Heralding its bold new mission to drive printing
industry growth, NPES - The Association for Suppliers of Printing, Publishing
and Converting Technologies announces a name change to the Association for
Print Technologies (APT). The new identity is both a nod to the Association’s
signature annual event—PRINT—which it has produced since 1968, and also marks a
defining moment in the Association’s 85-year history. Additionally, the new
name signifies progress toward the completion of its Strategic Business Plan
for the industry, which launched in January 2017.
“This rebrand of the organization signals a
significant turning point, not just for our Association, but for the entire
printing and imaging industry,” states Thayer Long, President, Association for
Print Technologies. “The convergence in our industry is essentially in the
rearview mirror. Now, as our new name more clearly expresses, our broader scope
and direction are focused on greater alignment among the commercial printing
and imaging value chain. This ‘next phase’ must happen in order for all
stakeholders to benefit,” Long continues.
On the heels of the Association rebrand, and slated
for the weeks ahead are preview announcements on a compelling new and expanded
lineup of programs and services. These include the launch of the Association’s
new website, www.PrintTechnologies.org, in Spring 2018.
Upcoming Association offerings will span the areas
of Research & Market Data, Industry Advocacy & Standards, Events, and
Communications. Of special note, a new staff department, dubbed “Community
& Industry Development,” has been established to advance programming
designed to support businesses throughout the industry value chain, including
initiatives that will address Workforce Development and Training.
Spearheading the new Community & Industry
Development Department, the Association welcomes industry veterans Ken Garner,
as Vice President of Business Development and Industry Relations (formerly of
Idealliance and NAPL), and Julie Shaffer, as Associate Vice President of
Program and Community Development(formerly of Idealliance and PIA).
“To drive the industry forward for decades to come,
our Board made the decision to evolve and reposition the organization. Our new
identity, as the Association for Print Technologies, reflects the way forward,”
states Mark Hischar, APT Chairman and President & CEO, KBA-North America.
