Coalition Elects Additional Board Members

The recently formed Graphic Communications Workforce Coalition has elected several industry leaders to its board of directors. The Coalition consists of concerned associations, educators, and industry representatives who are uniting to address a key industry concern. As stated in its organizing documents, “The purpose of the coalition will be to coordinate the efforts of all organizations representing the broad scope of the graphic communications industry for creating awareness, recruitment of new people into the industry, providing a framework for apprenticeship and training programs, and the retention of the existing workforce. By combining the separate efforts, experiences, and initiatives of various organizations, coordinating actions, and the sharing of ideas and resources, it is expected that all will benefit.” To date, 53 organizations have joined the group, with additional interested parties welcome to sign on. The new board members are: Carl Blue (Clemson University) Steve Bonoff (Printing Industry Midwest) Jules Van Sant (Bubble & Hatch, PGSF) Brian Regan (Semper International) This important initiative addresses the number one issue that faces the industry today. That is the recruitment, retention, and training of its workforce. Numerous studies and surveys have documented that this is a major concern for nearly every company in the industry. Various associations and individual companies have taken steps to address this issue, but there has never been an organized joint effort. The Coalition will serve to bring together and focus efforts and energy for the mutual benefit of all parties. Membership is open to interested parties representing a broad spectrum of the graphic communications industry. This includes associations, vendors to the industry, educational institutions, and all areas of print and graphic communications service providers. Those interested in participating are encouraged to visit the website at gccoalition.org and use the link to join the group. Currently, there is no cost to join, only the desire to participate in the process. The coalition is actively seeking service providers and industry vendors to both its membership and to represent their constituencies on the board. For more information, or to answer any questions about the Coalition please contact Jeff White at jeff.white@pgsf.org or 608-575-3904.