Why Wide-Format Printers Must Unite: Advocating for Recognition of the $90B Printing Industry

WHY ARE YOU a print service provider? Most likely, it’s your inherent creativity, talent, drive, entrepreneurial ambitions, technical expertise, natural sales ability…the list goes on. But here’s one you may not have thought of: Individuality.

If any group of people truly are individuals, it’s the printing community. And by being a true individual, you have built a successful business that thrives with your vision. The best part? Individuals like PSPs also come together and form a very powerful industry.

It’s the Power of One. One wide-format printer at a time, ours is a $90 billion dollar industry in the U.S. alone, and that includes all types of printing. It’s amazing. But the thing is, we’re not recognized as a true industry, so it is very difficult to have a voice for change.

Printing United Alliance has been lobbying for decades on Capitol Hill to drive for change for our industry on many issues. But being recognized as a real industry is the most important so we can get important issues addressed and supported. I was so honored to have been invited to their Legislative Fly-In this month as a member of the media team. It’s a biannual, signature government affairs invite-only event that brings printing industry leaders together for a powerful program of public policy education, issue advocacy, interaction with members of Congress, and networking events.

C-Suite executives that are interested in advocacy had the opportunity for in-person lobbying meetings on Capitol Hill that allowed them to take their company’s story directly to decision-makers in Congress.

For me as a journalist, it was an incredible experience to meet with representatives or their senior staff and observe the Alliance’s Government Affairs’ staff and the invited printing industry executives discuss crucial issues our industry faces and the need for change. But it starts at the ground level.

And that’s where each of you — as individuals — who have formed a what is a true industry can help. We need bandwidth. The more printers we can get to be involved with the Alliance and their mission — which is OUR mission — the more power we have on the Hill. If you aren’t already a member, I urge to join the Printing United Alliance and get involved. The more the membership grows, the larger our voice. Check it out here.

It’s time to crowdsource and come together to be a part of change. It’s our industry. It’s our duty. So, what do you say?