PIA/GATF Builds Online Social Networking Presence

Pittsburgh, PA, August 6, 2008—In an effort to increase the online presence of the printing industry, <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />PIA/GATF has created profiles and groups on the social networking sites Facebook and LinkedIn. These profiles and groups can be used as a forum for printing and graphic communications professionals to freely interact with one another by holding discussions and sharing links, videos, photos, and ideas. In addition, this growing online presence helps promote the industry to younger, internet-savvy communities already utilizing these websites.

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PIA/GATF’s Facebook profile contains general information about the organization and includes pictures, links, and videos, but its main Facebook resource is its group, entitled “Printing Industries of America/ Graphic Arts Technical Foundation.” Those who join the group can:

• Post comments or questions
• Become involved with current discussions or start new ones
• Upload pictures, videos, or links
• Discover valuable industry links
• Browse pictures, videos, and recent news uploaded by PIA/GATF

PIA/GATF also has a profile on the LinkedIn website. Here users can send messages, give and receive recommendations for colleagues and clients, and obtain relevant industry news as well as PIA/GATF news. LinkedIn users can also join the PIA/GATF Networking Group, which allows for connecting with other group members.

Anyone can connect to PIA/GATF through these profiles and groups as long as they are logged in as a member of Facebook or LinkedIn. Questions can be directed to Tony Vinski, PIA/GATF Internet communications manager, at 412-259-1805 or tvinski@piagatf.org.

Membership in these profiles and groups is not associated with membership of PIA/GATF. For more information on membership, contact Gerri Peluso-Acri, PIA/GATF national membership manager, at 412-259-1833 or gpeluso-acri@piagatf.org.

Additional Resources:

• PIA/GATF’s Facebook profile (link)
• PIA/GATF’s Facebook group (link)
• PIA/GATF’s LinkedIn profile (link)
• PIA/GATF Networking Group on LinkedIn (link)