February 2, 2007, Sewickley, PA—Following the recent announcement by the Association of Graphic Communications (AGC) that it will enter Chapter 7 Bankruptcy, the Board of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has announced that PIA/GATF members in the metropolitan New York and Northern New Jersey jurisdiction are now eligible for membership in the Printing and Imaging Association of New York State (PIA of NYS), which has established a presence in the region. PIA of NYS has served upstate New York and northwestern Pennsylvania since the 1930’s and is ideally suited to be recognized as PIA/GATF’s official affiliate in the territory. This organization is not a successor to AGC but an independent association that will be recognized as PIA/GATF’s official affiliate in the territory. “It is critical that long-standing and potential members of PIA/GATF be served by a viable and healthy organization that can offer powerful local membership benefits,” says Michael Makin, President and CEO of PIA/GATF. “PIA of NYS has proven to be one of our most successful affiliates, and we are convinced printers and vendors in the region will be well served by this organization.” In granting the jurisdiction to PIA of NYS, PIA/GATF severs all ties with AGC, an independent association with its own separately elected Board of Directors. Tim Freeman, President of PIA of NYS, said that his organization welcomes the opportunity to serve members in the New York City area. “The Metro New York/Northern New Jersey/Long Island area has long been recognized as home to an extensive and world-class print community. We are excited about the opportunity to be of service to this area. We have a compelling value proposition, including competitive insurance offerings, human resources services, environmental consulting services, and more.” Current PIA/GATF members in the region will be notified of the opportunity for a seamless transition to continue receiving national membership benefits.