Printing Industry Midwest

What Printing Industry Midwest does

Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) is a not-for-profit trade association founded in 1956 that represents print, mail, and marketing service providers across five U.S. Midwestern states — Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Headquartered in Bloomington, Minnesota, PIM operates with a small professional staff (1-10 employees) led by Executive Director Kristin Pilling-Davis and is governed by a member-elected Board of Directors. The association's mission is to enhance the strength and profitability of the print and graphic communications industry through advocacy, education, safety, and environmental information.

PIM delivers a portfolio of membership-based services rather than a unified software platform. Core offerings include PIM University (over 70 on-demand webinars across 13 training modules), the Great Green Printer Environmental Initiative (a 30-year-old sustainability certification with 27 member participants), the voluntary DE&I Accreditation Program (four progressive star levels), the annual Star Awards program, group buying discounts negotiated with vendors (UPS, Grainger, Federated Insurance, Fujifilm, Kodak, Packsize, US Bank/Elavon, Basys), EHS audits and safety training, the Employment Referral Service job board, the Print Buyers Guide and PrintAccess online directory, peer councils (Financial Executives Council jointly with PIA MidAmerica, HR Huddle, Young Professionals), the Wage + Benefits Survey (covering nearly 400 firms and 15,000+ employees across North America), the PIM Education Foundation (PIMEF, a 501(c)(3) awarding $25,000 in annual scholarships), and a Government Affairs program with contract lobbyists in Minnesota and chamber-of-commerce partnerships in all five member states.

PIM's revenue model is subscription-recurring, derived primarily from tiered annual membership dues: Print Service Provider members (dues scaled to annual print and marketing service sales), Associate/Supplier members (dues scaled to employee count), In-Plant members (dues scaled to employee count), and Education members ($40 per school). Freemium monetization supplements dues through no-cost member benefits (PIM University, unlimited Employment Referral postings) and paid advertising/sponsorship opportunities (The Loupe quarterly newsletter, eLoupe biweekly newsletter, Print Buyers Guide listings, event sponsorships). Go-to-market is sales-led via direct outreach by PIM staff to prospects in the five-state region, supported by community partnerships (Goodwill/Easter Seals, Avivo, Junior Achievement, Hennepin West Education Consortium, SciTechsperience), state workforce programs (Minnesota PIPELINE grants up to $6,000 per trainee, Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative), and a 2025 partnership with Girls Who Print providing free membership to PIM members.

Name

Printing Industry Midwest

Legal name

Printing Industry Midwest

Website

https://pimw.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1956

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Printing Industry Midwest is a 501(c)(6) trade association, founded in 1956 and based in Bloomington, Minnesota, that serves print, mail, and marketing service providers across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota through tiered membership, advocacy, training, EHS services, and group purchasing.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Printing Industry Trade Association Services

NAICS

Support Activities for Printing (32312), Support Activities for Printing (323120)

SIC

Service Industries For The Printing Trade (2790)

akta.pro primary industry

Print & Peripheral Services (Managed Print, scanners, peripherals) (BPAEAIAM)

akta.pro secondary industry

Industry-Specific Technical & Certification Prep (e.g., Construction, Manufacturing, Energy) (EDAGANAN)

Keywords

• Trade association services
• Printing industry advocacy
• Workforce development programs
• Safety compliance services
• Group purchasing discounts

Headquarters

HQ city

Minneapolis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: PIM generates revenue primarily through annual membership dues from print service provider companies, associate (supplier) members, in-plant printing operations, and educational institutions. Membership dues are based on annual print and marketing service sales for print service providers, and number of employees for associate and in-plant members. Education member dues are $40 per school.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Printing Industry Midwest is a not-for-profit trade association that provides membership-based services to print service providers, suppliers, in-plant printers, and educational institutions across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Its core offerings include advocacy with state legislators and chambers of commerce, on-demand industry training through PIM University, environmental and safety compliance services (EHS audits, safety training, Great Green Printer certification), employment referral services, group purchasing discount programs, peer networking councils, awards recognition programs, and workforce development initiatives including scholarships and apprenticeship programs.

