PARAMUS, N.J., Nov. 4, 2008 – Despite difficult economic conditions, the commercial printing industry is a key contributor to many local economies, according to the recently released NAPL State of the Industry Report, 7th edition.  The industry is paradoxically geographically dispersed and geographically concentrated at the same time, according to the latest research from NAPL (www.napl.org).  The industry, which includes both general commercial printers and specialty commercial printers, can be found in all 50 states, with revenues ranging from $59.3 million in the District of Columbia to as much as $8.55 billion in California.
 
However, only nine states account for more than one-half of the industry's sales (54.6%).  They include (in declining order as ranked by sales) California, Pennsylvania, Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Texas, Ohio and New Jersey.  In fact, the top three states account for nearly one-quarter of all sales nationwide, and the top four account for nearly one-third of all commercial printing industry sales, confirming just how integral commercial printing is to those states' regional economies.
 
This latest edition of the State of the Industry Report is a powerful, strategic planning tool that outlines not only the challenges and opportunities facing today's graphic communications executives in the current economic climate, but also the importance of commercial printing to local business markets.  The report provides guidelines for developing and implementing successful tailored strategies to bring printing businesses to the next level, and also provides clout for printers to discuss key issues such as pending Do Not Mail legislation with key lawmakers and opinion leaders.
 
NAPL's State of the Industry Report -, 7th edition, is based on data provided by 600 companies with annual sales ranging from less than $1 million to $200 million.  Participants included both NAPL members and nonmembers.  It is updated regularly by NAPL's economics staff through the Printing Business Conditions reports and a midyear follow-up study.
 
The State of the Industry Report (NP363) is provided free to all NAPL and NAQP members as a direct member benefit and is only one of the economic and financial information services offered by NAPL to members through its range of membership tiers.  It can be purchased by nonmembers for $299.  Printing Business Conditions, a midyear Strategic Perspective Study and subsequent update reports comprise the comprehensive State of the Industry series and are available as expanded member benefits.  NAPL's State of the Industry research is produced by NAPL's Printing Economics Research Center and sponsored by Heidelberg(www.heidelbergusa.com).