New community network built around peer groups, training, supplier connections and an industry community hub
STCH (pronounced “Stitch”), a new community network serving independent businesses in the decorated apparel, signage and specialty graphics industries, has officially launched with a mission to help independent companies become stronger, more competitive and better connected.
Serving businesses involved in apparel decoration, screen printing, embroidery, DTF/DTG, wide-format printing, signage and specialty graphics, STCH Network brings together independent business owners, industry experts and supplier partners in a collaborative environment designed specifically for these trades.
The organization was founded on a simple premise: independence doesn’t have to mean going it alone.
“STCH is not a buying group or a trade association. However, we look to keep some of the best elements of those groups, while evolving the model to include value-based services that benefit both supplier partners and members” states Keith Kirk, Founding Partner, Supplier Strategy & Partnerships
Independent businesses throughout the industry face many of the same challenges, including rising costs, rapidly changing technology, workforce shortages, limited training resources and the difficulty of identifying trusted supplier partners. STCH is designed to give business owners access to resources and relationships that can help them address those challenges together.
Four Pillars of the STCH Community
STCH is built around four primary pillars:
Peer Groups
Confidential, small-group sessions bring together owners of non-competing businesses to openly discuss challenges, opportunities and operating issues. The groups are designed to provide practical advice, shared experience and accountability among business owners who understand the realities of running an independent company.
Training
STCH provides industry-specific education covering both production and business management. Programs include lunch-and-learn sessions, industry speakers, equipment and technology education, management topics such as pricing, cash flow, hiring and succession, and a monthly newsletter providing practical industry information.
Connections
Members gain access to a curated network of supplier partners serving the industry. STCH works to identify and vet supplier relationships while giving members access to programs and incentives offered by participating partners. Members remain completely independent in deciding which suppliers and programs are right for their businesses.
The Hub
A members-only online community serves as the network’s home base. The Hub includes a member directory, industry resources, discussions, shared knowledge and an event calendar, allowing members to remain connected and exchange information between meetings and training sessions.
“Peer groups are the heart of the four pillars. It creates an opportunity for the small and mid-sized business owners to build an advisory board in a way they couldn’t do on their own” says Daniel Bendele, Founding Partner, Membership & Growth.
STCH’s founding team brings more than 60 years of experience in print, purchasing, member communities and supplier partnerships and has managed more than $10 billion in purchasing volume through previous organizations and networks.
STCH is currently accepting Founding Members, forming its first Peer Groups, and developing its initial network of Founding Supplier Partners. Businesses and industry suppliers interested in learning more can visit STCHNetwork.com
STCH’s goal is to create an industry community where independent companies can maintain their independence while benefiting from the knowledge, relationships and collective experience of their peers.
Independent companies. Stronger together.