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By Ed Avis
OK, maybe it’s time to admit that when we changed the name of our association to APDSP six years ago, it was a mistake! That’s definitely the sentiment reflected in a survey we took asking you if we should change the name back to IRgA – of the 53 people who responded to the survey, 49 said yes, change it back! Of the other four, one would like to stick with APDSP and three are undecided.
The survey also asked if we should change the name back to International Reprographics Association or to Independent Reprographics Association. About 66 percent of respondents said “International,” 31 percent said “Independent,” and the remaining had other ideas altogether.
So what’s next? The APDSP Board is meeting on Wednesday, and the name change is on the agenda. If the board decides to move forward, we’ll formerly take a vote of members to amend the association’s articles of incorporation. If the amendment passes, we’ll submit the paperwork to the State of New York (where the association is incorporated), then begin the process of rebranding. We’ll take the opportunity to go beyond the name change – we’ll also consider how else the association needs to improve to better serve members.
Here are some of the comments from people who took the survey:
“I always thought APDSP was a weird name. I don't really care if it is Independent or International although I prefer the latter as I think it more accurately describes the organization.”
“I think returning to the International Reprographics Association is a great idea. When I was a member years ago, I met many business owners from around the world. I know the reprographics industry has changed greatly but the IRgA brand was always very strong. It does not help when large companies like ARC stopped their participation. I also believe that APDSP is misleading as I am not sure what members are providing data solutions. Document solutions perhaps. I migrated from the reprographics industry into BIM, data collection, predictive analytics and working toward AI. I would stay away from Independent versus International so that you will have opportunity to engage the entire reprographics community.”
“The name has been around a very long time and is very well known in the printing industry. APDSP is difficult to remember the meaning of the initials. Since you are primarily made up of US companies - I agree with the change of the International to Independent.”
“Why exclude ARC, RM, or RSA members from our association by using ‘independent’? We should be as inclusive as possible, including international as well as proprietary companies (ARC) and member associations (RMX, RSA). To me, the association should exist primarily as an educational adjunct to whatever affiliations members may wish to join. sorry I don't have an alternative to suggest, but APDSP always seems to come out ‘ADPSP’ when I try to use it ‘off the cuff’ in the same way we would say ‘IRGA’. :)”
“I don't know if Independent Reprographic Association represents what the members offer better than Association of Printing & Data Solutions Professionals, but IRgA rolls off the tongue far easier than APDSP, and ever since the name change I have struggled with remembering the acronym. Reprographics does seem like a dated term, but it seems like a majority of the member companies still have reprographics, graphics or blueprint in their company name, so it does seem to represent the membership better than APDSP.”
“International Reprographic Association (IRgA) best relates to the wide format industry and will eliminate trying to explain the new name to clients.”
“I wouldnt necessarily market it to be independent from RSA or RMX at all, as those firms are mostly independent as well. No disrespect to our international colleagues, but I think that members better align themselves with domestic peers that they can network with and share like experiences with.”
“Current name is too hard to remember, even after all these years.”