About PAF
Member Benefits
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Customer referrals are a key element to business development. PAF members have an important advantage over their non-member peers in the industry through a dedicated support system that promotes business referrals. Each day, PAF fields calls from potential printing buyers and refers these callers to member companies. A PAF member also gets the advantage of being part of our statewide member-to-member network. These efforts are further supported by member coordinators in the field who, in addition to serving our members' needs, promote their growth and profitability through personal one-on-one contact and referrals. This service is exclusive to Florida's Printing Association and is currently not duplicated anywhere in the nation.
Another significant source of business referrals to PAF members is PrintAccess - PAF's Internet print buyers guide containing information about members' products, services, and equipment. It is a complete resource for print buyers in Florida and nationwide and represents a powerful marketing opportunity exclusively for PAF members.
EMPLOYMENT REFERRAL SERVICE
PAF members have access to our Employment Referral Service when they're looking for qualified industry employees. People with graphic arts experience and those who are looking to enter the field can post their resumes for inclusion in the service. Those currently employed by PAF members are not eligible to participate.
PAF members seeking to fill managerial, prepress, press, bindery, sales, and all other related graphic arts positions can search on the applicant database, view submitted resumes, and even post position openings on a 24/7 basis through the "Members Only" section on PAF’s web site – all as part of their membership.
We’re old fashioned when it comes to personal service, and so members who wish us to do the data base searching or posting of an opening can simply call us at (800) 331-0461, and we’ll take care of it.
TECHNICAL AND MANAGEMENT CONSULTING SERVICES
Membership in the PAF now provides automatic membership in the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) at no additional cost. This new and powerful expansion of benefits means that world-class technical services and programs are available to PAF members, such as hot-line access to technical advice, training, research, information about the latest technology, and skills standards and certification processes.
Environmental and safety compliance issues top the list of concerns expressed by Florida printers and suppliers. The Printing Association of Florida responds to these issues by providing unbelievably low-cost mock OSHA and free environmental audits for its members. These services are provided by highly skilled experts who are experienced in the industry. PAF's other consulting services include answers to production concerns, human resources management, financial problems/solutions, and sales development. To better answer our members' needs, PAF conducts a Training and Education Survey annually and has developed a database of programs related to the industry. This database provides access to training resources and publications, helping members profit from new emerging technologies.
SLOW-PAY/CREDIT INFORMATION EXCHANGE
Through membership in PAF, our members have available a number of programs designed to make the most of their money. The Slow-Pay/CIE tracks the payment record of print buyers with chronic delinquency problems. Participants in the program will have online access to a confidential report that may prevent them from extending credit to these at-risk customers. PAF members may find out more about this program by completing our contact form and asking for information about the Slow-Pay/Credit Information Exchange.
FINANCIAL SERVICES
The Printing Association of Florida Benefits Network (PAFBN) provides consultants that may help you with succession, estate, and financial planning. In addition, PAF's South Florida members can join the Sentinel Credit Union. The Credit Union offers checking, savings, and loan programs designed for PAF members.
COMPARATIVE INDUSTRY INFORMATION
PAF offers a wealth of industry information that is useful to companies of all sizes and specialties. You'll be able to evaluate new opportunities in the Graphic Arts industry or spot ways to improve your profitability by comparing yourself to companies of similar size and type.
GROUP DISCOUNTS
Saving money can be as important as making money. By negotiating savings and group discounts that make the most of our large membership, PAF provides:
- Disability, and Life Insurance Programs
- Free and low-cost seminars and training
- Free access to videos, tapes, and books from the PAF library
- Discounts on books and materials from the PIA/GATF Bookstore
- Free legal consultation for simple matters
- Discounts on overnight delivery of parcels and mail
- Special rates on credit card acceptance
- Discounts on pre-employment personality testing, customer satisfaction studies, and government print/bid solicitation services
- Reduced prices on Xerox® Equipment & Supplies and more
POLITICAL VOICE
The PAF/PIA Government Affairs team provides a direct voice with Florida legislators in Tallahassee and Washington, conveying the Graphic Arts Industry's position on vital issues. Each year, PAF produces an industry Annual Report for the Florida State Legislature citing facts and figures about Florida's #1 manufacturing industry.
The PAF/PIA team has a track record of achieving outstanding legislative results on behalf of the graphics industry. An example of PAF's legislative effectiveness is our successful elimination of taxes on capital equipment and preparatory materials (e.g., film and plates) for printers. This is on top of PAF's instrumental role in eliminating taxes on electricity and equipment repair (parts and labor) for printers. These unprecedented accomplishments have saved printers millions of dollars.
COMMUNICATIONS
Through its marketing and publications programs, PAF plays a key role in growing the graphic arts industry in the state of Florida. Some of the best printing in the country is done here, and Florida is one of the top four industry performers in the nation.
Our monthly publication is Graphics Update, a four-color "megaletter" that combines the short, snappy style of a newsletter with the color and graphics of a magazine. The publication helps to educate the industry, the public, and government about the size and impact of the graphic communications industry in Florida. The latest trends and topics are also covered, keeping readers on the cutting edge of industry developments.
The GraFAXupdate is a fax newsletter issued and designed to provide late-breaking news and comments.
Targeted press releases regularly appear in Graphic Arts Industry media and help to increase awareness of Florida's largest manufacturing industry.
TRAINING AND EDUCATION
PAF is Florida's foremost resource for graphic communications training and education. Each year, hundreds of industry professionals attend PAF-sponsored events. Graphics of the Americas® Seminars, member meetings, regional seminars, the Print Management Conference and special educational programs focus on upgrading the skill of technical and management staff.
We are your resource for training and education in Florida providing seminars, classes, video and computer training, books, and conferences. Many of these resources are available through the PAF library with free checkout privileges to members.
We've also developed in conjunction with the Printing Industries of America and the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation, the industry's largest knowledge base on the Internet. It's called GAIN (Graphic Arts Information Network) and it can be accessed by clicking on the GAIN logo at the top of our webpage.
To showcase the technical knowledge and skills of our member companies, PAF annually hosts the FloridaPrint Awards - a prestigious statewide graphic arts competition. Included in our event offerings, we sponsor special events like golf, tennis, and softball tournaments where members can network and socialize.
YOUR COMPLETE INDUSTRY RESOURCE
We offer over sixty services that directly impact your bottom line. Learn more about them by completing our contact form and asking for further information about PAF or call us at (800) 331-0461.