ALEXANDRIA, VA (October 22, 2002) — The Printing Industries of America’s, Inc. (PIA) Ratios studies have been the original and premier industry-benchmarking program since they were introduced in 1921. Currently, there are 17 report volumes developed from the annual PIA Ratios survey. The program was upgraded and enhanced with a new report format and web based surveys in 2002. For 2003, a new survey process will be initiated which will provide survey participants with much faster access to the information over the Internet. As preliminary analysis is developed on each report volume it will be transmitted to a digital file and placed in a restricted section of PIA’s web portal, GAIN. All respondents will then be sent an e-mail with the URL of the volume (s) that they requested. Once the final report volumes are developed, they will also be placed in a digital file on GAIN with access for participants limited to specifically requested volumes. This process will provide Ratios participants with earlier access to results. The reports will continue to be printed and distributed to respondents and made available for sale to non-participating printers. According to Gene Scott, President and owner of Pony X Press Printing Services in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, and Chair of PIA’s Economics and Research Committee, “the new combination of Internet access and printed reports is the best of both worlds for Ratios participants. It will provide early access to digital files on the results and a printed report that is user friendly and permanent for their subsequent uses.” The 2003 PIA Ratios surveys will be distributed in early 2003 through PIA/GATF’s network of local affiliates in the U.S. and Canada.