Stay well – and stay well informed

This pandemic has hit publishers hard, but it won’t stop our team from bringing you the latest industry news online every weekday. I’m also contacting thought leaders and asking them how we should proceed, post COVID-19. So far I’ve talked to 13 industry veterans (i.e. our Editorial Board).

Over the next few weeks we’ll continue this dialogue, come up with a plan, and then we’ll survey you, our readers, to see what you think. Rest assured, we’ll be rolling out new opportunities, resources and marketing programs to help you.

Yes, there have been event postponements and temporary print-shop closures. But there are also inspiring instances of printers adapting by repurposing their existing equipment to support front-line workers fighting this pandemic. Plus, many organizations partnered while industry websites have offered webinars and other resources to help us navigate these tough times.

Here’s one example. The SGIA and PIA merged May 1 to become the largest printing association in the U.S. As a result, affiliates such as the Canadian Printing Industries Association (CPIA) and its seven provincial member groups across the country could reap substantial benefits – such as access to more market research, educational programs, training, events and other helpful industry resources and services. The bottom line: We’re all stronger together.

As Richard Kouwenhoven, current Chair of the CPIA, said: “I think the merger of the PIA and SGIA will create new opportunities for the industry on both sides of the border to collaborate. The North American print industry provides a great example of successful cross-border trade at all stages of the supply chain, and working together with our peers in the U.S. can only be helpful. It’s something the CPIA is certainly interested in pursuing in the future.”

We’ll continue to keep you up to date with the news that affects you – including printing industry, governmental and COVID-19 developments. For now, however, we won’t be publishing any printed editions until we get a handle on this virus, and industry members are physically back at work and able to read them. At that time, we’ll make a final decision. As always, stay positive, stay focused – and above all, stay safe.

Joe Mulcahy Publisher, Graphic Arts Magazine joe@graphicartsmag.com