PrintImage International—formerly the National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP)—has announced a cooperative program being conducted with the DePaul University Office of Applied Innovation, to determine and meet the needs of Chicago area quick printers for entry level employees. Copy shops, quick printers and small commercial printers in the greater Chicago area were polled by the association recently to determine their need for and concerns regarding entry level workers. The survey was designed to assist DePaul University in developing programs for displaced workers and those moving from welfare to work. If successful, the resulting program will be used as a model by PrintImage International for use throughout the quick printing industry.

In announcing the joint effort, PrintImage International executive director David J. Steinhardt commented: "Quick printers across North America, like many other small businesses, have a great deal of difficulty recruiting and retaining entry level workers in today’s era of low unemployment. PrintImage International is cooperating with DePaul University to develop training and welfare-to-work programs which will benefit both our members and the community. With the cooperation of civic leaders, programs such as these can strengthen the printing industry while benefiting the very markets printers serve."

Tracy R. Poyser, manager of employer and industry relations at the DePaul University Office of Applied Innovation, added: "Our success with programs such as these is rooted in our strong partnerships with industries and employers offering promising entry level and career opportunities for local residents, creating jobs in the community, for the community. Through our extensive post-placement services, we have dramatically increased retention rates for these workers. In addition, we help employers take advantage of Work Opportunity Tax Credits and other federal and state funds for on-the-job training. We look forward to working with copy shops, and quick and small commercial printers, on a much larger scale, and are excited about adding PrintImage International to our growing list of prominent industry partners."

The DePaul University Office of Applied Innovations has operated for more than 20 years, and is funded through a variety of city, state and federal sources including a major Department of Labor grant for its Bright Future welfare-to-work collaborative. Although direct service delivery is concentrated in Chicago, the office provides services throughout Illinois and the United States. The programs support the DePaul University urban and Vincentian mission of lifelong learning and equal access to quality education.

Formed in 1975 as NAQP, PrintImage International provides services to more than 2500 quick print, copying, and small commercial printing members, located in the United States, Canada and several foreign countries. Members include both independent printers and franchise businesses, and the focus of the organization is on smaller, entrepreneurial printers and owner-operated businesses. Through working relationships with other graphics and print communication organizations, PrintImage International advances the interests of the industry domestically and internationally. The association produces the annual PrintImage Expo for the graphics and allied industries. Information regarding the association is available by calling 800.234.0040 or 312.321.6886, or from the association website at http://www.printimage.org.