A few years ago Bob Spitzer, currently President, Gonzaga University in Spokane, presented a seminar on business ethics to the annual conference of the members of Pacific Printing & Imaging Association. His message: If an entity, be it a person, business or association, works for the greater good, he/she/it will, in the final analysis, be more successful than if he/she/it seeks only personal gain.

Soon after Clyde Thornburg, President, Trade Litho, Portland, Oregon took office as member president of the same association, he reportedly said: "You know. If it wasn’t for people, the association business could be very enjoyable." While distinctly different messages, they both address the real reason our industry has, after all these years, failed to coalesce into one grand effective alliance – our associations are composed of human beings.

If the staff and member leadership of our national associations set the "common good" above all else, then great things would follow. If they set the common good above promotions, salary increases and retention for staff positions then great things would follow. If they set the common good above power and personal recognition for the member leadership then great things would follow.

Associations are staffed with great people
It is not difficult to imagine the umbrage within the associations’ staff and member leadership as they read these words. Therefore, before we continue, it is necessary to point out that the national and regional associations are staffed and lead by members who are wonderful capable individuals. Everyone and anyone who has dealt with these organization knows this. Many good deeds are done by these men and women on a daily basis, and many good goals are accomplished for our industry through their efforts.

What is at issue here at the national level is the need to set aside concerns about the politics of who gets to run what; who gets to sit on what board or committee; what current member leaders will dominate an emerging organization. And, of course, who ends up with the funds in the bank accounts, the real estate, and control over trade show riches.

The Mission of the Grand National Industry Association
A suggested mission might be: What should an organization that effectively represents and educates the interest of all the companies in the graphic communications industry look like? And how should it be put together? And, moreover, if we really believe that setting the common good above all will produce great benefits including profits, what if the primary mission of this grand national industry association was not to help its members maximize profits, but to facilitate the communication of information for the benefit of mankind? Think about that.

We need an Anwar Sadat or a Menachem Begin
It is recognized we are talking about commerce here and not the Middle East, but we need on a different level an Anwar Sadat or Menachem Begin to step forth and lead our industry. We need a member leader or several member leaders from diverse associations who are currently in power to rise up and stand for the common good.

These leaders need to be selfless and not afraid to take on the ingrained politics of the many associations. These leaders need not look at our current association structure, but at a structure of what should be and what is best for all involved. They need to strike out to build a new association for an old industry.

Is there anyone out there?