Two Top In-plant Associations Merge

At October's National Government Publishing Association conference in Hartford, with fewer than 10 members in the audience, it was clear that something needed to change if the 36-year-old association was to survive. This week, that change was announced.

Effective February 1, NGPA will merge with the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association, a much larger group that comprises in-plants from many industries, including government. Henceforth, NGPA will meet during IPMA's annual conference, where a separate track for government printers will be available. This will allow long-time NGPA members to continue getting together, while opening up new networking and educational opportunities.

Former Nevada State Printer Don Bailey, founder of NGPA, says he's pleased that the merger will keep NGPA going for a while longer.

"When we started in 1977 I gave it 10 years, tops. I am proud of our long run," he told IPG. "The government members must keep meeting for their own sake."

The consolidation with IPMA was first proposed to NGPA in 2008, but was voted down by members during one of the association's most well attended conferences in years. Following that packed event in Bellevue, Wash., which drew 82 attendees, conference attendance began to drop, reaching a critical level in 2013.

Leaders of both in-plant associations feel this merger will provide better value for all members, allowing for more growth and innovation. NGPA members will have access to the numerous educational sessions at IPMA’s annual conference (taking place June 8-12 in Milwaukee), and IPMA’s website will feature a section devoted exclusively to government in-plants.

As part of this merger, IPMA announced the appointment of Mike Lincoln as IPMA's secretary/treasurer. Lincoln most recently served as president of NGPA, the 34th president of the association.