To Our Valued Members,
The last few years have presented many challenges to the association world and PGAMA has not been immune. However, we have never wavered from the mission to assist you in meeting your business goals by delivering services, programs, events and guidance. To ensure that our members and our industry will continue to have a local and regional trade association to rely on, the PGAMA Board of Directors, and a special committee of the Board, undertook a thorough review of PGAMA.
We considered a variety of options, among which was partnering with Print & Graphic Communication Association, (PGCA), the printing trade association representing, NY, NJ, DE, and PA. After a deliberate and meticulous process there was agreement that combining the two organizations would significantly enhance the capabilities of the collective entity to create a regional organization that will bring significant benefits to our members.
PGCA has in-house expertise in Environmental Health and Safety, Human Resource and Legal, while PGAMA’s strength is in events and programs, workforce development of incumbent workers and management, and the stewardship of Print[ED], the only nationally accredited program for high school print and graphics programs. The combined organizations will continue to provide programs and services you have come to expect and answer the local and regional challenges that you face.
Over the past several years, PGCA has structured several consolidations with other printing trade associations. Most recently, combining Printing Industries Alliance and the Graphic Arts Association to form PGCA. In each instance, PGCA has operated under two guiding beliefs; preserve the unique culture of each organization and recognize the economies of scale and increased opportunities that a larger regional association brings to our members. Obviously, with the combined territories of this enlarged regional association that reaches from NY to VA, we also become a more powerful advocate for our industry.
As far as PGAMA is concerned, while the name will change, the mission will remain the same. Currently, final details are being worked out between the respective Boards with a formal rollout planned for later this fall. Watch your mail for further details on this exciting development!
Finally, after over 50 years in the only industry I have ever worked, including the last 10 as PGAMA’s President, I will be retiring with the completion of the PGAMA – PGCA agreement. Debbie Woolbright and Mike Vares will continue to deliver the service you expect. It has been an honor to represent the industry for the last 10 years and I am excited to have assisted in finding a partner, in PGCA, that will create even more value for you and your company in the years ahead.
All the best and continued success,
Jay Goldscher, President PGAMA