The industry has come together in support of the Real Media Collective (TRMC) and the Print & Visual Communications Association of Australia (PVCA)’s intention for merger, with many saying that the move will greatly benefit their combined member base.

The recently appointed president of PVCA Peter Clark told Sprinter he will retain his title and role at this point in time, until new executive positions are established once the merger is complete.

“The merger might take some time due to the regulatory requirements that need to be fulfilled. Until then, I will remain as president,” he said.

“The merger really strengthens the industry representation. For parliamentary lobbying, it certainly strengthens the offer for IR advice given to our members. It also opens up other avenues such as sustainable green print for TRMC members, amongst others.

“The move is very relevant now, especially post-COVID as the PVCA’s membership has picked up mainly due to the advice provided by the PVCA and its economical nature compared to advice from an independent IR consultant.

“This is a wonderful day for our association as it creates a common vision of unity and passion for our industry.”

PVCA vice-president and Kuhn Corp founder Walter Kuhn said the vehicle of PVCA will continue on and that the merger means good news for the industry.

“The industry itself is consolidating and has been for several years. So, this way the association, like all associations, needed to look at its environment. By merging, it means we can get our members better representation, offerings and support by developing more programmes for the industry, because we will have a greater capacity.

“PVCA members can expect more of an involvement from the combined association. Operations will remain, bolstered by further elements that TRMC brings to it.”

TRMC treasurer and Lamson Paragon Group CEO Rodney Frost said having one association creates a far more powerful industry body.

“There’s obviously due process that needs to play out to ensure members vote, but the end outcome for the industry is much larger when there’s one main body rather than two main bodies, putting all efforts, energy and funds into what the industry needs,” he said.

“It’s quite an exciting time. It’s something I think the industry needs and I hope everyone gets behind. We welcome people to be a part of it and to engage with the association.

“More information will be rolled out following the merger, but the general idea is members can achieve more with one focused organisation that is able to stand up for industry.”

Carbon8 co-director Kenneth Beck-Pedersen said the approach for a combined association is sensible as it creates a modern, focused industry body.

“My first impression is that the move is sensible; the industry needs more association mergers. It’s probably the best thing for the PVCA because, in my opinion, it has been out of touch and outdated with its communications and processes in comparison to TRMC,” he said.

“The PVCA is like a dinosaur – it just wasn’t embracing any of the new the new communication processes and systems that people expect today. The PVCA treated things as if nothing has changed.

“We haven’t been a member of the PVCA for a while now because it didn’t offer Carbon8 anything.

“On the flipside, my interactions with TRMC so far shows that it seems to be a bit more progressive, and it has got some better ideas. It cannot do any worse.

“Following the merger, we would definitely engage with the combined association and there would be a better chance for us to join it in hopes that it would do better.”

Cactus Imaging founder and general manager – operations, Keith Ferrel told Sprinter that the merger makes sense for the industry as it creates a few industry associations with stronger voices.

“I had a feeling the merger was in the wind, that’s for sure. If you have two or three strong voices representing the industry rather than a lot of smaller players with individual voices, there isn’t much of a clout,” he said.

“We’ve got the Visual Connections, ASGA, FESPA, PVCA and TRMC – there are lots and lots of associations. The more powerful the ‘voice’ you have, the better the representation for the industry.

“We have been a member of TRMC and FESPA. We’ve worked very closely with Kellie [Northwood] and think the combined association can only do good.”

Rawson Print Co. director Lachlan Finch welcomed the move and said there wasn’t much space for two associations in a consolidated industry.

“From my perspective, the merger is a very good thing. I think it probably needed to happen a while ago. It’s better that we have one united, representative body which combines the strengths of both associations,” he said.

“They both have some strengths and combining them will be very beneficial for the industry as a whole. I haven’t been a member of the PVCA since it was the PIAA but am currently a member of TRMC. The reason we changed to TRMC was because it was a lot more active in terms of lobbying and have provided good member benefits.

“So, following the merger I look forward to an increased level of support.”

Imagination Graphics owner Emmanuel Buhagiar, who has been a member of the PVCA thus far, said the merger will bring together a different set of skills from both associations.

“At the end of the day, it just makes common sense. Both organisations are sort of similar so a merger will be a good combination of both entities,” he said.

“This means they will now help each other instead of being in competition with each other. They can also bring together their different skill sets for the better of the industry. TRMC has a very strong IR background and has been lobbying for a lot of things, especially during COVID.

“So, this will be very beneficial to the PVCA member base. I look forward to what they can achieve together.”

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