The Printing and Imaging Association of Texas (PIA-Texas) is a not-for-profit trade association dedicated to providing a variety of benefits and money-saving programs to the graphic communications industry in all regions of the state except the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast.

PIA-Texas has been in existence for over 50 years and has provided the state's printing and imaging industry a forum in which companies have been able to come together and work on common problems as well as share information. By working together, owners can run their companies more efficiently; comply with strict environmental regulations; train the workforce of the future; create group buying opportunities; network with their peers; and keep up-to-date on the rapidly changing technology and markets of the industry.

By joining PIA-Texas, you automatically become a member of Printing Industries of America, Inc. (PIA), the nation's leading graphic arts trade association with over 14,000 member companies. Beginning on January 1, 1999, all PIA-Texas members will also receive membership, at no additional cost, to the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF). GATF is the world's leading technology and research association for the graphic arts.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Health Insurance - This is one of the most popular benefit programs of PIA-Texas. Six medical plans are offered with various deductibles and copays. Life insurance and optional dental coverage is included, in addition to a prescription card service and employee assistance program.

Property/Liability Insurance - We offer a variety of business insurance coverages that were developed specifically for the graphic arts industry.

Other Insurance - Other programs are available, including long and short term disability and a voluntary high limit accidental death and dismemberment plan.

Credit Union - Credit Union membership is open to all employees of PIA-Texas member companies and their immediate family. A full range of financial services are offered, including savings and checking accounts.

Environmental Services - PIA-Texas has a full-time environmental director to assist members in complying with city, state, and federal environmental and safety regulations. Questions on OSHA, EPA, Air Permitting and others can be handled by just a phone inquiry.

EHS Roundtable - This special roundtable discussion group is open to any individual with a PIA-Texas membership company who is responsible for environmental, health or safety issues.

Group Buying - Members receive group buying benefits through PIA-Texas and Printing Industries of America.

State and National Lobbying - Through the efforts of full-time lobbyists, as well as association staff, PIA-Texas works constantly to ensure that the voice of the graphic arts industry is heard in Austin and Washington.

Credit Reporting - The Credit Reporting program is one of PIA-Texas' most established programs. By sharing bad debt or slow pay details with participating companies, members can avoid being stung by print buyers with poor credit history.

Job Placement - PIA-Texas maintains a job listing service, which is free-of-charge to member companies. A roster of persons seeking employment in the graphic arts industry is maintained by the Association.

Seminars/Meetings/Courses - Each year PIA-Texas offers over 70 educational programs specifically designed for graphic arts supervisors, sales representatives, estimators and managers.

Annual Conference - PIA-Texas members gather annually for a combination education and social conference. Members have the opportunity to hear well-known sales, management and technology speakers while networking with fellow members of the Association.

Technical Programs - The Association actively sponsors the creation and presentation of quality technical training to develop and/or enhance the skills of graphic arts professionals.

CEO Roundtable - The CEO Roundtable is open to chief executive officers of PIA-Texas' major printing and imaging companies. Topics that are of particular interest to companies with 50-plus employees are discussed.

Publications - PIA-Texas produces a variety of publications each year which are distributed free to the association's members. Among these publications are the following:

• Annual Buyer's Guide
• Annual Wage and Fringe Benefit Survey
• Texas Bluebook of Hourly Rates and Standards
• PIA-Texas monthly "Advisor"

Bookstore - Books, reports, videos, studies and other industry specific publications are available to member companies at discounted rates.

Texas Graphic Excellence Awards Competition - Each year companies across Texas compete in the Texas Graphic Excellence Awards Competition. The competition culminates with a special awards banquet to honor all the winners and to unveil the "Best in Texas" winner.

Internet - PIA-Texas has an exclusive agreement with Flash Net, an on-line
provider. Members can receive many services at discounted rates. Call PIA-Texas today for more information (214) 630-8871.

PIA-Texas Web Page - The Association's web site offers a variety of information, including membership information, trade customs, regulatory update, electronic jobline, buyer's guide, and links to member companies' web pages.

Scholarships - Scholarships are awarded by the Nolan Moore Education Foundation to qualifying students seeking careers in the printing industry.

Annual Golf Tournament - PIA-Texas sponsors an annual golf tournament benefiting the Nolan Moore Memorial Education Foundation.

Career Awareness - PIA-Texas is actively involved in promoting the printing industry as one of the largest industries in the country. The Association makes students aware of the growth and technological expansion sweeping the industry today.

Partners With Education - The PrintEd program is a nationwide accreditation program aimed at both high school and college programs. It was developed to provide a common set of essential elements for schools teaching print technology.  

HR Roundtable - This special peer group is open to any individual with a PIA-Texas membership company who is responsible for personnel policies and procedures in their company. Topics of discussion include labor laws, performance appraisal and discipline procedures, employee benefits, company handbooks, hiring and firing concerns, etc.

HR Services - PIA-Texas assists members with state and federal labor laws, company policies, and employment practices.