Change in the National Partnership

In January, 2021 our Executive Committee participated in a presentation with PRINTING United Alliance ( PrUA ) President, Ford Bowers. In it, Bowers outlined his vision in regard to the affiliate, national relationship. While we understand Ford’s reasoning, it is a direction that we believe would eventually eliminate or reduce our capacity to provide many of the local services, industry connections, networking, and value that is the core of our relationship with you, our members. Additionally, the proposal called for a commonality of services offered across the country which, in our opinion, doesn’t recognize the unique value that each of the affiliates bring to their members.

After a thorough review of the Printing United Alliance (PrUA) proposal, The Board of Directors of PGAMA, voted unanimously to reject the proposal and instead asked that both parties go back to the agreement in place, or craft a new mutually acceptable agreement. That offer was rejected by PrUA on March 12, 2021 and they unilaterally ended our relationship as of April 30, 2021.

What does this mean to PGAMA members?

Services that have been provided through our national affiliation including Environmental Health and Safety and National Government Affairs and Advocacy, are of importance to some of our members and be assured that steps are already being taken to replace and even enhance such services. Existing programs like PrintEd, Wage and Benefit Survey, FSC and SFI certification, Printers 401K, Printers Disability Trust and Print Access, as well many of our buying programs and member benefits, are under the auspices of the regional print associations, not the national organization, and will remain so.

You have our pledge of a redoubled effort to continually search for ways that we can support your company and bring additional value to your membership. As always, we encourage you to connect with PGAMA for any business and industry questions and concerns.

PGAMA was an early proponent of the merger of PIA and SGIA into Printing United Alliance and we were excited thinking about the possibilities that would result from the bringing together of these iconic brands and welcome into our organization print communities, that had, until this point, never had regional affiliation or representation. PGAMA continues to support the concept of a united industry on a local, regional and national level and hopes that somehow the path that PrUA has chosen is only temporary.

We are in the process of scheduling a webinar to answer any and all questions you may have. You can send your questions ahead of time to me,This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or call my cell 443-799-6767.

Very truly yours,

Jay Goldscher, President of PGAMA

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