Printing Industries of America: Celebrating 125 Years

Mission Statement: "Printing Industries of America, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information."

"Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning."
Benjamin Franklin

The Beginning of an Association
On October 18, 1887, a "Constitutional Convention" was organized by a printer named R. Harmer Smith who felt that the problems facing the printing industry should be addressed and handled.

This convention was to be held October 18–20, 1887, in Chicago, Illinois, at the Apollo Hall, where printers from all over converged to discuss the issues in the industry. From this three-day convention, an association was born. A committee was formed, a name was chosen—United Typothetae of America, and a constitution was adopted.

This initial meeting set the stage for the goals and services of Printing Industries of America for the past 125 years: "exchanging information and assisting each other where necessary."

Click here to learn more about our rich history.

Defining the Present
The suburbs of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, have been home to Printing Industries of America's since 2003. To keep up with the ever-changing political realm of the industry, a small public policy office is located in Washington, D.C., allowing us a constant presence on Capitol Hill.

While our goals have always been to serve the graphic communications industry, our focus has changed throughout our 125 years to keep up with the changes of the industry. Today with the boom of digital printing technologies, a new direction has been dictated to the industry. Not all printers have adopted this change, but the association has taken a lead in exploring the capabilities of digital printing. In the past, when a new idea or technology was born, some hesitation arose. Now with the support of the association, printers can delve into the new wave of printing with ease.

Future
There will continue to be a successful future in print, but how each new change is dealt with will be of importance. The graphic communications industry will continue to grow and evolve in technology, printing techniques, prepress, equipment used, and more, and we as an association will continue to lead the way into a successful future. Read how some experts on staff see the ways in which their specific areas in the industry will play an important role in the future of print.

Listen to President & CEO Michael Makin talk about this exciting milestone.

Hear what you can expect from the anniversary celebration at Printing Industries from Lisa Rawa, Vice President, Marketing.