Chicago, IL, Graphic Expo, September 28, 2003—The Print Council, a business development alliance dedicated to promote the greater use of print media, today announced its formation and founding members at Graph Expo, one of the industry’s most comprehensive trade show and conferences in the Americas. Formed by leaders across the spectrum of the graphic arts industry, The Print Council’s goal is to influence and promote the greater use of print media through education, awareness, market development, advocacy and research. In addition, the council will work closely with industry associations, ongoing initiatives, and relevant user groups that share common goals. Founding members represent a range of industry interests from commercial and retail printers to print equipment manufacturers and software and services providers. “The printing industry is the third largest and most geographically dispersed manufacturing industry in the United States,” said Michael Makin, chief executive officer, PIA/GATF and founding member. “Up until now, the industry has been unrepresented from both an awareness and educational standpoint. I’m honored to be part of the council’s founding team.” The Print Council’s founding members represent some of the largest and best known names in the industry including Agfa-Gevaert Group, Electronics for Imaging (EFI), Franchise Services, Inc. (parent company of PIP Printing, Sir Speedy, and MultiCopy), Heidelberg, IBM, International Paper, Mail-Well, MAN Roland, the PIA, Pitney Bowes, PressTek, Quad Graphics, Roll Systems, Sandy Alexander, Scitex Digital Printing, The Sheridan Group, Sun Chemical, Williamson Printing Corporation, and Xerox. In addition, many of the leader publishers and consulting firms have are partnering with The Print Council including CAP Ventures, Cygnus, NAPCO, Primedia, and Reed Business. With today’s public launch, other industry leaders are expected and invited to join The Print Council to build a strong, well-financed cross-industry platform to promote the increased use of print. About The Print Council The Print Council is a business development alliance founded by leaders in the graphic arts industry whose goal is to influence and promote the greater use of print media. Through education, awareness, market development, advocacy, and research, The Print Council will serve the industry to develop, maintain, and increase the market for printed goods. The council can be contacted at 703-519-8100 or on the Web at www.theprintcouncil.org.