The State of U.S. Printing Associations -- Part Deux

The reaction to the first article, both at Print CEO and personal communication, has been overwhelming. Editors, consultants, affiliate managers and staff, educators, and, most of all, printers support merging the two commercial printing associations. There has been no word from NAPL or PIA.

Why am I expressing these opinions? Because no one else will.

My opinion is that the printing industry can no longer support multiple associations that more or less do the same thing. So far, most of the communication I have seen is in favor of consolidation. My initial comments were triggered by a letter sent by PIA to editors and others saying that it had extended an olive branch to NAPL and was rebuffed. I expressed my opinion that PIA, and specifically its current president, were part of the problem. And that the boards of both groups must be held accountable.

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About Frank Romano

Frank Romano has spent over 60 years in the printing and publishing industries. Many know him best as the editor of the International Paper Pocket Pal or from the hundreds of articles he has written for publications from North America and Europe to the Middle East to Asia and Australia. Romano lectures extensively, having addressed virtually every club, association, group, and professional organization at one time or another. He is one of the industry's foremost keynote speakers. He continues to teach courses at RIT and other universities and works with students on unique research projects.