Industry associations consolidate

Key paper bodies the Australian Catalogue Association (ACA), Two Sides Australia (TSA) and the Australasian Paper Industry Association (APIA) are merging together to form one industry association, the Real Media Collective.

The decision comes after the three bodies executed a year long review, engaging with their 127 stakeholders.

Real Media says with a common management team and Board members and forming an industry coalition with other bodies to write a list of demands to Australia Post, an informal partnership has existed between the trio and the amalgamation is a natural progression.

Kellie Northwood, former CEO of ACA, TSA and APIA is becoming CEO of the new entity. On its branding, she says, “Real media pays homage to the physical and tactile nature of print and real connecting with real results, return on investment, engagement and activation.

“Formalising this partnership will offer greater resources, unity and benefits to ACA, TSA and APIA members providing them opportunity to gain from each other’s strengths. We see ACA bringing its close connections to customers, TSA with its strong marketing campaigns, and APIA being our largest raw materials provider – an important group to work closely with.”

Real Media says the merger will see its members benefit from a range of resources, initiatives and Government lobbying opportunities. They will also have access to lecture series events, the inaugural Awards program, Roy Morgan research data (case studies and content showing the power of print compared to other channels), PORTA (an industry metrics dashboard that provides reports of the industry’s size and value across multiple print sectors), as well as international partnerships with the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan and the United States.

[Related: Northwood: printers should communicate price rises]

Northwood says, “For TSA members, all campaign material will continue to be provided, Member subscriptions will remain the same and funding for the campaigns prioritised. This is more of an opportunity for members to be a part of a stronger, unified entity.

“Our commitment is to continue our improvement and build an association that is committed to the sustainability of strong and performing media channels across letterbox, magazine, direct, print marketing, fibre-based packaging and more for today and tomorrow. They all work together which means we are now in an even better position to support, promote and ultimately grow demand for the valuable products and services our industry has to offer.”

Kevin Slaven, CEO, PMP, is taking on the role of chairman at Real Media, while Matt Aitken, COO, IVE is becoming deputy chairman. Rebecca Lowde, CEO, Salmat, is becoming treasurer.

John Wanless, owner, Bambra Press and Craig Dunsford, PMP have been newly appointed to the board, sitting alongside David Webster, Salmat; Mark Roberts, general manager, Mail Products, Australia Post and Bernie Roberts, CEO, Webstar NZ.  

Kevin Slaven, CEO, PMP and chairman of Real Media says, “The ACA has been working closely with TSA Limited and APIA for some years now providing support and funding for TSA’s three campaigns.

“The ACA Board believed a merger would form a united front promoting the print and paper industries. We saw that consolidating our learnings, thinking and approaches would appropriately represent all sectors.”

John Wanless, MD, Bambra says, ““Being on the Board for TSA has provided excellent insight into the dedicated work they are producing as an industry organisation. I look forward to continuing my involvement with such reputable associations as a board member for the Real Media Collective.”

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