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We're excited to share that Publishers' Graphics has been featured on the Independent Publishers Guild (IPG) blog! The post outlines six practical strategies for independent publishers looking to grow their North American customer base—covering everything from global vendor partnerships to keeping backlist titles in print with POD. . https://lnkd.in/eYDjgU5R
Every year PG is proud to be a small part of the West Chicago Police Department's Torch Run for the Special Olympics - and this year, the donuts were sweeter, the coffee more delicious, and participating meant that much more, as the son of a member of TeamPG not only participated in the Special Olympics, but brought home some fancy new hardware!
TeamPG participates in Jersey Mike's Annual "Day of Giving" - the last Wednesday in March each year, all Jersey Mike's locations donate 100% of their sales to local charities, with this year's emphasis on community healthcare resources, youth outreach, food banks and additional local organizations that aim to bridge the gap in available resources and provide overall support to their communities. Since its inception in 2011, Jersey Mike's has raised over $113,000,000 for local charities, and TeamPG was more than ready to jump at the chance to contribute to an amazing campaign and thank our employees for all they do with delicious sandwiches, chips and desserts. Both our Chicago, IL and Earth City, MO locations participated and are happy to know that we were able to help those in need and fill the bellies of our hard working employees - and having some fun at the same time! Way to go, Jersey Mike's, for continuing to value community outreach - positively impacting our communities is a value TeamPG shares with you!
Our latest employee survey results are in and....improved scores across the board and some exciting new things to focus on more! Our scores: Relationships (enjoying coworkers, feeling comfortable, confidence knowing you have coworkers you can count on) --> 4.9/5! Personal Motivators (clarity in how one's particular role contributes to the success of the company) --> 4.8/5! Happiness (I am enthusiastic about my job) --> 4.2/5! And Company Motivators (receiving adequate praise and recognition for work) --> 4/5! We are really hitting the gas pedal with employee recognition, development, and engagement programs so the next time around we are hitting those 5/5s!! Stay tuned for more...
Good organizations understand that their employees are the most valuable assets a company has...great organizations don't just understand, they talk the talk and walk the walk. PG is beyond grateful to each of our employees and never want to miss a chance to recognize each employee's contributions, milestones, and accomplishments. Our monthly birthday and anniversary celebrations, employee recognition awards, performance, holiday, birthday and anniversary bonuses are AMAZING, but at PG, we don't stop at amazing - this Friday, March 7, 2025, Publishers' Graphics will observe National Employee Appreciation Day and will be closed at all locations. To each and every PG employee, thank you for your dedication, enthusiasm, hard work and remarkable talents you bring everyday. We hope you enjoy your time off and long weekend!
Thoughts from our VP, Kathleen Lewis. In 1984, I joined the Nicholstone companies and began a lifelong career in the book industry. At Nicholstone and later at Lake Book Manufacturing, I had the honor of being involved is some of the most beautiful books that were printed and bound in the USA. Nicholstone produced beautifully bound leather books with gilded edged and hubbed spines while Lake Book produced beautifully printed, sewn and crafted books with floral inlaid endsheets. In 1996, starting a company that only produced black text and 4 color process soft covers, was a huge compromise in quality and excitement. Being limited to the most basic form of book printing and manufacturing seemed like a boring way to make a living. Boring would not be how I describe the 29-year-old company known as PG. Quite the opposite! With every opportunity, improved quality printing equipment, quality papers and additional binding styles have been added to our array of offerings. Why? Because my business partner, friend and husband, Nick Lewis, knew my love for and shares it with me, for beautifully printed and bound books. As technology has progressed, so has the quality of print, the ability to print on beautiful paper, and now, we are adding the process of Smyth sewing to our hardcover book production for POD. Yes, PG will produce one off books with the option to sew the signatures. This exciting for the quality of the binding, and the process also opens up new opportunities.
At PG, giving back to our communities is a very valued part of our mission and values - and we are kicking off 2025 by donating to Heat Up St. Louis, which aims to assist St. Louis residents in paying utility bills, especially heat during the season's cold weather! In addition to purchasing two breakfast sandwiches for each employee, PG donated directly to the organization the amount equivalent to having purchased the same number of breakfast sandwiches three additional times! That's close to $400 that will be given to local residents, and it's still only January - stay tuned for more updates related to our dedication to philanthropy and giving back.
This year, we're gearing up to expand our premium bookbinding options with the upcoming addition of Smyth sewn binding! Known for its exceptional durability, lay-flat design, and timeless elegance, Smyth sewn binding is perfect for high-end publications such as journals, coffee table books, and archival-quality materials. This binding method offers a superior reading experience and long-lasting quality that sets your projects apart. What makes Smyth sewn binding special? Long-lasting durability – built to withstand years of use. Lay-flat design – ideal for hands-free reading and writing. Sophisticated craftsmanship – perfect for premium publications. PG already prides itself on making high quality books for its customers, but with this addition to our offerings, we expand our reach and offer our employees an opportunity to develop their book making skills further into works of art.
At PG, we know how valuable every member of our team is to our organizational success. We are proud to say that more than 65% of our employees have been with the company for at least 4 years, with almost 50% over 10 years!
Publishers’ Graphics will complete its FSC certification in the first quarter of 2025. This timeline allows our automated systems to be updated for material usage and spoilage, as well as training in the FSC procedures for materials handling. Publishers’ Graphics goal is to only have FSC materials in inventory by March of 2025, so transitioning will be complete by the time of our audit. Publishers’ Graphics currently uses a majority of FSC materials; however, sometimes a conflict occurs between purchasing locally to reduce carbon emissions and using FSC materials. PG has been buying locally sourced boards, but these are not FSC. To buy the FSC boards, the shipment must come from Michigan. FSC certification confirms PG’s commitment to manufacturing books with earth friendly, sustainable materials.
