Printing Industries of America Rebuts Obama’s Take on the Federal Register
PITTSBURGH—June 24, 2011—Printing Industries of America has sent a letter to the White House in response to the Obama Administration’s Executive Order to cease the printing of the Federal Register. In President Obama’s announcement, he equates the printing and mailing of the Federal Register as a stack of “expensive doorstops” and “stupid spending” that “doesn't benefit anybody.”
By dismissing print as “pointless waste” that “no one reads,” one may infer a negative perception of a stalwart industry or mistakenly assume that printed material is a dying and irrelevant relic. Printing Industries of America hopes to inform the current presidential administration about the importance of print in this economy.
The letter to the White House explains that the printing and graphic communications industry is eying a vibrant future that embraces and integrates the Internet and new technologies. Digital-based print is expected to grow at an annual rate of three to four percent per year through the year 2020, and printing companies are increasingly transforming to become integrated communications solutions firms--embracing ancillary services such as database management and website development and hosting.
Within the U.S. manufacturing sector, the industry ranks number two in number of establishments and number nine in value of shipments. The industry is among the most domestic of all manufacturers; almost all print consumed in America is produced in America. To read the letter visit www.printing.org/whitehouseletter.
In addition, Michael Makin recorded a video rebuttal:
Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing Industries of America, said, “It’s important for printers to stand together and deliver a strong, coherent message about the viability and effectiveness of print. We encourage printers to stand up for their industry and communicate to their members of Congress that print is more than an expensive doorstop and it vital to our economy. What better way than to encourage legislators to visit printing facilities first hand!”
About Printing Industries of America
Printing Industries of America is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with approximately one million employees. It serves the interests of 10,000 member companies. Together with its nationwide affiliate network, Printing Industries delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the graphic communications industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information.
Source: PIA.
