By a vote of 86 percent in favor to 14 percent opposed, IRgA members voted to change the name of the organization to the Association of Printing and Data Solutions Professionals via a proxy vote that was counted July 14. The new name will debut on September 1.
According to New York State law, which governs IRgA's corporate matters because that is where the association was incorporated, the vote had to include a quorum of members. IRgA has 70 paid member firms, so at least 35 votes were required. The amended articles of incorporation and bylaws are being prepared and will be filed with the state.
The new name is the most visible change in the organization, but accompanying the name is a variety of new member benefits and programs designed to help members succeed.
Helping Members Grow
A major element of the APDSP will be a marketing effort designed to help members grow their businesses. This effort was described in a previous issue of IRgA Today (click here), but it is summarized again here:
- An advertising campaign in publications reaching architecture and construction businesses in the United States and Canada. This campaign will emphasize that members of the APDSP are focused on serving the data and printing needs of the AEC industry.
- Trade show participation. APDSP will participate in trade shows focused on the AEC community, with the intention of promoting members’ services.
- A “toolkit” that will help members market themselves to the AEC community. The toolkit will contain a customizable leave-behind brochure; art files of the new logo and tagline; language that can be used in member LinkedIn profiles; a customizable press release; and a guide on how to get the release published.
Networking
Two new networking programs are being developed. First, a robust online chat room for members only will soon debut. The chat room will be in the members-only portion of the website, and will support multiple on-going topic discussions.
Second, the association is developing an online program to connect members with other members in other geographies, so they can share work or otherwise develop relationships.
Education and Training
A series of quarterly webinars is being developed that will teach members how to better serve their markets, find new customers, understand changing technologies, etc.
In addition, the association will subsidize members who wish to take the Construction Documents Technology certification exam from the Construction Specifications Institute. The association will reimburse a member $100 of the $375 fee.
Discounts
The association has established two discount programs to help members save money.
First, all members will be eligible to participate in a program operated by UNA Purchasing Solutions. This program offers discounts for FedEx, Staples, Shred-It, Best Buy, Hotel Engine, and several other vendors.
Second, the association is negotiating discounts with its vendor sponsors. Six vendor sponsors – KIP, Wide Format Engines, Dietzgen, Evergreen Technologies, OpCenter, and Image Access – have committed to the program. Details of their discounts will appear in a future issue of the newsletter, and will become effective September 1.
More Details Ahead
A webinar introducing the new benefits has been scheduled for September 8 at 2 p.m. Eastern time. Stay tuned for more details about the webinar and the transition in general.