Responding to CEO Jason Allen’s shock exit, new president Ross Black produced a statement for members, aiming to assure them that the Board is ‘committed to our business plan and vision for the future.’ Black pointed to record numbers of new members, improved existing member retention rates, a profit well into six figures, and a major new sponsor. He refuted the impression that there is a ‘mass exodus of good people from the PIAA’ calling it ‘a false picture that is being painted’ and ‘incorrect’. Black says, “We would like to clarify a number of issues that have been raised as well as assure you (the members) that we are committed to our business plan and vision for the future. First and foremost, we are committed to our members and the service of the printing community for the long term.” The letter confirmed former Bill Healey would act as interim CEO. Black says, “We are determined to foster a high performance culture, bringing together people with the right qualities and commercial experience to allow the Association to reach its full potential. This includes interim-CEO Bill Healy who is now leading the highly successful Future Print program. We are incredibly fortunate that we have someone of Bill’s calibre and talent leading the project.”
PIAA president Ross Black (left) has confirmed Bill Healey (right) will become interim CEO
The letter also addressed recent staff departures, including last week’s dismissal of PIAA Queensland member services manager, Mel Ireland. The letter reads, “It is also prudent to address the concerns surrounding the loss of staff as a result of the implementation of the new strategy. Mel Ireland and others were offered a position aligned to the new strategy of the PIAA however they declined the offer.” Black also took the opportunity to reiterate the Boards confidence in its new business plan and the three year strategy, encouraging members to “support us on this journey”. He says, “Like any other organisation within Australia undergoing great change, we are striving to build a modern day business model transforming us into a powerful advocate, delivering high quality contemporary business services to support growing and declining business needs within the industry. We needed to change – we needed direction and a vision.” “We are united in our belief and have full confidence in the new business plan and three-year strategy. Since we implemented the plan in July last year, we have invested considerably in building best practice member services. This has included signing up a record number of new members, forming a partnership with a significant new sponsor, improving member retention rates and releasing a substantial amount of equity from the sale of the Auburn property. “Our non-audited results will show that we have generated a profit of approximately $200,000 – $300,000 which would not have been achieved without our new model in place. This is all evidence that the business plan is working. “Like any other organisation within Australia undergoing great change, we are striving to build a modern day business model transforming us into a powerful advocate, delivering high quality contemporary business services to support growing and declining business needs within the industry. We needed to change – we needed direction and a vision. Executives nationwide understand that they cannot lull themselves into complacency based on past success and revenue streams, but must keep growing and changing for future success. We are no different. “Further, our new model aims to increase our profitability and most importantly, contribute to our survival. In the current complex and fast-changing business climate, it can be easy to underestimate the significance of the level of change necessary to manage transformation across people, process, technology, data management and risk management components. “What is concerning to us, and our long-serving employees however, is the false picture that is being painted, portraying a mass exodus of good people from the PIAA. This is simply incorrect – in fact, we have been recruiting and retaining highly skilled and passionate staff who are aligned with our vision. “We understand that our decisions impact the vibrancy and health of our industry and are working hard to effectively communicate with our members and to each other in an open, effective, timely and respectful way. “We are excited about the direction that we are headed. We are dedicated to continue to build new service offerings and sponsorship relationships to provide opportunities for members to generate revenue, reduce the cost of doing business, manage their regulatory environment and access high performing, and culturally aligned staff. “We exist solely for the benefit of members and we welcome your voice – your feedback, on how we are progressing with executing our plan. It needs to be understood however, that we are a national organisation, and we will act in a manner that is fair for all members nationwide. I encourage you to support us on this journey, transitioning the PIAA into a professional association for the printing, design and packaging industry. We need your support to help us to flourish.”
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