Spring Print Matters
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PGAMA Staff Working Remotely
As of today, Monday, March 23, the PGAMA offices will be closed and the staff will be working remotely. We are still diligently working to provide PGAMA members up to date information and we are still available via phone and email to answer any questions you have. Do not hesitate to call. Stay safe and well. 410-313-0900
Upcoming Events
In light of the recent Coronavirus crisis, the following events have been rescheduled or postponed
Excellence in Print has been rescheduled for June 18, 2020
Disaster Recovery Workshop - April 2 - postponed
Mail Design Consultant Workshop - April 16 - postponed
Digital File Preparation & Output Class - postponed
PGAMA is here to help.
In the last few weeks, we have been witness to an unprecedented health crisis that has created havoc throughout the world both as a health and economic challenge and the US has not been spared. The experts fear the worst is yet to come and we want to assure our friends and members that PGAMA is open for business and ready to assist in any way that we can.
While it may be necessary to cancel or postpone workshops, educational sessions and network events in the next few weeks, rest assured that continue to be available for technical, business, HR and government regulation issues both on a state and national level. Additionally, PGAMA has a vast nationwide network of companies with myriad capabilities to assist our members if, for any reason, your ability to manufacture is compromised.
As always, the network of benefits that are exclusive to PGAMA members remain and we are always ready to discuss how any or all of these programs can benefit your company
Most importantly, stay safe and all the best in these extraordinary times
The PGAMA Team
410-319-0900
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The Kirwan Commission Update
The Kirwan Commission on Innovation and Excellence is a multi-year initiative to research and develop major funding and policy reforms to improve the quality of Maryland’s public education system. However, the promised investment carries a huge price tag - $40 billion over the next 10 years (FY2030); equivalent to nearly $4 billion in annual mandated spending. State taxpayers will pick up an estimated $2.8 billion (70%) of the costs. The remaining balance will fall on the locals - Baltimore City and the counties (all 23) are responsible $1.2 billion (30%). But both Senate and House Leadership have publicly assured Marylanders that they will not incur new taxes or tax increases to fund this initiative…for now.
Dell Joins PIA National Buying Program
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For RACG Members
PGAMA Acquires PrintED
PGAMA Acquires PrintED
On July 1, 2019,PGAMAformally acquired the nationalPrintED Accreditation Programfrom Graphic Arts Education & Research Foundation (GAERF). Workforce development is one of the top challenges faced by the printing industry today and PrintED is one of the long-term solutions. PGAMA has been a supporter and contributor to this program for many years.
PrintEDis a nationally recognized accreditation program based on industry standards and competencies that are appropriate for high schools and post-secondary schools offering graphic communications programs. PrintED accreditation ensures an instructional program for students that is current and relevant, consistent across the nation and aligned with industry standards.
Workforce development is one of the top challenges faced by the printing industry today. Employees are retiring at a faster pace, and companies are having more difficulty finding experienced employees. This difficulty is causing companies to look at alternative sources of employees.
PrintED graduates have an interest in the printing Industry, understand industry terms, are familiar with machinery and equipment, and production workflow. They are knowledgeable, trained, and are highly employable in Industry or continue with post-secondary education.
PGAMA is uniquely positioned to guide and expand the PrintED program using their longstanding model for successfully managing relationships between PrintED schools, State Departments of Education, and local industry partners. Support from state agencies is crucial to maintain funding for our industry education programs and to impact national policymaking for career readiness. These connections are essential in establishing and maintaining a reliable, effective, and consistent pipeline of new employees for the Graphic Communications Industry.
PGAMAis a non-profit trade association serving printing firms in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. whose mission is to help members meet their business goals through advocacy, education, and communication. The printing & publishing industry employees over 30,000 people in our region and ranks among the top in terms of manufacturing establishments, economic impact and number of employees.
For more information about PGAMA, contact President Jay Goldscher at 877-310-0906 /This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.or visit the PGAMA website:www.pgama.com.
Wage & Benefit Survey 2019
Participating in the 2019 Wage + Benefits Survey will help you gain invaluable insights to stay competitive in your local labor marketplace. Receive a complimentary copy {$250 Value} for your participation. The report includes both regional and national survey and will be available in the Fall of 2019.
