US industry heavyweights Printing United Alliance, the largest printing and graphic arts industry association in the US, and Idealliance, the US-based global standards developer and certifying body, have decided to merge.
Last year, industry associations Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA) and Printing Industries of America (PIA) merged to become Printing United Alliance, and the new venture with Idealliance will “further support the association’s investment into the long-term success and fortitude of the industry,” says a press release.
The board of directors at each company unanimously voted in favour of the merger.
“Over the past few years, Printing United Alliance has focused on bringing those efforts and institutions that are having the greatest impact in printing together under one roof,” said Ford Bowers, CEO, Printing United Alliance. “We are excited that Idealliance may join us as the preeminent standards, training, and educational association in our industry.
“Our media outlets and reach into various printing segments, the many events we conduct, including the Printing United Expo, and membership of more than 6,000 companies will all serve to strengthen and expand the work of Idealliance as an ‘association within an association,’ both domestically and internationally, and through its mission will continue to help our industry thrive.”
“Idealliance is renowned as a leader in certifying and training colour management professionals around the world,” said Dick Ryan, CEO, Idealliance. “To continue moving Idealliance’s programming forward, this merger will provide significant growth opportunities through Printing United Alliance’s robust platforms and aligns with many of the association’s current offerings and strategies for success.
“In partnership with Printing United Alliance, we aim to provide global standardization, training, and certification programs for the printing and packaging supply chain to all graphic communications professionals. This partnership will allow us to expand efforts into new markets to train and certify professionals, processes, and systems around the globe. Together, we seek to serve the printing and packaging industry better than ever before.”
The proposed merger of the two organizations will be finalized on March 1, following consideration by Idealliance members at a meeting of active members on January 28, in accordance with Idealliance bylaws.
Idealliance is an industry association for print and packaging, working with brand owners, content and media creators, agencies, designers, material suppliers, OEMs, technology developers, and service providers around the world to create industry training and certification programs, develop professional standards and specifications, and redefine workflows for the entire print and packaging supply chain.
PRINTING United Alliance is the new entity borne of the merger between SGIA and PIA. Members now have access to education, training, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from media company NAPCO Media. PRINTING United Alliance produces the PRINTING United Expo.
Idealliance is represented in Australia & New Zealand by David Crowther of Colour Graphic Services:
www.colourgraphicservices.com.au
