NAPL to PIA: No Thanks

SEWICKLEY, PA—It doesn't appear that a merger between Printing Industries of America (PIA) and the National Association of Printing Leadership (NAPL) is in the immediate future. PIA President and CEO Michael Makin recently sent out a short letter to PIA members, informing them that NAPL has rejected an offer of consolidation discussions with PIA.

Makin was told that while NAPL is open to collaborative projects, the longtime rival prefers to maintain its independence and autonomy while focusing on a business model centered around its consulting practice. Joe Truncale, president and CEO of NAPL, acknowledged the NAPL's position, but did not have additional comments.

Still, the collaborative projects statement appears to be in earnest, as NAPL recently joined forces with two other marketing industry trade associations—the Direct Marketing Association (DMA) and the Mailing and Fulfillment Services Association (M&FSA)—to launch a joint educational initiative aimed at helping their members achieve transformative growth. The educational initiative, announced during PRINT 09, includes a white paper, "The Move to Marketing Services," done in conjunction with strategic consulting firm Winterberry Group.

The initiative kicks off in 2010 with a series of four one-day seminars held across the country, which are intended to help printers, lettershops and other marketing production companies address the economic challenges confronting their industries. PI