Surveys are due July 31, 2019
You have your choice on how you would like to input the data:
- Complete it online at www.printindustries.org
- Download the .pdf of the form and you can mail or fax the finished survey to 9160 Red Branch Road, Suite E-9, Columbia, MD 21045 or fax 410-319-0905
If you select to enter the data online this year, you won't have to reenter the data next year. The survey has been changed to allow you to update data from one year to the next. This will make the survey quicker and easier to use going forward. For a list of the Job Descriptions that complement the survey, click here.
Instructions for completing the questionnaire online:
If you choose to go online to fill out the questionnaire, you will need to set up your account. When asked to select an affiliate, you should select Printing and Graphics Association Mid Atlantic, PGAMA
There is a HELP? Button in the top right. Your questions will be directed to Teresa Campbell at PIMW. She will address those questions that are technical to the site
Once you register, you will have access to the survey. There is a job descriptions button on the first page should you need it.
To get started with the online survey, go to www.printindustries.org – you will see the button that says GET STARTED, click that button.
- Once you click on that button, you will need to scroll down to the section that says REGISTER
- You will need to REGISTER first before you can participate.
- You will select your affiliate Printing and Graphic Association Mid Atlantic
- And enter the password – pgama
- Once you do this, you’ll set up your company and select a new password.
- You will need to click on the I’m not a robot button
- Last hit REGISTER
Your survey responses are saved automatically every five minutes in case you disconnect or log out without saving. If you cannot complete the questionnaire, you can save for completion later by clicking the Blue SAVE AND FINISH LATER button.
The survey can be PAGED through using the BLUE > and < buttons OR shown all at once in a long scrolling page by clicking the Blue SHOW ALL PAGES button.
Once you SUBMIT, you will unable to retrieve and change any responses. If you attempt to return to the Take the Survey page again, you will see a gray box notification that says: Your survey responses were submitted DATE SUBMITTED. If you have questions or concerns regarding your survey responses, please contact us.
Important Update: Excellence in Print 2020
PGAMA members,
Thank you to all who are supporting the 2020 PGAMA Excellence in Print (EIP) Awards Gala by your purchase of tickets and or sponsorship. It is greatly appreciated, and we look forward to a wonderful celebration of print this year.
Each year it is a monumental task for our staff to prepare and present this event and this year’s program has had the added challenge of navigating through the news of the Covid 19 virus. As all of you know, many meetings, conferences, and events of all types have been adversely impacted by the known and the unknown regarding this virus.
The health and well-being of our members and guests is always on our mind whatever the event and this year it is at the forefront of our thinking due to the news, and as importantly, the questioning from sponsors and members who have asked that we consider postponing EIP. Though no one knows what the future will bring, we think it is prudent to listen to our members and sponsors and try to find a solution. This is unchartered territory for all of us and we wish to thank all of you for your understanding as we work with our various team members.
After consulting with our caterer, program producer, photographer, and all the other teammates that make each year’s event so special, we are announcing that the 2020 PGAMA Excellence In Print Awards Gala will be held at Martin’s Crosswinds on Thursday, June 18th, 2020.
For those of you who have already purchased tickets or are a sponsor of Excellence In Print please respond to this notice by contacting Debbie Woolbright or Jay Goldscher so that we are certain that you have received this news.
Stay safe and again, thanks for your support of PGAMA and our industry.
Jay Goldscher
President, PGAMA
Maryland's Paid Sick Leave Law
Maryland’s paid sick leave law – Maryland Healthy Working Families Act - went into effect last February. All employers must conform unless they are subject to a Collective Bargaining Agreement that took effect before June 1, 2017.
If a company has 14 or fewer employees, it must provide unpaid sick/safe leave. A company that has 15 or more employees must provide paid sick/safe leave. The employee head count includes full-time, part-time, temporary, and seasonal workers. The count is NOT based on full-time equivalents.
Like any law, there are a LOT of provisions. Here are the highlights that should hit the key points:
- Employees can earn up to 40 hours per year of sick/safe time.
- S/S time accrues at the rate of one hour for every 30 hours worked or can be given in a lump sum at the beginning of the year for existing employees.
- Employees that work 12 or fewer hours per week do not have to accrue sick/safe time. Same for temp employees (the temp agency is the employer), and occasional workers that can refuse offered shifts. Minors under the age of 18 also do not accrue sick/safe time.
- Employees may carry over up to 40 hours of earned leave per year, but the total number of hours in a year may be capped at 64.
- If the leave is given as a lump sum at the beginning of the year, then the employer does not have to carry over the unused leave from the previous year.
