July 14, 2023
Proud to be an association member
As a member of the Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA), Mid America Paper Recycling shares its experiences in paper waste recycling and learns about how it can make a difference with members of the printing industry, including post press and printing vendors.
Combining three strong and successful industry associations into one, the Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA), Pewaukee, WI, is positioned to best advocate for and provide services to printers and graphics companies in the three-state area of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin. The region accounts for combined annual shipments of nearly $19 billion, according to the Printing Industries of America’s most recent Print Market Atlas.
The GLGA got its start from the founding of its original associations. The Printing Industries of Wisconsin is the oldest, with roots dating back to 1886. The Printing Industry of Illinois/Indiana Association (PII) merged with the Printing Industries of Wisconsin (PIW) in 2011 to create the GLGA, which now represents 13 percent of the total print market in the U.S.
Currently, there are more than 350 member companies, which include printers, converters, post-press companies, equipment manufacturers and dealers, suppliers, ink and paper providers, recyclers, consultants, educational institutions, and firms that offer professional services to the printing industry.
“We became a GLGA member in January 2021,” recalled Mid America Paper Recycling President Paul Pirkle. “I had been part of the Printing Industries of America in my previous career, and always found the networking and camaraderie of the members was top shelf. We believe that Mid America Paper Recycling can serve the printers of the GLGA, so we thought it would be a good place to invest our time.”
Focused on delivering both local and national solutions to its membership the GLGA aims to help members:
• Increase sales
• Improve member profitability
• Educate about current industry issues
• Leverage industry resources and job availability
• Foster strategic alliances and Buying Programs
• Act as a government advocate
• Provide ongoing communications and networking
• Provide expert technical resources and industry research
• Develop and recruit quality employees
• Promote printing and emerging technologies
Mid America Paper Recycling is proud to be a member of the association, Pirkle said. "The GLGA provides the latest information in printing technology and services to this group. They not only help shape their industry, but provide members with helpful tips, connections and valuable group buying-program discounts and rebates on the products printers commonly use. As a service provider to the industry, we feel aligned with what the GLGA is working to achieve for those members who generate scrap paper and who are seeking ways to grow the worth of their waste."
Who’s eager to start? GLGA members get ready to enjoy a favorite event of the year.
A great round of golf
GLGA’s most popular outings are its golf events, which included its Indiana Golf Outing in June at the Plum Creek Golf Club. “That event was handled very well,” Pirkle mentioned. “The GLGA does a great job with these events.”
The golf events also included the GLGA’s Tenth Annual Chicagoland Printers Scholarship Outing on July 19, in Bensenville, IL, which Mid America Paper Recycling sponsored. The proceeds from the Bensenville outing support scholarships for deserving students in Illinois seeking continuing education in the graphic communications field. Since its inaugural golf outing in 2013, GLGA has awarded 97 scholarships totaling more than $176,500. An August golf event is planned for Aug. 9 at the Lake Ripley Golf Club tournament in Cambridge, WI, with a day of fun, food, prizes and printing camaraderie.
Mid America Paper Recycling President Paul Pirkle enjoyed a GLGA golf outing in Indiana in June.
“In addition to the golf outings, we also enjoy the GLGA’s great social events,” Pirkle added. “We attend a few of these each year. The networking and conversations are great for us. We have a good relationship with the GLGA, and want to continue building upon our mission with those who participate in the GLGA in Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.”
A scene from the Indiana golf outing.
Courses off the green
GLGA President Joe Lyman said the GLGA has also introduced online learning for members through a new partnership. The GLGA has licensed more than 50 on-demand desk-side courses and educational tracks specifically created for the printing industry. Online, the popular Talent Report (for HR) and Short Attention Span webinar (for sales) are held every month and are free for members. Attendees can learn about plans for the Academy for Workforce Development, which will act as a walk-through of registering for and navigating through the GLGA Academy. It will also help individuals understand the value of the GLGA and expand on the association’s future plans to use to educate the next generation of printers throughout the three-state region.
GLGA President Joe Lyman
In mid-July, the association also provided a Talent Report from MRA for a current review of what’s happening in today’s printing and graphics world with an emphasis on talent. “Based on input from CEOs, CFOs, and HR leaders from MRA’s 3,000+ member companies, 1,000 roundtable participants, and subject matter experts, the Talent Report is designed to keep us aware of new trends and best practices,” Lyman said.
These are only a few of the activities the GLGA is involved with. In the fall, the group transitions back to indoor events and continues its webinar program, Lyman adds. “We are planning another Women in Print Networking Lunch, and are already a looking ahead to our annual holiday parties in November and December.”
To register for these and get additional information on the GLGA , visit
https://glga.info or call
(262) 522-2210.
Mid America Paper Recycling helps businesses review their current recycling processes and suggests new, more efficient ways to recycle fiber and paper waste materials. Let us help you with your recycling needs. Visit www.midamericapaper.com, contact Mid America Paper Recycling at 773-890-5454, or request a free, quick, Waste Audit Survey at https://www.midamericapaper.com.
