SBA Leadership Engages with Printing Industry at PRINTING United Expo
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Sep 30, 2026

Pictured left to right: Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator for Field Operations, U.S. Small Business Administration, Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance, Steve Owen, Regional Advocate, SBA Office of Advocacy, and Daniel Carranza, District Director for Rep. Dina Titus (NV-1).

PRINTING United Alliance was honored to welcome Lisa Shimkat, Associate Administrator for Field Operations at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and members of her team to the PRINTING United Expo on September 23-24. During her visit, Shimkat participated in a wide range of activities that highlighted the innovation, workforce development, and entrepreneurial spirit that drive the printing industry.

As part of Student Day, Shimkat met with students exploring careers in print and graphic communications, sharing insights on small business opportunities and workforce development. She also joined a roundtable discussion with printing industry leaders, where participants exchanged perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses across the sector.

In addition, Shimkat delivered remarks to more than 250 attendees at the Women in Print Alliance Luncheon, emphasizing the importance of leadership, mentorship, and supporting women entrepreneurs and professionals. Her visit also included a tour of the Expo floor with PRINTING United Alliance CEO Ford Bowers, providing an up-close look at the latest technologies and innovations shaping the industry. To cap off the experience, Shimkat even got hands-on and created her own PRINTING United Alliance t-shirt, showcasing the creativity and capabilities on display throughout the Expo.

The Alliance appreciates the SBA's engagement with the printing community and looks forward to continued collaboration in support of America's small businesses.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the SBA's visit to the PRINTING United Expo. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org. 

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.  

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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