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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

Packaging Strategies

July Employment

Silent Profit Killer

IRS Standard Mileage Rate

Two Sides Milestone

Sales Tip of the Week

GLGA Association News

Print Estimating Course

Upcoming Webinars

GLGA Academy

Member News

INX International

Binding Edge

Tactive

Freedom Graphic Systems

VISOgraphic

National News and Education

Packaging Strategies for Brands Amid Rising Costs & Changing Consumer Behavior

Consumers are economically vigilant today. Here are four ways you can use packaging as a strategic lever to win their attention, confidence, and, ultimately, the sale. From Packaging Digest.

Graphic Arts Production Employment Down in July—Non-Production Up

As for July employment in general, it was a particularly bad report—some even said “weird.”  From WhatTheyThink.

The Silent Profit Killer Inside Every Printing Company

The greatest threat to profitability isn't sitting on your balance sheet. It's happening hundreds of times every single day. By GLGA member Debbie Nicholson of Think-to-INK! on American Printer.

IRS Increases Standard Mileage Rate for Second Half of 2026

The IRS has made a rare midyear change to the standard mileage rate due to high fuel prices. From SHRM.

Two Sides Continues to Challenge Greenwashing Claims, Reaches a Global Milestone

More than 1,500 companies worldwide have pulled back or amended unsupported anti-paper messaging; over half of North American companies challenged have followed suit. From Two Sides North America.

Multiple Sales Campaigns

In this second of five special August Short Attention Span Sales Tips, Bill Farquharson prepares you for a September sales blitz with ideas for creating multiple sales campaigns. From the Sales Vault.

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

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

Thursday, September 6 - September 2026 Marketing Brief - The Cobbler's Shop: Why Printers Struggle to Market the Thing They're Best At

Membership News

INX International Celebrates 35 Years of Leadership, Dedication, and Impact from Our President & CEO, Bryce Kristo

Posted on LinkedIn by INX International, Schaumburg, IL.

Binding Edge: One of Only a Handful of U.S. Finishers Offering Tinning Services

Posted on LinkedIn by Binding Edge, Neenah, WI.

Tactive Project Spotlight: Indiana Donor Network Reusable Mural

Posted on their website blog by Tactive, Indianapolis, IN.

Freedom Graphic Systems Welcomes Ken Zywicki as General Manager

Posted on LinkedIn by Freedom Graphic Systems, Milton, WI.

VISOgraphic Announces the Launch of VISOdirect

Posted on LinkedIn by VISOgraphic, Addison, 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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