The Specialty Graphic Imaging Association (SGIA), Fairfax, Va., and Printing Industries of America (PIA), Warrendale, Pa., announced the two organizations will officially merge into one entity.
SGIA and PIA will together serve the graphic arts community with preeminent research, education, training, events, legislative support, government affairs, health and safety, and other key industry services, according to both organizations. SGIA primarily serves the graphics, industrial and apparel decorator segments; PIA primarily serves the commercial-printing segment.
Ford Bowers has been named president and CEO of the combined organization.
“As convergence increasingly continues in our industry, this newly formed entity with PIA is the logical progression of our longstanding history together,” Bowers says. “SGIA acquired NAPCO Media in 2019, bringing the industry’s leading media company under our umbrella. Now with PIA, we can provide even more streamlined services across all market segments and in one easily accessible location. Together, we house the most renowned thought leaders, events and programming in the printing and graphic arts community.”
Michael Makin, current president and CEO of PIA, will become an executive vice president of the unified organization. The new association name and combined board of directors will be announced in the coming weeks.
“PIA is thrilled to join forces with SGIA, combining resources to serve every segment of the printing industry,” Makin says. “Pooling the extensive talent of both organizations, along with the media expertise of NAPCO Media, is a game-changer.”
SGIA and NAPCO Media recently partnered with PIA and its affiliates to launch the COVID-19-Resource Channel, dedicated to providing the printing and graphic-communications industry with up-to-date news and resources on COVID-19 and how to navigate the latest information about the pandemic. — D.S.
