ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA (July 10, 2001) – Celebrating its first full year of operation July 5 was the Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN), which is operated by the Printing Industries of America (PIA), Incorporated, and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). GAIN serves as the portal to the graphic arts industry via the Internet at www.gain.net. Since its inception, GAIN has become a vital industry link for both PIA/GATF members, as well as those seeking more information about the graphic arts industry. The site has approximately 10,000 registered users and has average monthly user sessions of more than 45,000. "PIA and GATF are foremost graphic arts industry resources and by offering the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and information in a timely manner through the Internet we are incorporating the tools of the new media into a time-honored profession," said Ray Roper, PIA president and chief executive officer. "We have GAIN’s sponsors to thank for making this portal possible and we look to continually improve the speed, access and materials available." In addition to continuous legislative, regulatory, product news, and meeting updates, the Used Equipment Exchange was recently added to GAIN. Registered users now have access the largest online marketplace for used equipment at their convenience. In the past year site functionality improved with easier navigation, additional resources such as past issues of Management Portfolio and GATFWorld, downloadable state employment posters and federal forms, and the Graphic Communications Association publication GRACoL. More than 1,000 GAIN users logged on and sent letters to Congress that helped repeal the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s ergonomics standard. Currently, users are sending messages to Congress regarding the proposed Patients Bill of Rights. Through GAIN, PIA is making its voice heard on Capital Hill. Nearly 450 Industry suppliers have listed their services on GAIN and each month 2,000 GAIN users click through to their Web sites for more information. Among the most visited sites include the following: Freidel’s Manufacturing, Incorporated; Graphic Arts Supplies.com; Graphtek, Incorporated; Heidelberg; Moreland Machinery; Printer’s Machinery; United Printing Equipment Incorporated and Xerox. Log onto GAIN to benefit from continued improvements to the site incorporating the latest Internet features.