The newly formed Graphic Communications Workforce Coalition elected a board of directors and executive officers in July, and among them is PPAI Public Affairs Manager Maurice Norris. The coalition consists of concerned associations, educators and industry representatives and was created to coordinate the efforts of organizations representing the broad scope of the graphic communications industry to create awareness, recruit new people into the industry, provide a framework for apprenticeship and training programs, and retain the existing workforce. To date, 36 organizations have joined the group.

This new initiative addresses the top issue that faces the industry today: the recruitment, retention and training of its workforce. Numerous studies and surveys have documented that this is a major concern for nearly every company in the industry. Various associations and individual companies have taken steps to address this issue, but there has never been an organized joint effort. The Coalition will serve to bring together and focus efforts and energy for the mutual benefit of all parties.

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James Khattak is news editor of PPB.