Driving Progress Through Connection and Advocacy

Michael Marcian, CEO, Corporate Communications Group

Reflecting on his year as PRINTING United Alliance chair, Michael Marcian sees tremendous value in bringing printers together and amplifying their voice. He believes industry collaboration and advocacy are key to addressing ongoing changes and ensuring a strong future.

PI: How has the last year been as chair of PRINTING United Alliance? What was the most profound aspect of the year?
Marcian: For me, the most profound part of the last year was being able to realize and witness a successful show. Regarding this year’s Expo, we’ve experienced a continued ‘lift’ in participation and have maintained the high level of enthusiasm we saw in Las Vegas. I would say another key development I’ve seen from the Alliance is the launch of iLEARNING+, which is really gaining momentum, based on the adoption we’re seeing. It’s good to see people embracing that program. The Alliance is also doing great things in advocacy. In the last year, in fact, several Alliance board members met with members of Congress, so we’re seeing momentum there, too. My company is located near Washington, D.C., so advocacy is near and dear to my heart.

PI: What has your time as chair meant to you professionally, and as a person working to drive the progress of the printing industry forward?
Marcian: Serving as chair has been a huge honor. As you may know, my father was a past chair of PIA, and I’m grateful to have been able to volunteer and serve the industry for the past 15 years. From a personal standpoint, the time I’ve spent with past and current officers of the Alliance has been invaluable. It’s created professional and personal relationships for me that will last decades. And everyone at the Alliance has such high levels of professionalism and passion for the industry.

What has changed in the broader printing industry? How about in the commercial sector? What have you learned about other segments that helps your business?
Marcian: I think the amount of M&A activity we’re seeing is causing a change within our industry, and it’s taking place regardless of what the economy is doing. Whether you see that as a good thing or a bad thing, the larger companies are getting larger. I think the way other printing segments have influenced our business is we have a greater awareness of them. We have a large agency, and our printing services may meet only part of what the customer wants. So, opening my eyes to other segments has helped me understand where they can go for those other services. 

What is the value of a strong industry association like PRINTING United Alliance, and why should printers of all stripes be involved. What has it meant for you?
Marcian: Advocacy is certainly a big piece of what it takes to support an industry, and there are so many instances where a printer or person in our industry needs help with regulatory compliance — safety advice, HR advice, healthcare advice — and the Alliance has experts who can help. The bigger our brand, the bigger our voice. Also, access to training is a strong benefit.  When you look at the cost of Alliance membership, it has infinite value if you take advantage of all it has to offer.