PRESIDENTS' MESSAGE

February, 2006

"Why should a company become a member of FPSA?" asked the interviewer. The interview was being conducted for a supplement that will appear in several trade press magazines next month. It is certainly a fair, and apparently simple and straight-forward question. But, when you begin to respond, you realize the answer is far more complex than the question.

If that question were asked twenty or thirty years ago, many, if not most, of the respondents would frame their answers in terms of responsibility, giving back to the industry, or supporting their association. The decision of whether to belong or not was not difficult and the expectation of a return on investment was minimal. The motivation to join an association of suppliers twenty or thirty years ago was more social than it was business, even when there was a business component involved in the association's programs. One paid "dues" (we still use that term) to an association much as they would pay dues to a social club or country club.

How times have changed. Associations whose future depends on member loyalty or a sense of social consciousness will soon join the ranks of the extinct in today's business environment. When companies make a decision about whether to join or to participate in an association's program, more often than not it is a decision that is based in terms of a business investment. It is an investment of company resources, both capital and human, that demands a rate of return every year.

We are very much aware of the competitive business climate in which FPSA operates. We don't feel we are "due" anything from the companies who choose to invest in the Association.  We are keenly aware that every program of FPSA, from PROCESS EXPO to your home on the world-wide web, www.fpsa.org, has to deliver results that exceed your expectations and returns that multiply your investment.

This is a daunting challenge. Fortunately, we do not face the task of meeting that challenge alone. We are aided by the dedication of an exceptional staff. We have the advice and counsel of your board of directors, and the boards of our industry councils, and, most importantly, by the commitment of individuals who take an active role in protecting their investment through active participation in the Association's programs.

So, if you are among the few who are still pondering whether or not to pay your 2006 "dues" to FPSA, we urge you to make the commitment and join us in our inaugural year.

For those of you who have renewed, thank you very much. Please think about the ways you can get involved with the new FPSA. We have taken the best of IAFIS and FPMA to deliver an outstanding menu of programs and services – come learn about your new association by attending the Annual Conference, March 15-19 at the Marriott Sawgrass.

We promise that we and our team will work every day to make your investment in FPSA one of the best business decisions you will make in 2006.  

Steve Schlegel, President and CEO
George Melnykovich, President and COO