Product overview

Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) is a not-for-profit trade association serving print, mail, and marketing service providers across Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North and South Dakota. Rather than a unified software platform, PIM offers a portfolio of membership-based services including: PIM University (on-demand training webinars), Group Buying Discounts (negotiated vendor discounts), Great Green Printer Environmental Initiative (sustainability certification), DE&I Accreditation Program, Print Buyers Guide & Membership Directory (print and online via PrintAccess), Star Awards program, Women in Print events, Employment Referral Services, EHS Audits, Safety & Environmental Training, Marketing Services, Operations Improvement Services, Sales Coaching, Peer Groups & Councils, Wage + Benefits Survey, PIM Connect Library, Paper Drive, Scholarships, Government Affairs advocacy, and Girls Who Print Partnership. These services collectively support the printing industry's workforce development, operational excellence, compliance, networking, and business growth.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• PIM University On-demand industry training webinars and course modules for PIM members covering topics such as new employee orientation, sales, press operations, prepress, bindery/finishing, and various printing specializations including wide format, direct mail, transaction printing, publication printing, packaging, and in-plant printing. Features over 70 on-demand webinars across 13 course modules.
• Group Buying Discounts Exclusive member discount programs negotiated with third-party vendors covering credit card processing, insurance, industrial supplies, mailing/shipping, office supplies, equipment, and business services including 401K, HR platforms, and utilities management.
• Great Green Printer Environmental Initiative Voluntary environmental certification program recognizing print companies committed to sustainable and responsible printing practices. Participants must complete annual EHS compliance audits and pursue beyond-compliance projects to reduce waste, increase energy efficiency, and create safer workplaces.
• PIM DE&I Accreditation Program Voluntary diversity, equity, and inclusion accreditation program designed to create foundational changes in recruiting, hiring, and training practices. Awards stars (Commitment, Aim, Momentum, Excellence) to participating organizations that meet defined DE&I benchmarks.
• Print Buyers Guide & Membership Directory Annual printed and online directory connecting print buyers with PIM member printing companies. Includes basic free listings for members and enhanced paid advertising options with expanded company information, equipment listings, and capabilities.
• PIM Star Awards Annual awards program recognizing excellence across the graphic communications supply chain. Includes Professional of the Year Awards (Creative, CSR, Financial, HR, Manager, Production, Sales & Marketing, Young Professional, Team of the Year) and Printed Project Awards with Best of Show recognition.
• Women in Print Luncheon Annual networking event bringing together women in the printing industry for professional development, inspirational speakers, and peer connection. Includes lunch, door prizes, and gift bags.
• Employment Referral Services Job board connecting print employers with qualified candidates in the graphic communications industry. Employers can post openings and search resume databases; job seekers can post confidential resumes.
• EHS Audits Environmental, Health and Safety compliance and management systems audits to minimize regulatory fines, reduce EHS risks, and lower workers compensation costs. Includes quarterly compliance check-ups and corrective action planning.
