Local Business Leaders Give Guidance in Difficult Times

Columbia, Maryland-Facing the twin challenges of a difficult economy and a rapidly changing industry, graphic communications companies in the mid-Atlantic region look to the Printing and Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA) and its Board of Directors for leadership and guidance to help keep their businesses vital.  PGAMA is the trade association for printing and graphic communications firms and suppliers in Maryland, D.C. northern Virginia and southern Pennsylvania. The mission of the Association is to enhance members' success, and PGAMA is pleased to announce five new members have joined its Board of Directors for 2011-2012 to continue achieving that goal:

Beginning September, 2011 the newest Board members are:

• Matthew Anson, Bindagraphics (Baltimore, MD)
• Michael Cooper, Lindenmeyr Munroe (Odenten, MD)
• Matthew Flippen, Westland Printers (Laurel, MD)
• Ron Patton, Standard Graphics Mid-America (Arlington, VA)
• John Snyder, HBP/Balmar (Hagerstown, MD)

Like the rest of the PGAMA Board, the new additions have volunteered to serve a two-year term of office. All are active members of the Association and own, run, or provide supplies to printing and graphic communications operations in the area.

The PGAMA Board can be comprised of as many as 24 individuals. For 2011-2012 the continuing Board Officers are: Chairman Steve Bearden, Linemark Printing Inc. (Largo, MD); Vice Chair/Treasurer Rusty Coolidge, Chroma Graphics (Upper Marlboro, MD) and Secretary Patricia Crowe, Art Litho Printing Solutions (Baltimore, MD). Also continuing in their roles on the Board for 2011-2012 are: Stephen Martinec (SGM Bindery); Bob Atwell (Cavanaugh Press); Holly Budd (Williams & Heintz Map Corp.); Greg Falkenstein (Prisco Printers' Supply); Russ Hewitt (Graphtec); Dan Kovalsky (Constellation Energy); Michael Marcian (Corporate Press); Anthony Piccirilli (Doyle Printing & Offset); Paul B. Schmitz (Schmitz Press); and Katie Stickel (Wildes-Spirit Design & Printing).

PGAMA offers members professional training, regulatory guidance, and political advocacy; along with services including group healthcare plans, electricity discounts, and retirement packages. Membership is open to printing and graphic communications providers and related suppliers.