Alexandria, VA (February 18, 2002) — Printing Industries of America, Inc. (PIA) announced an aggressive campaign to expand their peer networking group program, Premier PEN. Premier PEN is a pro-active tool for printers to grow and expand in today’s economy. "This is a program for serious networking and profit leaders. Solving today’s business problems is a lot easier when you can network with a group of peers who share common interests and concerns," according to Michael Makin, PIA’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. For 13 years PIA has offered members the opportunity to join a peer network where printing executives can meet in a noncompetitive setting and learn about the best practices of profit leaders. "My PEN group has helped measure and validate every major decision we make. This oversight has made us more profitable, as well as a better all-around company. Sales have doubled since joining in 1995," says Thomas R. Trevillian, President of The McClung Companies in Waynesboro, VA. In 2002, PIA will expand its successful peer networking program with Premier PEN, a managed peer network that will offer customized group programs, services, and knowledge to printing executives who are serious about taking their businesses to the next level. Each member of Premier PEN will be grouped with 10-15 non-competing peers from across the United States and Canada. PEN groups will meet two to six times per year, often at group member plants, where peers can see best practices at work firsthand. Printing executives will share information about the issues facing them today, from production and workflow to employee retention. As Makin promises, "We’re so convinced you will benefit from this network that we’re offering a money back, total satisfaction guarantee!" If you are interested in learning more about this exciting program, call Diane Koch at (703) 519-8183; e-mail: [email protected].