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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 businesses. Currents is published every Tuesday.

In this issue:

National News and Education

Paper Bag Trade Law

Overtime Exempt

Younger Worker Benefits

Choosing Tech Wisely

AI and Willy Wonka

Workplace Shootings

Video - The Shipping Box

GLGA Association News

Brand Webinar

FREE Member Webinars

GLGA Academy Featured Course

GEAs




Member News

IPG

Viridiam / Heidelberg

Tactive

Kodak



National News and Education

U.S. Paper Bag Suppliers Denounce Trade Law Manipulation


U.S. small businesses that supply the specialized branded packaging needs of U.S. retailers and food service businesses across the country have denounced an attempt by Novolex — a private-equity owned, multi-billion-dollar packaging giant — to misuse U.S. trade laws to drive them out of the market. Read more on Businesswire.com.

Working Overtime: Is Publication of DOL’s OT Exemption Rule Imminent?


With the Department of Labor’s overtime exemption rule currently under White House review, we could see its publication sooner rather than later. Read more on JD Supra.com.

The Power of Paid Sick Leave and Flexible Benefits for Younger Workers


Younger workers are increasingly valuing their health and well-being, and this has reshaped their expectations when it comes to employment benefits. This blog post will explore the benefits of paid sick leave and flexible benefits for younger workers who are reluctant to work when they’re unwell and prefer taking time off to recover. Read more by GLGA member Semper.

Beyond Speed: Choosing Print Tech Wisely


Customers don’t care how new, big, or fast your equipment operates. The bottom line is that customers want their projects on budget and on time! Read more by Debbie Nicholson of Think-to-Ink on American Printer.com.

What Brands Can Learn About AI from the Disastrous Willy Wonka Event


As the public learns to adopt a skepticism towards Artificial Intelligence imagery and while we wait for regulators to step in, brands need to ensure they are being honest in their use of AI if they don't want to harm their own reputation. Read more on Creative Bloq.com.

Employers Beware: The Scope of Responsibility for Workplace Shootings Is Widening


Our Labor & Employment team recently updated and published its Firearms in the Workplace 50-State Survey. We recommend that employers check it out and follow up with counsel wherever needed. Read more by GLGA member Husch Blackwell.

Video - The Shipping Box


Amaury Guichon's corrugated shipping box made of caramelized white chocolate could easily be mistaken for the real thing. Authentically structured packaging has never tasted so good! See more.

GLGA Association News

DanEvans image

Upcoming Personal Branding Webinar


GLGA and our sister regional printing industry associations are joining together to present a special webinar on Wednesday, March 27. In Personal Branding through LinkedIn, Dan Evans of Hydrate Marketing will discuss 5 actionable steps that you can take to optimize your personal brand on LinkedIn and create the profile that your brand deserves.

Upcoming FREE GLGA Member Webinars:






GLGA Academy Featured Course of the Week - FREE for GLGA Members


The GLGA Academy is a collection of courses that span the entire print and graphic communications industry. With eight separate courses and more than 65 lessons, the online training focuses on the fundamentals of print and graphics communications and is available to GLGA member company employees – a $900 a year value per person - at no cost.

WIDE FORMAT 101


Display graphics and signage continues to be a great opportunity for most printers. In this episode we cover the basics of how the technology works, important considerations in wide format printing, and a framework for evaluating equipment purchases. This lesson is 41:58 in length.

Editor's note: You will need a user name to the GLGA website to view. GLGA members, register for yours by clicking here. 

Judges Arrive Tomorrow for the 2024 Graphics Excellence Awards

The judges arrive tomorrow to begin their work evaluating the entries in this year's Graphics Excellence Awards. Participating companies, expect your Winners Kits by the end of March.


Now, mark your calendar for Thursday, June 6 (Hoffman Estates, IL) AND Wednesday, June 12 (Milwaukee, WI). For the first time, the awards celebrations will NOT be held on simultaneous nights - which means


..... drum roll ...


for the first time the top winners will be announced BEFORE the big night! Read more about this and other changes to the awards ceremonies in the latest issue of Graphics Journal.

Best of Luck to All of This Year's Competitors!

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Member News

Have some news to share? We want to hear about member company achievements, activities and anything else that's new at your business. Press releases, photos, company e-newsletters, and links to social media posts and blogs welcome! Send your news to Sharon Flick


See more news about and featuring GLGA members posted

on our LinkedIn networking group page.

IPG Adds Four New Publishers to Sales, Distro Programs


Posted on LinkedIn by Independent Publishers Group, Chicago, IL:


We're thrilled to welcome four new publishers to our sales and distribution programs. Read more.

Viridiam, LLC Strengthens Digital Offerings with Five-Color Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG


Viridiam, a full-service print provider in Green Bay, WI, recently purchased a new Versafire LV from HEIDELBERG. The new five-color Versafire further expands the company’s digital print opportunities by offering customers spot colors and extended gamut printing. Read more.

Tactive Project Spotlight: WestPoint Financial Group Turks and Caicos Kit


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


Tactive has been bringing WestPoint to (real) life for years, including their 2020 total brand refresh. So when WestPoint’s chief marketing officer, Nikki Pulfer, came to us with an outside-the-box idea for a kit to celebrate the 2024 Firm Trip to Turks and Caicos, she knew Team Tactive would deliver. Read and see more.

Kodak Will Present Powerful Solutions for Digital and Traditional Print at drupa 2024


At drupa 2024 (May 28 to June 7, Düsseldorf, Germany), Kodak will showcase an unmatched range of products, including both groundbreaking continuous inkjet technology and solutions for traditional print, all designed to help printers maximize their profitability as the industry evolves. Read more.

About Us

The Great Lakes Graphics Association is the trade association dedicated to representing the graphic arts industry throughout Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin through education, promotion, and public affairs. It represents approximately 13 percent of the total print market in the United States with its three-state region, accounting for combined annual shipments of nearly $19 billion. Founded in 1886, GLGA celebrated its 135 year anniversary in 2021 and continues to be the oldest print trade association in North America. 

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