Message from The President: Q4 2024

We’re Your Advocate in Georgia

You’ve heard us talk a lot lately about PIAG’s strategic plan and how it’s shaping our vision for the future. The plan is designed to ensure PIAG remains relevant and valuable to printers like you – today and down the road. Like a lot of manufacturing industries, print continues to experience consolidation. But even so, there seems to be no shortage of organizations asking for your time, attention, and money. The way I see it, PIAG must stand out from the crowd and be one of your most important investments.  

We take seriously our role as the only organization dedicated to the print and graphic communications industry in Georgia. Compared to other trade associations, PIAG takes a judicious approach to advocacy. We thoroughly evaluate each situation, and our litmus test is whether an issue affects printers in Georgia regardless of politics.

After careful consideration, PIAG recently spoke out on two issues affecting many of you.  

Tariffs on Printing Plate Imports
We joined a coalition of 13 state and regional print industry associations from around the country urging the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) to oppose new tariffs on aluminum printing plates imported from China and Japan. The ITC applied additional duties last year following an initial investigation. Our coalition is concerned that if these tariffs remain, it will lead to more cost increases. Indeed, we’ve heard from some of you already about the price of plates going up over the past few months. In addition, we’re worried this situation could reduce competition in the plate market and threaten supply.

We’re aware that tariffs are a complicated and politically-charged issue. In this case, we believe the negative impact on your business is clear. We’re looking out for your best interests and those of your fellow Georgia printers. For nearly five years, you’ve faced a slew of unprecedented challenges (e.g., global pandemic, workforce shortages, supply chain crisis, inflation, etc.). PIAG wants to do all it can to mitigate more challenges.  

USPS Problems in GA
In addition, PIAG sent letters to every member of the bipartisan Georgia Congressional delegation praising their efforts to hold the U.S. Postal Service accountable for its performance in our state following months of missing and delayed mail. The letter points out that direct mail marketing is a key component of the service provided by many of your companies, as well as the frustration we’ve heard from so many of you about not receiving timely payment and correspondence through the mail.     

We will keep you posted on these issues and continue to be a diligent advocate for you and the valuable service you provide. 

This is the last issue of PrintQueue in 2024.  Hopefully, we will see you at the PIAG Annual Meeting on December 12.   

Sincerely,

Jon Krueger
President & CEO