ALEXANDRIA, Va.--June 27, 2001--An historic document signing event today marked the beginning of the Graphic Communications Association (GCA) as an independent association as it spins off from its parent organization, the Printing Industries of America (PIA), Incorporated. The day also marked the passing of the leadership reins from GCA President Norman W. Scharpf to the association's new President and CEO, David J. Steinhardt. Scharpf has been the president of GCA since its founding in 1966. Unable to attend the event was Diane Romano, GCA Chair and President of AGT.seven, e-Business Publication Division, New York, NY. Romano did provide a comment about the historic GCA spin-off from PIA and the future course of the organization as its own entity. "GCA will concentrate on developing standards, many of them XML-based, that enhance information interoperability and the dissemination of information," she said. "GCA will continue its close relationship with PIA and work toward common goals to assist members who belong to both organizations with maintaining their viability in the future." Staffs from both organizations were on hand to witness the signing of the documents officially spinning GCA off from PIA. Signatories included Steinhardt; Scharpf; Ray Roper, PIA President and CEO; and Michael Makin, PIA COO. The spin-off becomes official June 30. Also on hand to witness the signing of the documents was Past GCA Board Chair Howard D. Sullivan, Sr. Vice President of Perry Judd's Incorporated. Mr. Sullivan congratulated both associations in achieving this goal and extended best wishes to both organizations. As an independent association, GCA will continue its core mission of cross-industry coordination and communication, representing print media publishers and vendors, while expanding its role in information technology. PIA and GCA will continue to cooperate in many areas, including standards and eCommerce. GCA's offices will continue to be in the PIA headquarters building in Alexandria, VA. To stay up-to-date on GCA's transition to an independent organization, please visit the Website at www.gca.org/transition.