The Institute of Localisation Professionals (TILP) announces merger with Professional Association for Localization (PAL)

12 May 2003 — The Institute of Localisation Professionals (TILP), headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, and the U.S.-based Professional Association of Localization (PAL) have agreed to a merger. Both organisations focus on the needs of individual localisation professionals. The goal of the merger is to advance their shared mission by combining each organisation's strengths and eliminating organisational redundancies.

The consolidated organisation will retain the name TILP. Current PAL members have been offered free TILP membership for the balance of the 2003 calendar year. TILP invited the current PAL officers to join its leadership council. PAL president Suzanne Topping, vice chairperson Marilyn Mason and treasurer Barbara Jarzyna have accepted the invitation.

Founded in early 2001, PAL's primary challenge was overcoming the difficulties of a virtual organization. “As the first professional organisation for individuals, starting up when and how we did, PAL faced major hurdles,” said PAL president Suzanne Topping. “Our virtual team organised and ran an international association without a headquarters, funding, or dedicated personnel. Given these constraints, it was a constant juggling act to bring in new members while developing programs.”

In sharp contrast, TILP benefited from a well-developed infrastructure. After nearly two years of work building PAL, the leadership council explored the possibility of a merger with a like-minded organization. TILP's mission and infrastructure attracted PAL.

In early 2003, PAL suggested the merger to TILP. The TILP leadership council, represented by its CEO Reinhard Schäler, warmly welcomed the overture. Both councils quickly agreed that, as a single entity, the two organisations would be far more effective in meeting the needs of its shared constituency.

The merger of PAL and TILP will create a synergy in terms of leadership and professional expertise as well as increase the size and the geographic reach of the resulting association.

About PAL: Founded in early 2001 by Ricardo Erb, PAL's primary mission is to give voice to and provide representation for individual professionals in the fields of localisation, internationalisation and globalisation. In April 2001, PAL was granted formal recognition as an international 501(a) non-profit organisation. The current leadership council includes: Ricardo Erb, Dorinda Hale, Barbara Jarzyna, Nancy A. Locke, Marilyn Mason and Suzanne Topping. Contact information: Suzanne Topping (Telephone: +1 585.454.4210; e-mail: stopping@bizwonk.com). PAL web site: www.pal10n.net.

About TILP: The brainchild of Reinhard Schäler, director of the Localisation Research Centre, TILP was formally registered as a non-profit organization created "to develop professional practices in localisation globally" on July 30, 2002. In short order, TILP has developed strong industry partnerships and offers a range of membership services. The 2002/2003 leadership council includes: Fiona Agnew (Deputy President), Alan Barrett (President), Matthias Caesar, Ian Dunlop, Wendy Hamilton (Vice President), David MacDonald, John Malone, Michael O'Callaghan, Arturo Quintero, and Patti McCann.

Contact information: Reinhard Schäler (Telephone: 353-61-213469; e-mail: info@tilponline.org. TILP web site: www.tilponline.org.