Memberships approve consolidation that will create a single trade association to serve Printing, Mailing, Distribution, Fulfillment, and Marketing Services Companies.

Alexandria, Va. & East Rutherford, N.J. – In an overwhelming vote of approval, by more than 97% of the votes cast, the memberships of the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) and the Association of Marketing Service Providers (AMSP) have agreed to merge two of the industry’s most respected associations into a single entity that can provide an expanded slate of services to their respective members and the industry. 

The resolution to create “one trade association that will serve the balanced best interests of companies engaged in data management, print, mailing, distribution, fulfillment, and marketing services by providing relevant, valuable programs, products, services, and advocacy” was initially proposed by the AMSP and NAPL Boards at the 2013 AMSP Annual Conference in San Diego, Calif.  Since then, extensive due diligence, assessment, and planning have gone into creating the structure for an association that will more efficiently and effectively deliver education, networking, and industry advocacy.

“The volunteer leaders and staff of our organizations have continued to look at the changes taking place in our industry and how we can best meet our members’ new needs and provide them with the most comprehensive services as they transform their businesses,” said AMSP President and Chief Executive Officer Ken Garner and NAPL President and Chief Executive Officer Joseph P. Truncale, Ph.D., in a joint statement following the votes.

“We believe that this merger is a combination of the right organizations at the right time, and that, together, we will create a more robust and comprehensive experience for our members,” they continued. “The overwhelming approval of our members tells us that they agree with us and are looking forward to the new benefits that this merger will offer them.”

Citing “a major transformation taking place in the printing, mailing, and distribution services industry” the merger resolution pointed out that each organization’s members “continue to expand their business offerings to meet the changing demands of their customers by providing complementary products and services.” The combined organization, which will comprise members of AMSP, NAPL, and NAQP, will create a strong industry voice and provide an expanded roster of complementary benefits to printing, mailing, marketing, and fulfillment companies.

“The memberships of AMSP, NAPL and NAQP are made up of progressive businesses who are in the midst a period of historic transformation in our industries and our society,” says AMSP Board Chair Tom Duchene, who will serve as Chairman of the Board for the new association.

“The benefits of the consolidation of our associations will enable our members to grow and expand their businesses in new and exciting directions, incorporating advanced communication technology with traditional marketing techniques.   All of us will learn from each other how to more effectively serve our customer’s marketing communication needs in our rapidly-changing world.”

Duchene went on to add, “NAPL & NAQP members will find friendly and collegial fellowship with their AMSP brethren, along with a strong work ethic and world-class knowledge and experience of direct mailing, fulfillment and marketing services.  We have a tradition of openness and sharing that makes our association not only valuable to our businesses…but fun as well!”