Premium Color Group, Atlantic Tomorrow’s Office, Konica Minolta, Ricoh, EFI, and Fiery are being honored by the Print & Graphic Communications Association (PGCA) at the Association’s Franklin Event being held on March 30, 2023, at the Lighthouse in the Chelsea Piers complex in Manhattan.  These companies are being recognized for their leadership roles in connecting the mission of the Mariano Rivera Foundation (MRF), to provide education and economic opportunity to young people in underserved communities, with the critical industry need to develop tomorrow’s workforce.

These companies collaborated with the Mariano Rivera Foundation to develop a practical, hands-on curriculum that will provide graduates with a multitude of industry skills, including Fiery certification at the conclusion of their training.

Difficulties in finding qualified employment candidates is a common denominator in our industry, regardless of company size, market served, and other demographics. In days past, vocational and trade schools were prime feeder sources of well-trained and enthusiastic entry level employees. However, many secondary and post-secondary schools teaching graphic communications have struggled over the past 10 years, despite industry efforts to support them.

The Mariano Rivera Foundation model is practical, technical, scalable, and can be duplicated in a variety of settings. It can be utilized at any type of printing operation, completely independent of company size, market, etc. Companies hosting MRF satellite training programs are positioned to train individuals in technologies and processes utilized in their own facilities and offer graduates direct employment opportunities at the conclusion of the training.

What makes the involvement of these six “Print Industry Champions” worthy of recognition? They brought their combined interest, resources, creativity, technical knowledge, and connections to bridge the gap between the Mariano Rivera Foundation’s vision and the print and graphic communications industry needs.

Along with the six “champions,” the 2023 Franklin Event will feature additional industry awards, plenty of networking opportunities with industry leaders and, of course, presentation of the Franklin Award for Community Service to Mariano Rivera.

Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are still available. Additional fundraising activities are planned for the evening. Net revenue from sponsorships, ticket sales, and additional fundraising will be donated to the Mariano Rivera Foundation to support their workforce development activities.

For additional information or to register for the 2023 Franklin Event, visit www.printcommunications.org to download the event flyer, email info@printcommunications.org or call PGCA at (716) 691-3211.

The Print & Graphic Communications Association was recently formed with the consolidation of two separate organizations: Printing Industries Alliance and the Graphic Arts Association. PGCA provides programs and services to printing and print-related companies in New York State, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.