets or intellectual property. Their customer base is shrinking.

The correct analogy is DSCOOP. Bringing together the printers and their vendors, to address the industries challenges together.

I think it is clear that the boards and management of these associations know this, but they have an execution problem.

By Clint Bolte on Sep 11, 2012

I personally had real confidence in the representatives chosen that they would be able to look beyond the current administrative personalities and partisanships to consider the future best interests of the printing industry.

The resulting course is a given ... slow death as industry suppliers cannot afford to finance disparate and competing overheads and members continuing to be selective with where they put their discretionary time and funds. No such thing as a friendly competition in a struggle to survive.

A good book for all to read is the Presidents' Club ... a more appropriate legacy for all to consider.

By John Henry on Sep 11, 2012

With the Top 6 of NAPL making at total of over 1.3 million, lead by Dr. Joe T at $349,432 in salary and benefits. I do not think you have to look much farther than self preservation as underlying factor. This is from the public 990 2010 and will be even higher in 2012 I am sure.

I would assume PIA is in the same range and no wants to lose their high paid job in this economy in merger. They million in the bank so this cow can be milked for a few more years at least.

Not even congress gets paid like this, in fact the current salary for the Chief Justice is $223,500 per year, while the Associate Justices each make $213,900. I assume Joe T in the boards mind is worth more than they are.