By Joe Mulcahy, Publisher, Graphic Arts Magazine (GAM)
I’m sure we’re all finding it extremely difficult staying at home while observing our social distancing protocols. But let me assure you that there is indeed a light at end of the proverbial tunnel. The most important thing is not to get too discouraged. So, to brighten up your day, I suggest that you visit our website (www.graphicartsmag.com). There you’ll find plenty of reasons to stay positive. Here’s a brief look at what’s been happening recently:
- Printers are adapting by launching new products and services, according to Drupa’s third Global Trends Spotlight Report for 2020. Over 500 printers and about 200 suppliers worldwide described their challenges and successes.
- 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 7 provincial member groups across the country could reap substantial benefits. 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.”
PAC Packaging Consortium will hold a free Smart Packaging webinar on Wednesday, May 6. Titled Smart Packaging Overview: Use, Cases and Value, the free online event is part of PAC’s Webinar Wednesdays series of free events.- Markham-Ontario-based trade printer SinaLite has added protective face shields to its products. Each one can be reused for up to 7 days if properly cleaned. Plus, a portion of the sales will go to Markham Stouffville Hospital.
- The federal government launched the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program for small businesses. This program’s aim is to lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
- U.S.-based Thomas Printworks has teamed up with Canon USA to create high-impact, printed public service announcement banners for its food-service customers and restaurants that have been forced to shift to take-out solutions to sustain their businesses.
- The Association for PRINT Technologies has launched a new website and is offering a free, limited time all-access pass for its usually firewalled members-only content.
The good work continues. 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 a printed edition for May. In the meantime, please check out our complete May digital edition that will be posted soon on our website.
Until next week, stay positive, stay focused and stay safe. Be well – and be well informed.
