The print and communications industry is all about finding the right partner, with the right capabilities, at the right time. When printers, designers, marketers, manufacturers, and other professionals work together, they all succeed and lift each other up. The following is an overview of some of the top resources available to industry professionals today, from local trade associations to nationwide directories and organizations.
Regional Printer Resources
State- and region-based printing associations are a great resource for locating printing, design, and communications specialists in a specific geographic region. These associations work to ensure that member companies have the best, most up-to-date skills and knowledge about every aspect of the print and communications industry, while also helping to connect prospective clients with the printer that’s right for them.
Printing Industry Association of the South
The Printing Industry Association of the South (PIAS) is a non-profit trade association focused on the growing success of the graphics arts industry, its standards, and its professionals. Members include printers, trade houses, paper houses, press manufacturers and various other support service organizations, across a seven-state region: Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and West Virginia.
Website: http://pias.org/
Printing Industry of the Carolinas
The Printing Industry of the Carolinas (PICA) has served the printing, graphics, and communication industry of North and South Carolina for over 80 years and counting. The trade association works to provide resources, networking, and services for member companies to improve their processes, learn about the latest opportunities and technologies, and increase profits. PICA offers cooperative benefits to members, such as reduced pricing on certain equipment and group buying options, as well as a network of referrals, visibility, and shared advocacy.
Website: https://picanet.org/
Printing and Imaging Association of Georgia
The Printing & Imaging Association of Georgia (PIAG) has served Georgia’s print and graphic communications industry for over 125 years. PIAG supports a variety of communications professionals, including printers, designers, graphic artists, marketers, and more, represented by everyone from owners and CEOs to on-the-floor plant personnel. With three arms, each focused on a different aspect of the industry (association, insurance, and educational foundation), PIAG has a mission of bringing together print and communications professionals to work together for mutual support and success.
Website: https://www.piag.org/about-us
Print Media Association (St. Louis)
Print Media Association supports the printing and graphic communications industry and related industries. It offers a wide range of support to its members, including advocacy, education, resources and tools, and even benefits. The association has evolved its offerings over the years, from an apprenticeship program first established in 1913 to group insurance, a recycling program, benefits assistance (including benefits services and a 401K program), discount and group buying programs, and more. While keeping up with the latest advances in the industry, the association continues its dedication to ethical practices, growth and profitability for members, and overall excellence.
Website: https://pmastl.org/
National Printer Resources
If you’re searching on a bigger scale, a national organization may be your best bet. National-level resources have a larger pool to draw from, allowing for potentially narrower searches for more specific skills that might be outside of your specific locale.
PRINTING United Alliance
Formed from a merger of Printing Industries of America and the Specialty Graphic Imaging Association, the PRINTING United Alliance is a trade association of printers and other professionals in the industrial, graphic, garment, textile, electronics, packaging and commercial printing markets. The alliance offers members continuing education, industry-specific resources, directories for various specialties, and a vast network of connections to help one another grow.
Website: https://www.printing.org/
Print Access
Print Access is the largest and oldest directory of printing, graphics, design, and marketing companies in the US, featuring over 5,000 member companies and with members in all 50 states. The directory allows member printers and buyers to contact each other directly, as a free resource for buyers and as a complimentary membership benefit for printing trade associations. Users can narrow their searches with over 650 specialized capabilities, as well as the ability to conduct searches on a small, local level or on a national scale.
Website: https://www.printaccess.com/