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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

Wide Format 2026

Holographic Displays

Hiring Trends

Twist on Sales Failure

What Can You Recycle

Choosing Varnish or Laminate

GLGA Association News

GEAs

Your Weekly Calendar

GLGA Academy

Member News

Fineline Printing Group

LCP / Heidelberg

RBP Chemical Technology

Chicago Glue & Machine

Deadline Is NOW! Very Last Chance to Enter the 2026 Graphics Excellence Awards! 

It's your last chance to be a winner in the 2026 Graphics Excellence Awards!

Submit your projects NOW! Hurry, your pieces MUST be on the judges' table by 5 p.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, March 4.

Judging takes place this Thursday and Friday, March 5-6. Competitors, keep an eye on your new Competitor's Dashboard for updates and announcements - and the reveal of your results!

For questions, please email Sharon Flick at sflick@glga.info.

Best of Luck to All of This Year's Competing Companies!

National News and Education

Wide Format in 2026: How Technology Is Reshaping Competitive Advantage

This report explores automation, data, and AI shifts redefining efficiency and profitability in 2026. By Keypoint Intelligence on WhatTheyThink.

Holographic Displays Drive 18 Percent Sales Lift in Retail Pilots

From rapid prototyping to in-store activation, holographic technology could reshape how brands develop, test, and showcase packaging before and after production. From Packaging Digest.

2026 Hiring Trends in Printing, Packaging & Paper

This article explores four key 2026 trends and actionable steps to secure elite talent amid rising demand for sustainable, productive and innovative operations. By GLGA member Gary Bozza of P3 Printing, Packaging and Paper Executive Recruiters (aka WorldBridge Partners Chicago NW).

Sales Tip of the Week: A Twist on Sales Failure

When is a sales failure a success? When a light bulb goes off over your head (thank you, Thomas Edison) and you change your perspective. From the Sales Vault.

Paper, Boxes & Cardboard: What Can You Recycle?

Here are some commonly asked questions about recycling—just be sure to check your local recycling rules for specific guidelines. From Two Sides North America.

PaperSpecs Quick Tips: How to Choose Between Varnish and Laminate

So, here’s one of those things many designers wish they’d been told sooner: “Varnish and laminate aren’t interchangeable. They can actually serve very different purposes.” Find out what you need to ask before choosing a finish. By Sabine Lenz of PaperSpecs. 

GLGA Association News

Membership News

Fineline is a Proud Sponsor of Indiana Canine Assistant Network

Posted on LinkedIn by Fineline Printing Group, Indianapolis, IN.

Lake County Press Upgrades Production with Suite of HEIDELBERG Solutions

Press release by Heidelberg on behalf of LCP, Waukegan, IL.

✨ RBP Employee Spotlight: Chrissy Blanchard ✨

Posted on LinkedIn by RBP Chemical Technology, Milwaukee, WI.

Chicago Glue & Machine Sets New Industry Standard with State Green Certification

Posted on their website blog by Chicago Glue & Machine, Itasca, IL.

Enter the 2026 Graphics Excellence Awards Competition - Deadline Is NOW!

Enter your projects TODAY and make arrangements to have them physically in our office by the end of the day on Wednesday, March 4!

We start judging early Thursday morning - so there is no time to lose! Questions? Email Sharon Flick at sflick@glga.info.

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 is celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026 and continues to be the oldest print trade association in North America. 

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