PRINTING United Alliance, Fairfax, Virginia, and Idealliance, Alexandria, Virginia, have announced the intent to merge. The board of directors at each company have unanimously voted in favor of the merger. Last year, SGIA and PIA officially merged to become PRINTING United Alliance, the largest, most comprehensive printing and graphic arts association in the country. This new venture with Idealliance will further support the association’s investment into the long-term success and fortitude of the industry.

Ford Bowers, CEO, PRINTING United Alliance, stated that over the past few years, PRINTING United Alliance has focused on bringing those efforts and institutions that are having the greatest impact in printing together under one roof. The organization is excited that Idealliance may join it as the preeminent standards, training and educational association in its industry. Its media outlets and reach into various printing segments, the many events it conducts, including the PRINTING United Expo, and membership of more than 6,000 companies will all serve to strengthen and expand the work of Idealliance as an “association within an association,” both domestically and internationally, and through its mission will continue to help the industry thrive.

Dick Ryan, CEO, Idealliance, stated that Idealliance is renowned as a leader in certifying and training color management professionals around the world. To continue moving Idealliance’s programming forward, this merger will provide significant growth opportunities through PRINTING United Alliance’s robust platforms and aligns with many of the association’s current offerings and strategies for success. In partnership with PRINTING United Alliance, Idealliance aims to provide global standardization, training and certification programs for the printing and packaging supply chain to all graphic communications professionals. This partnership will allow it to expand efforts into new markets to train and certify professionals, processes and systems around the globe. Together, the two organizations seek to serve the printing and packaging industry better than ever before.

The proposed merger of the two organizations will be finalized March 1. Further information and details will be forthcoming.

For more information, visit PRINTINGUnited.com.