Commercial Printing Establishments—2010–2021

According to the latest, recently released edition of County Business Patterns, in 2021 there were 15,592 establishments in NAICS 323111 (Commercial Printing except Screen and Books). This represents a decline of 26 percent since 2010. In macro news, inflation is alas up. Read more in this data analysis on WhatTheyThink.com.

Paper Packaging Is Here, There, & Everywhere

Sustainability has been a critical trend in packaging in the US for decades now. But it shows no signs of doing anything other than accelerating, as proved by the activities at the Pack Expo Las Vegas show. Read more on PackagingDigest.com.

Illinois Employers Required to Provide Public Transit Benefits in 2024

Many employers with at least 50 employees in the six-county Chicago area will have to provide their full-time employees with pre-tax public transit benefits starting January 1, 2024, under a new Illinois law. Read more by GLGA member Ogletree Deakins.

The Employee Retention Credit – The IRS Is Getting Serious

The IRS has announced an immediate moratorium on the processing of new Employee Retention Credit (ERC) claims. When the IRS resumes reviewing new ERC refund claims in 2024, there will be more scrutiny and safeguards in place to filter out illegitimate claims. Read more by GLGA member FORVIS.

Make It Easy for Your Customers to Buy from You

Even though everyone boasts about their people and the great customer service they provide, sometimes it’s just plain difficult to let the customer say yes. Read more by Mike Philie of The Philie Group.

Dept of Labor Proposals to Extend Overtime – What It Means for You

The proposed rule, which is open for public comment for the next 60 days, would guarantee overtime pay for most salaried workers earning less than $1,059 per week, or about $55,000 per year. What should HR professionals need to be thinking about now? Read more on TLNT.com.

Video - Fold of the Week

By Trish Witkowski of FoldFactory.com:

This is my 650th Thursday episode(!), and I’m marking the occasion with something really exciting and creative. I’ve got four sculptured Wrapped Accordions that you’re going to LOVE. So, let’s take a closer look. See and read more.

THIS WEEK Two Webinars - FREE for GLGA Members

• Wednesday, September 20, 2023 - Direct Mail – How to Optimize Postage Savings in 2023

• Thursday, September 21, 2023 - Paper Recycling – Trends & Testing

• Wednesday, September 27, 2023 - Illinois EPA NPDES Permit Update – Q&A

If you have any registration questions or want to register via email, please contact Sharon Flick.

Illinois Women in Print Networking Lunch

Please join GLGA for our next Women in Print networking lunch, which will be on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at Harper College in Palatine. IL. Let’s collaborate and celebrate the contributions of women in the printing industry. Try your hand at our new Inspirational Women trivia contest – you could win a prize!

Socialize with other like-minded Women in Print, and learn about Harper College and their print department. Our special guest speaker is Women in Print Excellence Nominee Stef Querry of CE Printed Products.

Virtual MasterClass Focuses on Customer Service with Care

GLGA is teaming up with the Americas Printing Association Network to offer a virtual masterclass with Debbie Nicholson of Think To Ink! The workshop runs six consecutive Tuesdays starting October 3, 2023, through November 7, 2023. 

Upgrade your customer’s experience (CX) by learning how to effectively integrate CARE into your Customer Service program. Registrants who attend all six weeks earn a MasterClass Certificate of Completion. For more info and to register, click here.

Maximize Your GLGA Membership

Get maximum ROI from your GLGA membership: take advantage of our Group Buying Programs - local and national programs can save you money. Here's this issue's program:

Preferred partner: RAM Recycling

Program: recycling services

Two percent Rebate Bonus on recycling in Wisconsin. Contact Tony Duckert at (414) 315-0300 or info@ramrecycling.net

Lindenmeyr Munroe Equipment Give-Away

Lindenmeyr Munroe is moving their Addison, IL, warehouse to another location and has some equipment that’s not needed in their new facility. They have a 42x37 cutter and five pallet jacks that they'd like to give away to any member in the area who is interested. You would have to pick up the equipment at Lindenmeyr Munroe in the next 5-7 days. For more information, please contact Tom Clarkson, Lindenmeyr Munroe Vice President Sales-Midwest, at tclarkson@lindenmeyr.com or (847) 612-5269.

Royle Celebrates Its 75th Anniversary This September

Posted on their website blog by Royle Printing, Sun Prairie, WI:

Founded in 1948, Royle Printing is pleased to celebrate its 75th anniversary this fall. The entire month will consist of celebrations for all 285 employees, along with a company-wide event at the end of the month. Read more.

Priority Press Hosts Recognition Showcase

Posted on LinkedIn by Priority Press, Indianapolis, IN:

If you're ready to increase employee recognition, build customer loyalty, and incentives customers, don’t miss this event! Thursday, September 21 – Recognition, Gifting & Incentive Showcase, at the Dallara IndyCar Factory in Speedway, Indiana. Read more.

Chicago Glue & Machine Spotlight: Vanessa Hernandez

Posted on LinkedIn by Chicago Glue & Machine, Itasca, IL:

Seeing as CGM is a second-generation family-owned business, it only makes sense that we have the fantastic Hernandez mom-and-daughter duo on our team! Learn about our newest member of the CGM crew, Vanessa, in this month's employee spotlight! Read more.