IPMA/NGPA In-Plant Organizations Merge Effective February 1We are pleased that the previously announced merger of the National Government Publishing Association (NGPA) with the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) is now in place, effective as of February 1, 2014. The Boards of both organizations enthusiastically endorsed the merger based on the positive benefits it brings to their memberships as well as the potential to strengthen the two former associations' common goals.
Rob Lingard, President of IPMA noted, "These common goals can better be served as the best of both organizations can now be combined making it easier to network, learn and communicate common concerns." NGPA gains the strength of a larger and more stable association with IPMA, while IPMA gains strength in the government sector through the addition of new members.
While IPMA has always had government in-plants as members, the sector was not a focus. As a result of the merger, IPMA will begin to focus on the specific and unique needs of the government sector in parallel with existing programs and services that benefit the overall in-plant industry. The website will be updated with enhanced features designed to meet the specific needs of government in-plants. A new government track is being added to the educational sessions at the upcoming 2014 IPMA FULL THROTTLE COMMUNICATION Conference in June. Mike Lincoln, Public Printer of the State of Colorado and President of NGPA at the time of the merger, will have a strong and active role with IPMA, serving as Treasurer on the IPMA Board of Directors. Mike's presence on the Board will ensure that the Association's government membership has a voice on the Board and in the development of appropriate ways to support and serve their needs.
Strengthening of the government in-plant presence will be felt closer to home at the chapter level over the coming year as the Board looks at ways to effectively incorporate NGPA's regional structure with the IPMA Chapters and Regional Meetings. Talking about the in-plant industry, Mike explained, “With the continued consolidation and contraction on the commercial side of our industry I can only see increased strength in a unified in-plant association. In-plants are generally in business to save cost and add value, contrasted with the commercial side; at the end of the day they are in business to derive revenue from their customer base for their owners or stock-holders. With the diversity of services coupled with the loyalty of staff, in-plant service providers are capable of significantly increasing strategic value to the parent organization.” "Together we are stronger and can leverage that strength to offer more relevance to our parent organizations," added Rob. "In-plants are unique. That uniqueness is positive and a strengthened IPMA/NGPA association will reach into the future providing direction, resources and support to its member and vendor communities," he continued. Members of the newly merged organization - be they former NGPA or IPMA members, or newcomers - can look forward to an exciting year as the new IPMA moves forward!
|
Former NGPA members have already been automatically transferred into the IPMA membership rolls with access to all benefits. Mike Lincoln noted, "The benefits of IPMA are considerably expanded over what the smaller NGPA organization was able to support. These include new resources, specifically educational opportunities, such as the larger conference and vendor fair, and webinars, along with a broader network of in-plant facilities and peers." Transfer to IPMA membership also includes access to IPMA's certification programs, white papers and other informational resources, as well as an expanded range of team and individual award programs.