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Website: www.glga.info

Office - (262) 522-2210 / Fax - (262) 522-2211

Welcome to Currents, the Great Lakes Graphics Association's weekly e-newsletter, bringing you information and education you can use to run your business. Currents is published every Tuesday.

National News and Education

Newspaper Buyers

Beverage Packaging Trends

Workforce Data and AI

Illinois Jury Duty Law

PaperSpecs Short

GLGA Association News

Last Golf Outing

Print Estimating Course

Upcoming Webinars

GLGA Academy

Member News

Specialty Print Communications

World Arts Printing

The Marek Group

Komori America

ONE WEEK from TODAY - Last Golf Outing of the Year!

Get ready for a fantastic time next Tuesday, August 18, at the Wisconsin State Golf Outing's new club in Pewaukee, WI!

It's your last chance to register! Don't wait, just a few spots are left.

Are you a single golfer? You are needed - other singles are looking to team up with you.

National News and Education

The Target Report: Newspaper Buyers Move Above the Fold—July 2026 M&A Activity

The number that interests me most is not the number of newspapers sold. It is the number of buyers. From WhatTheyThink.

Top Trends in Beverage Packaging, mid-2026

Mocktails, reusables, protein, IoT, QR codes, and, of course, sustainability are all impacting beverage preferences and packaging. Here is a look at the trends leading the way. From Packaging Digest.

Beyond the Data, Part I: Using AI Tools to Turn Workforce Data Into Preventive Compliance

The challenge for employers has never been collecting workforce data, which most employers already have in their payroll, timekeeping, scheduling, and human resource information systems. The challenge is turning that data into a decision before a wage-and-hour dispute forces the issue. From GLGA member Ogletree Deakins.

Illinois Employers Must Pay Employees Who Serve on Jury Duty Starting January 1, 2027: Your 5-Step Plan

Illinois' new law will require employers with more than 25 employees to pay employees their regular wages while they’re out serving on a jury. You have a few months to update handbooks, payroll practices, and manager training before the obligation kicks in. From Fisher Phillips.

PaperSpecs Short: Accordion Fold with Postcard Twist

Designers! YOU know that moment when a piece just gets it right? Yep – this is one of those. A creative fold, a functional finish, and a message that sticks. By Sabine Lenz of PaperSpecs.

GLGA Association News

Ten Week Course with Dr. Celeste Calkins of Illinois State University - Starts Wednesday, September 9

Imagine walking into any project meeting with the confidence that your numbers are rock-solid, your timeline is realistic, and your profit margins are protected. A professional estimating course doesn’t just teach you to crunch numbers—it transforms you into the strategic mind every successful project needs. Whether you’re new to estimating or a seasoned professional, mastering the art of accurate estimation separates the amateurs from the industry leaders, turning guesswork into a competitive advantage that keeps clients happy and businesses thriving. Register today on the GLGA website.

Upcoming Webinars - FREE for GLGA Members

Wednesday, August 12 - August 2026 Talent Report – Remodeling Benefits

Thursday, August 13 - August 2026 Company Culture Brief – Listening Before They Leave: Creating Safe Channels for Honest Feedback

Thursday, August 20 - August 2026 Sales Brief – Beyond the First Answer: Why Great Salespeople Don’t Rush to Respond

Membership News

Specialty Print Communications Completes Acquisition of CPS Cards

Press release posted on their website by Specialty Print Communications, Niles, IL.

World Arts Celebrates 15 Years as an Employee-Owned Company by Welcoming Three New VESTED Employee-Owners

Posted on LinkedIn by World Arts Printing, Spencer, IN.

How The Marek Group Helps Streamline Compliance & Content Delivery

Posted on LinkedIn by The Marek Group, Waukesha, WI.

Komori People: A Trusted Partner in Solving Challenges──Supporting Customer Growth Through Sales Promotion

Posted on LinkedIn by Komori America Corporation, Rolling Meadows, IL.

About Us

The Great Lakes Graphics Association is the trade association dedicated to representing the graphics manufacturing industry throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin through education, promotion, and public affairs. It represents approximately 13 percent of the total graphics manufacturing market in the United States with its three-state region, accounting for combined annual shipments of nearly $19 billion. Founded in 1886, GLGA is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026 and continues to be the oldest print and graphics manufacturing trade association in North America. 

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