Industry Trade Group Expands Territory to Include Metro New York City, Northern New Jersey

NEW YORK—02/14/07—Printing and Imaging Association of New York State has announced that it is expanding its operations into the New York City, Long Island and Northern New Jersey area. Jurisdiction in this territory was awarded to PIA of New York State by its national affiliate, Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF).

Tim Freeman, President of PIA of New York State, said that his organization welcomes the opportunity to serve members in the newly acquired area. “The Metro New York/Northern New Jersey/Long Island area has long been recognized as home to an extensive and world class print community. Individually, we are talking about companies that are industry leaders in production capabilities and techniques, human resource systems, creativity in product development and marketing to say nothing about a vendor community that includes world leaders in the development of industry technology that is bringing unparalleled productivity improvements to our industry.” Freeman said, “The sheer numbers in this new territory are impressive. According to the latest PIA/GATF Print Market Atlas, this newly united territory includes over 4,500 printing firms, employing over 115,000 people and generating over $18 billion in annual sales.”

In making this announcement, Freeman further commented: “Despite the geographical expanse of this territory, there is a community of interest that crosses state borders. Across the board, our industry is concerned with legislative issues such as “Do Not Mail”, sales tax on postage, newly contemplated air permitting regulations, fair competition from overseas print suppliers, the strengthening labor movement, competition from non-print advertising media, shortage of trained production staff – the list goes on. Collectively, we intend to support our industry as we go forward to address these issues.”

Vicki R. Keenan Named to PIA of New York State Staff

Long-time printing industry and association executive Vicki R. Keenan has been hired to lead the organization’s expansion and operations in the Metro New York City/Northern New Jersey region. Keenan has served the printing industry since 1993, holding several increasingly responsible positions with the Association of Graphic Communications, including Executive Vice President and President. She has made a tremendous contribution to the industry’s advocacy efforts, both in public/media relations and federal/state/local government affairs programs.

Among her many legislative achievements, Ms. Keenan was instrumental in the establishment of an $8 million Printers Relocation Fund for graphics firms displaced by zoning initiatives in New York City and the enactment of a New York State sales tax exemption on printed promotional materials.

Keenan has more than 30 years of experience in corporate and association management all within the advocacy arena. She previously served in senior lobbying positions at the Bechtel Corporation, American Consulting Engineers Council and most recently, the Association of Graphic Communications.

She has been honored by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for participating in its “Common Sense Initiative” and was awarded the “Hammer Award for Public Service” by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore in 2000.

PIA Of New York State Moves To Establish Metro New York Presence

Printing and Imaging Association of New York State, Inc. has announced that it has opened an office in Cranford, New Jersey. This office, located at 663 Raritan Road in Cranford will provide space for the organization to house staff, conduct small meetings of organizational leaders, hold training sessions and establish a base of operations for staff from its headquarters in Amherst, NY when in the area to work on industry issues and visit members.

The Printing and Imaging Association is a trade association representing print and print related companies and is a regional affiliate of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. PIA of New York State provides a variety of consultative, informational and cost saving services, including:

• Legal services and consulting on local, state and federal employment law, labor relations, and human resource issues.

• No cost training on a variety of OSHA mandated topics, including hazard communication, lockout/tagout, fork truck safety certification and more.

• Consultation on local, state and federal environmental, hazardous waste and air permitting issues.

• Industry advocacy in the local, state and federal governmental arenas.

• Group insurance, including 20-40% savings on New York State Workers’ Compensation insurance.

• Group buying savings on Xerox, FedEx, Adobe, Office Max and more.

• Credit Reports and Industry Specific Collections service.

• Complimentary membership in Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation.

• Newsletters, magazines and e-newsletters on a variety of industry relevant topics.

• Complimentary membership in the Digital Print Council.

Website: www.printnys.org