- If an employee separates from the company, earned sick/safe time does not have to be paid out. If the employee is rehired within 37 weeks, the unused time s/he had at separation must be reinstated.
- New employees can accrue time from the outset of their employment but may have a waiting period of up to 106 days before being allowed to use the time.
- If the leave is foreseeable, the employer may require 7 days notice of the leave.
- The employer can ask for verification of the leave if the employee called off for more than 2 consecutive shifts (i.e., if the employee has missed 3+ consecutive shifts).
- The Employer must post a notice. Here is the notice/poster that is provided by the DLI: Sick/Safe Leave Notice to Employees
The Dept. of Labor & Industry has sample policies for employers that can be found here.
What's New in 2019? Tax Guide
Maryland Legislative Forecast 2019
Maryland will once again be governed under the executive leadership of Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford. Following his historic victory in November, Governor Hogan became only the second Republican Governor of Maryland in nearly 50 years.
While the state will remain under the governance of a Republican Governor, Maryland’s General Assembly will retain a stronger Democratic dominance in both the House and Senate Chambers. In total, the state legislature will witness a nearly 40% turnover of new lawmakers, predominantly made up by progressive democrats. The surge of progressive lawmakers in the legislature (and in leadership) will ultimately result in an aggressive “push” for more liberal-leaning public policy agenda. This could include perennial legislation, such as the “Fight for Fifteen” Minimum Wage Increase and “Restrictive” Scheduling, which would impact PGAMA and businesses, statewide.
If you may recall, the “Fight for Fifteen” would mandate an increase in the state’s minimum wage to fifteen dollars ($15.00) over a period of time. “Restrictive” Scheduling would mandate certain employers to provide their employees a set work schedule 21 days in advance. Should a schedule be modified, resulting in an impact against the employee, an employer would be required to provide additional compensation to the employee. While these bills have not yet been introduced, PGAMA anticipates these bills to be reintroduced this year. Moreover, PGAMA anticipates the re-introduction of legislation, including Pay Scales and Wage History Information, Association Healthcare Plans, and public policy directed toward workforce development, adult learning, and registered apprenticeships.
In the weeks leading up to the commencement of 2019 session, PGAMA began to review the list of pre-filed bills by members in the House and Senate. Over 120 bills have already been introduced, with many having the potential to be of interest for PGAMA’s monitoring and advocacy throughout 90-day session.
Criminal Expungements:
Thus far, three criminal expungement bills have been filed in the House Chamber, these include House Bill 13, 16, and 19. Both House Bill 13 and 16, would permit an individual to petition the court for a partial expungement under specific circumstances. House Bill 19 would authorize a person to file a petition for expungement of a certain record if the person was convicted of a nonviolent crime.
Corporate Income Tax – Reduction:
Senate Bill 37, entitled Corporate Income Tax – Rate Reduction, would reduce the State income tax rate on the Maryland taxable income of corporations over a period of time. If passed, the State income taxable rate on corporations’ taxable income would be reduced to seven percent (7%) after the year 2020.
Sick Leave – Modification:
PGAMA (and its members) are not unfamiliar with the controversial legislation, known as the Maryland Healthy Working Families Act. Following Governor Hogan’s veto in the Spring of 2017, the General Assembly overrode the veto during the early weeks of the 2018 session – the law took effect 90-days thereafter. The law generated debate between employees, the business community, and legislators on both sides of the aisle and remains a sensitive topic in Annapolis.
Despite many in disagreement with various provisions in the law, both sides agree that it needs further modifications - Senate Bill 38 is reopening that discussion this year. If passed Senate Bill 38 would exempt, from certain provisions of the law, specific employees who regularly work at facilities at which the employers offer the employees access to certain on-site health clinics.
Should any of these bills (and/or others) begin to move forward, PGAMA will take positions and possibly seek membership “Call to Action” in Annapolis.
One of the new initiatives PGAMA has developed is a legislative conference call for members. Alexander & Cleaver’s Government Relations’ team will provide their unique insight and expertise as to various issues that they anticipate to encounter on behalf of our industry and clients. We strongly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to hear from these consultants and have a Q &A session at the conclusion of the call. The first day of the session begins on Wednesday, January 9th, so be on the lookout for a follow notification regarding the details on how to participate on the conference call.
SGIA Trends Report
Here's another perspective on critical trends for commercial printing.