SGIA has 13 steering committees representing the various sectors within the specialty imaging industry. The committees met in January to reflect on 2011 and to discuss the Association's upcoming initiatives in 2012.

Market Analysis Committee — Graphic & Sign
SGIA Liaison: Michael Robertson
This was the first meeting of the Market Analysis Committee, however, the committee was quick to target specific challenges that SGIA members within the graphic and sign community are facing. The discussions addressed reverse auctions and the adverse affect this approach is having on service-based businesses. Reverse auctions are contributing to the commoditization of imaging. The committee explored ways to avoid commoditization with value-based services and mass customization. The first meeting of this committee was informative and insightful.

Graphics Production Committee
SGIA Liaison: Johnny Shell
The Graphics Production Committee discussed further enhancement of applicable Zones at the annual SGIA Expo. SGIA staff are already working on the Zones for the 2012 SGIA Expo (Las Vegas, October 18–20) and are developing supporting content and resources to help members utilize the wide range of equipment, media, and imaging methods. The Committee also discussed efforts associated with G7 as well as other specific topics that could be addressed through SGIA educational efforts.

Printed Electronics & Membrane Switch Council
SGIA Liaison: Joyia Marshall
The Membrane Switch and Printed Electronics Council discussed how the 2012 Printed Electronics and Membrane Switch (Symposium will be integrated into the annual SGIA Expo (Las Vegas, October 18–20), and how the Symposium will continue with a focused, high level educational program and networking opportunities that will take place at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Other discussions centered on coordinating the educational program, recruiting speakers, logistical planning, marketing and sponsorship opportunities. The overall goal of the Symposium is a higher-level educational program for this growing market and growth in the number of Symposium attendees.

Additionally, the Committee recapped the Industrial & Printed Electronics Zone at the 2011 SGIA Expo, discussing the trade show floor location, potential content and participation commitments among member companies for the Zone during the 2012 Expo.

Garment Decorators Steering Committee
SGIA Liaison: Johnny Shell
The Garment Decorators Steering Committee discussed a variety of projects to aid SGIA in delivering valuable content to the membership. Topics included further enhancement of the garment specific educational Zones at the annual SGIA Expo, developing a guide for identifying and printing various types of apparel fabrics, and specific topics that could be addressed through SGIA educational efforts.

Ink & Chemical Manufacturers Committee
SGIA Liaison: Marci Kinter
The Committee focused a great deal of its attention to the implementation issues associated with the testing and certification of children's products under the CPSIA requirements. Actions will be taken to pursue an exemption from lead testing for water-based ink products, and the Committee will be developing recommendations regarding the use of the terms phthalate free, non-phthalate and phthalate compliant relating to chemicals used.

Additionally, the Committee addressed upcoming changes to OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard and will be developing outreach materials as well as educational programs relating to the proposed changes.  The Committee heard from Nike regarding the implementation of the recently released Joint Roadmap: Toward Zero Discharge of Hazardous Chemicals and discussed ways the industry could collaboratively work to help Nike, and others, reach their goals by 2020.

Industrial Applications Committee
SGIA Liaison: Joyia Marshall
The Industrial Applications Committee met to identify growth segments within the community so SGIA staff can best serve the needs of this large and diverse industry segment. A review of the Industrial Product/Process Matrix (published in the January/February 2012 SGIA Journal) sparked numerous discussions regarding ongoing support needed for different processes.

A recap of the Industrial & Printed Electronics Zone at the 2011 Expo inspired the Committee to have focused presentations with industry technical experts on hand for Q&A at the 2012 Expo Las Vegas. SGIA staff will be surveying the industrial attendees of the SGIA 2011 Expo to identify hot buttons and to formulate tools and resources needed to better serve the needs of this rapidly expanding technical community.

PDAA Steering Committee
SGIA Liaison: Dan Marx
The PDAA Steering Committee meeting covered the needs of the PDAA membership, focusing on ways to enhance the value and visibility of Master Certified Installers, and to develop ways to urge General members to begin their journey toward certification. Further, the committee discussed strategies for raising the visibility of the graphics installation industry among printers and print buyers, including PDAA events at the SGIA Expo and other educational opportunities.

Industry Development Committee
SGIA Liaison: Dan Marx
Focusing on the business needs of today's sign and graphics producers, the SGIA Industry Development Committee discussed how the Association can serve the evolving needs of the community through the creation of sales, management and industry data resources. Throughout this fast-paced meeting, committee members shared the current state of their businesses, helped SGIA staff understand their needs and gained valuable insight for their businesses.

Sustainability Committee
SGIA Liaison: Marci Kinter
With the Committee name change from Environmental to Sustainability, members discussed the need to develop a definition of sustainability as it relates to SGIA's efforts in this arena. Once developed and adopted by the Committee, this sustainability statement will be shared with the SGIA community. Further, the Committee will continue its successful Peer-to-Peer Network Program that is designed to assist member companies with integrating sustainability into their business operations. Over the next few months, the Committee will be discussing the development of Substrate Information Sheets designed to provide the printer with information regarding chemicals contained in the substrate as well as end of life options.

Safety, Health & Personnel Committee
SGIA Liaison: Marci Kinter
The Safety, Health and Personnel Committee moved to launch two new safety packets during 2012. These safety packets, including a safety poster and two publications (Safety in Action and What to Do), will cover the issues of heavy lifting and electrical/grounding issues. In addition, a new service — the SGIA Safety Newsletter — will be available to members. This newsletter provides insights into key safety and health issues faced by the SGIA community, as well as highlights SGIA resources. The Safety Committee also discussed current and future OSHA regulatory actions that would impact the screen and digital industry sector.

Digital Textile & Décor Committee
SGIA Liaison: Johnny Shell
The Digital Textile and Décor Committee discussed expanding its mission and focus to include all major types of media and substrates used in wide-format graphic applications. The group discussed the range and scope of the new direction, committee member composition, core segments, and product and service development opportunities.

Convention & Exposition Committee
SGIA Liaison: Michael Robertson and Jean Lambert
A 2011 convention wrap-up was presented that included final statistics, SGIA initiatives, special interest areas and highlighted the new components of the Expo, which were introduced in New Orleans. The committee discussed market developments, including economic challenges and forecasts, market saturation and the value SGIA provides as the industry’s leading marketplace. Staff reported on the 2012 SGIA Expo and discussed expectations and projections for exhibits and attendance. Ideas were shared regarding housing, future venues and co-location opportunities for 2012 through 2013. The committee was presented with actions being taken to further expand our support for suppliers through publication and educational efforts. We provided a brief review of other SGIA events including the SGIA Business Development Conference and in particular, noted that the 2012 Printed Electronics & Membrane Switch Symposium will be incorporated into the 2012 SGIA Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center in October.

Membership Committee
SGIA Liaison: Sondra Fry Benoudiz
The Membership Committee’s objective is to create and monitor methods and programs to improve membership development. SGIA will focus on reinstating those companies that found it necessary to discontinue membership due to fiscal hardship as well as recruit new members. With leadership’s guidance, staff will continue to develop new benefits that increase member value with an emphasis on money-saving benefits. The 2012 membership marketing campaign will continue to focus on helping members make the best decisions for their business by being part of the SGIA community.

To learn more about how you can take an active role in the SGIA leadership structure, contact the Association at 703.385.1335 or sgia@sgia.org.