After an impressive career spanning over 50 years in the print, sign and graphics sector Peter Harper, CEO of Visual Connections Australia, was recently farewelled at events in Sydney and Melbourne to celebrate his achievements and to wish him well on his retirement at the end of the year.
At the Sydney event Visual Connections Treasurer, and long-time Board Member, John Wall acknowledged Peter’s pivotal role in introducing several new and innovative technologies to Australia, establishing the first sign and graphics trade show and founding its original supplier association.
“That initial trade show grew into the now-familiar Visual Impact Expos, and the association into the Visual Industries Suppliers Association, or VISA, which merged with GAMAA in 2015 to form Visual Connections,” he recounted.
“Peter’s achievements with Visual Connections are well documented; in fact, it is not a stretch to say that he has helped to write some of the most exciting and significant chapters in the modern story of our industry.
“These include successful Visual Impact, PacPrint and PrintEx exhibitions, the ongoing strength of the association’s publications, networking events like Member Meetings and Golf Days, sponsorship and grants, and important support for, and collaboration with, our fellow industry associations,” said John Wall.
He also made special note of the Sign & Print Career Connections initiative – Peter’s pet project – which has grown into a successful, collaborative program that introduces thousands of students a year to careers in the print, sign and graphics sector. Its success, he said, is due to Peter’s vision and determination, and is a wonderful legacy to leave the industry.
Visual Connections GM – Exhibition & Events, Sarah Moore, on behalf of the Visual Connections team, paid tribute to Peter’s collaborative skills, work ethic and leadership by example. Above all, she said, the team valued Peter’s unwavering support, trust and confidence, both personally and professionally.
“Peter is one of those rare individuals that you constantly learn from, admire, and see really make a difference. For our team, it’s been an honour and a pleasure to work for, and with, him,” she said. “He is more than a boss to us. He is a mentor, advisor, supporter and friend. And we will miss him.”
Peter Harper with Matthew Callahan of Labels Plus magazine which, along with Visual Impact, operates under the Visual Connections umbrella
In response, Peter said he had enjoyed every one of his 50 years in the sector and, in particular, the past 19 with VISA and Visual Connections which had enabled him to be involved in trade shows, events and many other initiatives designed to support a sustainable future for the sector.
“I would like to thank the Visual Connections Board Members, past and present, for the faith they have had in myself and the team at Visual Connections,” said Harper. “They work very hard behind the scenes, giving up their time to make sure your Association stays focused and puts back into our industry.
“While I am looking forward to retirement, I know I will miss getting up and going to work each day. More so, I will miss the Visual Connections team. They are a pleasure to work with and they work hard to make me look good.
Thanking his wife, Jenny, and children for the support which had underpinned his success, Peter took his leave with a final word of thanks to the industry which has been such a big part of his life.
“Thank you again, everyone,” he said. “Thanks for the memories.”
Caption:
Peter Harper, CEO, with John Wall, Treasurer, Visual Connections
