The PIAA has issued a robust defence of itself to members following CEO Jason Allen’s permanent departure, and less than a week out from the showdown Special General Meeting, which will have a vote of confidence in the Board at the top of the agenda.

New president Ross Black has written to all members highlighting positive results achieved during the Jason Allen tenure, and seeking to clarify what he says are ‘incorrect’ perceptions about staff.

The PIAA continues to champion its business plan and ‘vision for the future’ in the statement penned by Black. He says, “First and foremost, we are committed to our members and the service of the printing community for the long term. We are united in our belief and have full confidence in the new business plan and three-year strategy.”

Black points to record numbers of new members, a profit set to be in excess of $200,000, a major new sponsor, an improved retention rate for existing members, and the release of equity following the sale of its headquarters. He says, “This is all evidence that the business plan is working.”

The association has hit back at claims it is going through a ‘mass exodus’ of staff, stating it as ‘simply incorrect’.  Black says, “Mel Ireland and others were offered a position aligned to the new strategy of the PIAA, however they declined the offer.”

In a pointed message aimed at Queensland members Black calls on members to understand that ‘we are a national organisation, and we will act in a manner that is fair for all members nationwide’.

[Related: PIAA's unwavering defence]

In regard to staff – one of the key areas of concern for members – Black says, “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 staffs who are aligned with our vision,” says Black.

Black tells members that the Association had to change, 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. 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.

“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 that he developed for the members, as well as taking on the interim CEO responsibilities for PIAA.

“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

“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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