The Printing Industries Association Australia (PIAA) has sent a letter to its members in a bid to persuade the industry of its ‘vision and commitment’ amid an exodus of key staff and questions over the new headquarters.

The letter follows the sudden resignation of recently appointed chief executive Jason Allen, and longstanding board member Susan Heaney in December, and addresses questions over the selling of the Auburn HQ. It is penned by PIAA president David Leach.

Leach speaks about disruptions to the industry body in the letter, and says ‘with change comes resistance, and often subjectivity – especially around people and direction,’ and refers to concerns from PIAA staff saying: ‘it can often come as a surprise, particularly in organisations that have long-standing employees’.

Addressing the issue felt keenly by many printers Leach says, “One of the key elements of change is communication. While the Board and PIAA staff have endeavoured to communicate with members, we are well aware that communication can always improve. The fabric of our communication also needs to evolve and the Board are working on ensuring this happens throughout the organisation.

The Board’s intention at all times is to provide the best value proposition for members and to effect necessary and relevant change. Our industry is vast and dispersed and we are working on ways to be more timely and personable when required with our communication and interactions. The Board and PIAA would like to open up further in our communication style.”

The letter goes on to say that the Association reached a ‘critical turning point’ last year, and lists various achievements of the PIAA, including the endorsement of a three year strategic vision by the board.

The board comprises leaders from eight of the top printers in the country, including Leach from Look Print, Peter Lane from Lane Print Group, Chris Segaert from Permanent Press, Ross Black from BJ Ball, Stephen Edwards of Snap Franchising, Graham Jamieson , Picton Press, Kieran May (Accross Business and Craig Pearce from Flying Colours.

A number of members have taken the opportunity to express dismay about the PIAA, with one NSW printer says the body has become a ‘toothless tiger’ and needs to ‘start supporting smaller businesses and appoint someone to lead who has ink under their fingernails.’

The printer, who wishes to remain anonymous, says the industry body is too ‘major city-centric’ and ‘if you want to be an industry association you need to be big and strong for everyone’.

“If the PIAA wants to make a change, they need to focus on the engine room of print, that is also the small printers and help combat or market against the ever-present threat of multinationals, online commodity printers and the threat to government agencies outsourcing overseas,” says the NSW-based printer. 

The PIAA’s transformation will continue, Leach says the industry should expect ‘a number of changes and improvements’ to the association.

He says, “I encourage you to look beyond the noise and focus on the positives. We are not ignoring our critics. We understand there is always frustration throughout the first phase of change. However, to improve the reputation of our industry with the general public, we need to be optimistic. The Board is committed to preserving and respecting the past while looking to the future.

“We will continue to invest in building world-class member services. This includes new service offerings and sponsorships 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.

“Please understand that it will take significant time, people, faith, integrity, governance, transparency and resources to reach our goals. This will be no easy task, and it is not something that can be done overnight. This will require significant ongoing investment from us, and from you.

“It is logical and obvious that the industry needs to change. The Board of PIAA are trying to rapidly ensure that we have an ongoing, viable industry Association. There is no doubt that you could argue that this is the most important period of time in our history. 

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