20 ■ October 3, 2010 • GRAPH EXPO
Official Show Daily • Cygnus Graphics Media
Printers Go Local…with Printing Industries of America
Trade association offers members tools to help overcome obstacles By Mark Vruno
A
s the largest graphic arts trade association in the world, with more than 10,000 member companies,
Printing Industries of America knows a thing or two about value. So when non-member printers consider whether or not to join their local PIA affiliate, CEO Michael Makin encourages them to look at annual dues as a reinvest- ment in their businesses—not as a cuttable expense. Show Daily asked Makin to share more thoughts about his association and its presence at GRAPH EXPO 2010. SD: Why should a print shop owner
‘invest’ in PIA membership, especial- ly in this margin-eroding economy? MM: In these times, I think that Printing Industries of America offers a unique advantage to our members— the local affiliate. It is very tempting to look at the cost of an association as an expense, especially in these tough eco- nomic times. The important thing to
do is look at it like an investment. The local Printing Industries of America affiliate provides tools to help print- ers of all sizes overcome obstacles. They have up-to-date studies with best- of-class information for members to leverage as well as technology and profitability studies to guide printers. Having a local affiliate with these assets only a phone call away can help printers weather the storm. SD: Part of the Printing Indus-
tries charter is to be dedicated to the advancement of the graphic commu- nications industry. Can you elaborate on benefits to members? MM: We provide our members with the tools that allow them to adapt and change. We host a number of webinars on the latest technology. We have a team of consultants and leaders in the field who are willing to assist a print shop in becoming sustainable or taking advantage of automation. We can pro- vide that roadmap, that blue print, the strategic direction so our members can keep up with the industry. We are the
watchdog on Capitol Hill. We oversee environmental and OSHA regulations that have a huge impact on the bottom line of our members. We provide train- ing education and up-to-date informa- tion on technology. So we are really an extension of our members’ business, and that’s how we want to be viewed. SD: What can members and pro-
spective Printing Industries members see while they’re here in Chicago? MM: At GRAPH EXPO, visitors to our booth (#3661) will find a wealth of knowledge and resources to help them succeed in the industry. More than 45 seminars will be offered, giving attend- ees an in-depth look into the world of social media, digital technologies, prepress and production strategies, as well as many other topics. They will discover tools and resources that can help them to convey the message that print is one of the most effective forms of communication, as well as a completely renewable resource. Visi- tors will have the opportunity to learn about digital technology and what it
Michael Makin
has to offer their companies by speak- ing with Julie Shaffer, vice president of digital technologies. Additionally, our research team will be available throughout the show, and they will be highlighting solutions with events and interactive presentations.
ticipation in the worldwide movement to reduce environmental impact and increase social responsibility of the print and graphic communications industry through sustainable green practices. Among the SGP patrons also exhibiting at GRAPH EXPO 2010 are Hewlett- Packard (Booth 1200), xpedx (Booth 3200), Mohawk (Booth 2939), INX International (Booth 2512), Pace Indus- tries (Booth 653), and PRISCO (Booth 417). Additionally, GRAPH EXPO is featuring GREENspace, a specialized and multi-faceted show floor feature dedicated to educating attendees about what sustainability is—and what “going green” really means to the industry, their business, and their customers. The graphic communication indus- try is an important part of the world’s manufacturing community. Print plays a vital role in communication, educa- tion, and daily existence. The graphic communication industry has histori- cally understood its effect on the natu- ral world and accepts responsibility to continue efforts to reduce its overall environmental impact.
Keeping It Green in the Graphic Arts Industry T
he mission of SGP, the Sus- tainable Green Printing Part- nership (Booth 2841), is to encourage and promote par-
The SGP Partnership recognizes the
following sustainable business practices as guiding principles to ensure con- tinued viability and growth—employ, wherever and whenever possible, mate- rials derived from renewable resources or with low environmental impact, max- imizing recycling and recovery efforts with efficient utilization of renewable energy. Encourage the adoption of changes within the supply chain by strongly recommending the use of raw materials that do not threaten or harm future generations. Educate the cus- tomer and ultimate consumer regarding the benefits of a restorative economy.
Meeting criteria Companies can be listed as an SGP
Certified Facility by meeting a set of criteria to establish performance stan- dards. The list of SGP Certified Facili-
ties is available to the print buying community so that they can identify and contact the certified graphic communi- cation facilities within their area. Facilities listed fall into two catego- ries: SGP Certified Facilities and SGP Applicants. SGP Certified facilities have undergone a third-party certification audit based on the 2008 SGP Certifica- tion Criteria. Applicants for certification receive a provisional status pending full conformity with the requirements for an SGP Certified Facility.
Upon completion of the certification program, an SGP applicant becomes an SGP Certified Facility. Each SGP Certified Facility is required to have an annual sustainability goal/project to demonstrate continuous improvement, and the project officially begins on their certification date. At the end of their first anniversary year, the SGP Certified
Facility is required to submit an annual report with the SGP Partnership which summarizes their activities and progress towards meeting their goal.
Greening the show floor The GREENspace pavillion at GRAPH EXPO 2010 is attendees’ one-stop desti- nation for ‘green’ information, educa- tion, products, and services. Whether novice, intermediate, or advanced in your sustainability knowledge, here you will find the resources and tools you need to move forward, the products and services you need to get started, and the ‘take- home’ tools to put into immediate use. The Green Theater (Booth 2641) pro- vides free education on a variety of ‘green’ subjects in multiple presenta- tions on all show days.
Consultants Corner (Booth 2841)
offers free one-on-one consulting with sustainability experts Gary Jones, Direc- tor of Environmental, Health & Safety, Printing Industries of America (PIA) and Rick Hartwig, Manager, Environmental Health and Safety Affairs, PIA. Come discover what ‘going green’ really means to your business—and your customers— and the necessary steps to success. Stop by early and schedule an appointment to get expert advice on how to go green.
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