(Smyrna GA) – The Printing & Imaging Association of Georgia (PIAG) is excited to announce that Stephanie Scearce, Director of Workforce Development for the Georgia Association of Manufacturers (GAM), will be the keynote speaker for our inaugural Lunch & Learn event on May 9. Heidelberg USA will host the event at their Print Media Performance & Training Center in Kennesaw where lunch and a tour of the facility will be offered to attendees. The event is free to attend for all PIAG members and registration is available at www.piag.org.

Workforce continues to be one of the most critical issues facing manufacturers in Georgia, and that includes many in the print industry. Ms. Scearce will share what her organization has learned about the root causes for many of Georgia’s workforce challenges and discuss innovative solutions being implemented by companies around the state.

“I’m excited for this opportunity to connect with the Georgia print industry – an important segment in our state’s manufacturing community,” said Ms. Scearce. “Print and graphic communication companies, like their manufacturing peers, must think of new ways to address workforce risks before they become overwhelming. With more manufacturing jobs available than there are Georgians, stagnant growth in the labor force and declining birth rates, the problem isn’t enough jobs; it’s having enough people.”

In her role at GAM, Ms. Scearce guides and connects Georgia’s manufacturers to strategic resources addressing immediate and long-term workforce needs. She joined GAM last year and previously served as Vice President of Economic Development for Georgia Northwestern Technical College for four years. She has also held leadership positions at the Georgia Department of Economic Development and the Fannin County Development Authority.

“Workforce development for print is a key strategy at PIAG,” said Jon Krueger, PIAG President & CEO. “The Lunch & Learn is an excellent opportunity for our members to hear from an expert and someone who works every day to study and find solutions for such a critical issue. It’s a privilege to have Stephanie share her knowledge and insights with us.”

About PIAG Founded in 1894, PIAG is the only organization dedicated entirely to the print and graphic communications industry in Georgia. We support our members by providing the resources needed to accomplish their business goals. We are the voice for our state's print community and advocate to industry, government, and the public about the critical service our members provide.