• Safety & Environmental Training OSHA-compliant safety training programs including Right to Know/Hazard Communication, Lockout/Tagout, Hazardous Waste, PPE, Fire Extinguishers, Ergonomics, CPR/First Aid, and Forklift/Powered Industrial Truck train-the-trainer workshops. Tailored to company needs and production schedules.
• PIM Marketing Services Customized marketing services provided through partnership with Bubble & Hatch, offering email marketing, content strategy, direct mail, social media, website management, collateral and sales tools, and client data assessment for print service providers.
• Operations Improvement Services Operational consulting through partnership with StrateX to improve delivery performance, cash flow, flexibility, and confidence. Includes gap identification, supply chain management, plant layout, production scheduling, and a 24-session online operations training series.
• Sales Coaching, Training & Speaking Sales enablement services led by Kelly Mallozzi including Sales Enablement Audits, monthly Power Briefs on Marketing/Sales/Culture, end-to-end sales hiring and onboarding support, and coaching/mentoring for sales, marketing, and leadership professionals.
• Peer Groups & Councils Networking groups including Financial Executives Council (FEC) for finance professionals, HR Huddle for human resources practitioners, and Young Professionals (YP) Group for industry members aged 22-45. Provides collaborative learning and peer connection opportunities.
• Wage + Benefits Survey Annual comprehensive survey on labor costs and HR policies covering nearly 400 firms and 15,000+ employees across North America. Provides regional and national data on specific industry positions, wages by metro area, and detailed employee benefits analysis.
• PIM Connect Library Member-only digital resource library providing access to webinar recordings, regulatory and legislative updates, financial templates, and survey results. Accessible through member login portal.
• Government Affairs Legislative advocacy program with contract lobbyists in Minnesota and partnerships with state Chambers of Commerce. Monitors environmental, health, safety, and postal regulations, provides testimony, and keeps members informed through weekly legislative session updates.
• Workforce Development Initiatives Strategic workforce development programs including Minnesota PIPELINE Press Operator Grant (up to $6,000 per trainee), Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI) funding, Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) grants, and community-based organization partnerships for recruitment.
• PrintAccess Online platform mirroring and expanding on the printed Print Buyers Guide, allowing members to maintain company listings year-round with equipment listings, capabilities, promotional images, video galleries, and awards/certifications badges.
• PIM Education Foundation (PIMEF) 501(c)(3) foundation supporting workforce education and development in print and marketing communications. Provides funding for job training programs, industry evangelism, career fairs, scholarships, and dislocated worker programs.
• Paper Drive Annual community outreach program in partnership with Lindenmeyr Munroe collecting surplus paper from member printers for donation to Minnesota educators and schools. Includes member drop-off and teacher pickup components.
• PIM Scholarships Education Foundation-funded scholarships for students pursuing degrees in Graphic Communication and print-related majors. Includes Press Operation, Print Management, Graphic Design, and other print-related degrees for students from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.
• Girls Who Print Partnership Partnership with Girls Who Print organization providing free membership to PIM members, including access to private community platform, industry education, mentorship, and career development resources for women in print.

