Economic Reports Offer Predictions, Guidance for Industry Future

Pittsburgh, PA, (Feb. 25, 2008)—PIA/GATFPress is pleased to offer the latest Economics and Market Research Reports—Looking Forward: What’s Next for the Economy and Print Markets in 2008–2009 and Expanding the Print Market Space: Printers’ Diversification into Ancillary Services by Ronnie H. Davis, Ph.D. and Ed Gleeson—to help printers as they face an uncertain economic future.

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As fears of a recession in the United States loom larger and larger, it is becoming increasingly important for print and graphic communications firms to know what to expect and how best to protect their bottom lines in the coming months.

“The Looking Forward report provides a comprehensive analysis of past and current trends in the economy and print markets and lays out detailed projections for 2008 and 2009,” said Michael Makin, PIA/GATF President and CEO. “It also offers forward thinking on strategies for success in the coming environment that can help firms be more successful and give them a competitive advantage.”

The 28-page Looking Forward report offers the following insights:

· An executive summary
· A look back at recent print markets trends
· Industry financials: a look at the bottom line
· A look at the economy in 2008–2009
· A look at print markets in 2008–2009
· Strategies for success in the coming environment

One effective strategy for printers involves providing non-print-related services and products to their customers. These services and products are a growing proportion of printers’ revenues and are emerging as a key source of profitability.

The Ancillary Services report examines the strategic basis of diversification into such services, the array of services available to printers, and recent trends in printers’ sales of these services and their profit impacts. The 19-page report offers:

· A strategic perspective on ancillary services
· Sales tracking from ancillary services
· Benchmarking of ancillary service offerings
· Strategies to profit from ancillary services
· Tips on expanding your market space

Ronnie H. Davis has served as chief economist of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation since 1988. His responsibilities include strategic, business, management, and employment policy research; economic analysis and forecasting; market research; international business issues; and the association’s futures studies program. He is the 2005 recipient of the Neil Richards Visionary Leadership Award for applying innovative, futuristic thinking to the graphic arts industry.

Ed Gleeson joined PIA/GATF as an economic and market research analyst in April 2005 and is now manager of economic and market research. His responsibilities include managing the administration and logistics of PIA/GATF surveys, including the Quarterly Market and Member Needs Surveys. He also manages and develops publications such as the Print Market Atlas , Wage & Salary Surveys, and other research studies.

These downloadable PDF publications, Looking Forward: What’s Next for the Economy and Print Markets in 2008–2009 (Item No. 1838) and Expanding the Print Market Space: Printers’ Diversification into Ancillary Services (Item No. 1839) are both free to PIA/GATF members. Non-members can purchase the PDF reports for $250 apiece. In addition, all of PIA/GATFPress’s nearly 200 publications are available online at www.gain.net, or by phone (toll-free 866-855-4283), fax (301-393-2555), or mail (200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143).

About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information.