Discussion

By Thayer Long on Mar 04, 2021

Important dialog here with Cary and 3 affiliate managers. As someone who has spent almost 20 years in a federated structure, I can attest to the importance and strength of a grassroots network of independent organizations unifying for a common purpose. It may not always appear easy, or as Lou I think says "messy", but like democracy, it all somehow works.

By Robert Lindgren on Mar 04, 2021

The reality is that printing in all its forms, is the home of more independent, owner-managed establishments than any other manufacturing industry. That reality gave rise to associations of printers serving similar firms in the metropolitan areas in which they traded. This began in the middle of the 19th century which saw those association form a national federation in 1887.

This reality continues today. Unfortunately, the newly merged PrUA failed to understand the local focus of the industry's interests and needs.

By Cary Sherburne on Mar 04, 2021

I have permission from Joe Polanco to share his thoughtful analysis of this move by the Affiliates:

Cary,

Here you go.

Over the past twenty years, I served on at least two Printing Industries of America’s (PIA)Task Forces which were to deal with the issue of the PIA’s federation model. In each case, the federation structure of PIA was left alone due to the industry’s fragmentation and the Affiliates ability to provide services/representation which fit the regional and local nature of their markets. Due to these discussions, the Affiliates saw the need to work closer together and create a variety of services which were not practical for the national. A host of major services and programs were created by the Affiliates, whose board members and staff were focused on the unique needs of print providers serving a local and/or regional market.

This latest saga of the former PIA Federation, comes as no surprise. The Printing United Alliance model focuses on trying to remove redundancy and create a more homogeneous model of managing the industry’s associations. Yet, I don’t think this is the best way to serve a fragmented industry. To use the federal/state governance argument, what the federal government sees as a “fix” is not always seen as a “fix” by the states. In our industry, what’s good for a California printer, could be seen as a totally unacceptable answer for a printer in Texas, or North Carolina, or Florida. The same goes for firms who are specialists in labels, packaging, converting, signage, point-of-purchase, and textiles.

One needs to remember that there are over 20 regional affiliated organizations in the U.S./Canada. Each organization with 12-20 board members -- who are print providers and suppliers. This decision to change direction involved hundreds of printing company owners who saw another path to better serve their fellow print providers.

I know that as a former president of one of those affiliated organizations (PIA MidAmerica), I have an inherent bias. Yet, I feel that there is a unique bond within the Affiliate structure which will allow them to partner and succeed in areas where a national organization would fail. At the same time, Printing United Alliance will have created a model that serves its constituents. And the industry will be stronger for it.

By Gina Danner on Mar 05, 2021

This is an opportunity to "vision" a new approach. I would ask the question, "Let's pretend we could build a perfect model, what would it include? What would it NOT include?"

Granted, we may likely be closer than we think to that perfection. As an industry of closely held, highly fragmented, fiercely independent businesses there is nothing but opportunity ahead for a well-thought-out organization of support associations.

By Robert Lindgren on Mar 05, 2021

Gina, you're right on! The network of independent, but cooperating associations has the potential to be the right vehicle to serve our industry. The upheaval created by Ford Borrows' ill-conceived initiative this year can be the catalyst for a rethink of how these associations can serve their members and the diverse world of print.