Michael Makin, CEO, Printing Industries of America joins hosts Scott Sheppard and Gene Gable for an industry update, share details on their recent efforts to rebrand their organization, and some details on their services. Printing Industries of America has over 12,000 member companies and is the largest printing organization in the world. Michael explains that the printing and publishing industry is far from “dead”; it has in fact grown over the past decade contributing over $170 billion to the U.S. market. Although there have been consolidations in the over 37,000 plant facilities, their overall business is shifting from ink on paper to digital printing and services. PIA is very active in Washington, D.C. lobbying for postal rates and related issues and feels confident that they will continue to represent the industry effectively in 2009 and beyond.

Michael also explains the components that make up the Printing Industries of America, which include business issues and also technical/research programs through their Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). PIA provides not only government lobbying, but technical support, and education programs that cover technical and business topics. Formerly known as PIA/GATF, Michael felt that the acronyms traditionally used by their organization were confusing the market and not serving their members effectively. This year, they have combined all areas under the “Printing Industries of America” brand.

The printing industry is a very close-knit family oriented business sector, and the organization has been serving their efforts since 1887. Earlier this year Michael produced a hilarious YouTube clip, which expresses PIA’s passion and commitment to their industry; “I Love PIA/GATF”.

For more information about their association and services visit: http://www.printing.org.

Design News of the Week with Jay Nelson

This week, Jay Nelson brings a review of the best holiday gifts for your favorite designers. If you have any designer friends, you’ll agree that the most beautifully wrapped and thought out gifts you receive this year will be from them, so if you’re looking for a way to make their season bright check out his tips for ideas. Jay scoured the headlines and recommends; Pantone inspired mugs, custom designed items at CafePress or Zazzle and other sites, Verbatim’s retro Vinyl CD’s or Digital Movie DVD’s, or their Archival grade CD, Logitech’s Space Navigator, or NewerTech’s Voyager Hard Drive case.

For more on Jay Nelson and his Design Tools topics visit: http://www.design-tools.com