Quantifiable outcome

• 270 industry professionals attended the 2026 Star Awards Banquet
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

30 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Girls Who PrintcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with the largest global professional network for women in print and graphic communications, powered by Deborah Corn and Kelly Mallozzi. PIM members and their employees receive free membership in Girls Who Print, including access to private community platform, industry education, mentorship, and career development.
• Lindenmeyr MunroecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPaper Drive partner and host for 47+ years. Hosts the annual Paper Drive event at their Fridley, MN location where teachers receive free paper donations from PIM member printers.
• StrateXcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNationwide operations improvement service provider (35+ years) partnered with PIM to help members improve delivery performance, cash flow, flexibility, and confidence. Specializes in working with printing companies from 20 employees to national giants.
• Bubble & HatchminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNationally known marketing service provider engaged by PIM to support business development and integrated marketing needs of member print and graphic communications companies.
• Minnesota Dual Training Pipeline ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMinnesota state program that identified press operator as a high-growth, high-wage occupation, making PIM member print service providers eligible to apply for PIPELINE grants up to $6,000 per trainee.
• Easel TrainingminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerTraining partner providing consulting and training in eLearning, web, and creative markets, as well as reseller of Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional web conferencing and training solution.
• New HorizonsminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerWorld's largest independent training company helping to inspire students and companies to become more productive and successful.
• Goodwill/Easter SealsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based organization preparing un- or underemployed people for careers in specific industry sectors. PIM partnered to add Printing to their list of supported industries, providing candidate pools for member recruitment.
• AvivominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity-based organization preparing un- or underemployed people for careers. PIM partnered to add Printing to their list of supported industries.
• Hennepin West Education ConsortiumminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHigh school Work-based Learning and Youth Apprenticeship Program providing students with experiences and skills for future careers. PIM supports connecting member employers with students.
• Minneapolis Career PathwaysminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Minneapolis funding program assisting employers with recruiting, training, or preparing un- or underemployed residents. PIM partners to support CBO partners Goodwill/Easter Seals and Avivo.
• SciTechsperienceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternship program providing companies with assistance finding qualified candidates and $1:$1 matching grants (up to $2,500) to cover 50% of intern wages for STEM majors.
• Junior AchievementminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPIM teams up with Junior Achievement to promote entrepreneurship and career education in K-12 schools, with volunteers teaching print industry-related curriculum.
• Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPIM works with MN DLI and MN DEED to update registered apprenticeship programs for commercial sheetfed and bindery positions through the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI).
• PIA MidAmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint program partner for the Financial Executives Council (FEC), a joint program between Printing Industry Midwest and PIA MidAmerica supporting financial professionals in the industry.
• Iowa Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly updates sent to PIM members during Iowa legislative sessions. Part of PIM's government affairs advocacy efforts.
• Minnesota Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly updates sent to PIM members during Minnesota legislative sessions. Part of PIM's government affairs advocacy efforts.
• Nebraska Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly updates sent to PIM members during Nebraska legislative sessions. Part of PIM's government affairs advocacy efforts.
• North Dakota Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly updates sent to PIM members during North Dakota legislative sessions. Part of PIM's government affairs advocacy efforts.
• South Dakota Chamber of CommerceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWeekly updates sent to PIM members during South Dakota legislative sessions. Part of PIM's government affairs advocacy efforts.
• SignificansminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSupporting partner for PIM's Wage + Benefits Survey, the most comprehensive annual survey on labor costs and HR policies of print-related companies covering nearly 400 firms and 15,000+ employees.
• PrintAccesscoreTechnology or IntegrationOnline platform where PIM's Print Buyers Guide is also available online, making it easy for businesses to find trusted printers and print suppliers. PIM uses PrintAccess information to create the printed guide.
• US Bank / Elavon Payment SolutionsminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup buying partner offering credit card processing with card optimization tools that can reduce interchange by .40% or eliminate 80% of costs with automated surcharge.
• BasysminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup buying partner for credit card processing, offering personalized payment processing solutions for PIM members.
• GraingerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorIndustrial supplies distributor offering PIM members discounts from minimum 5% up to 17% on popular categories through the PIM Grainger Program.
• UPSminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGroup buying partner offering PIM members savings up to 30% on ground shipments and 50% on UPS Next Day Air and Worldwide Express services.
• Federated InsuranceminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBusiness insurance provider (commercial and personal lines including property/casualty, work comp, auto, umbrella, life, disability, estate planning, business succession) available to PIM members.
• FujifilmminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive buying program for PIM members offering savings on entry, mid, and production print digital toner solutions, wide format, continuous feed, B2 inkjet solutions, and pre-press automation.
• KodakminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorExclusive rebate program available for PIM members on digital press solutions.
• PacksizeminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCustom box solutions partner that waives machinery install fee for PIM member companies, allowing organizations to make right-size shipping boxes at the exact time needed.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Others

• Two Sides North America: Non-profit promoting the sustainability and responsible use of print and paper. Thematically adjacent to PIM's Great Green Printer Environmental Initiative and overlapping member base of print service providers.
• Idealliance (now part of PRINTING United Alliance): Industry association focused on standards, certification, and training in graphic communications. Comparable in certification/training focus but operates at the national/international level rather than regional.

Regional players

• Pacific Printing Industries: Regional printing trade association serving Oregon, Washington, and Alaska. Comparable in scope and service mix (advocacy, training, group benefits) but operating in a different U.S. geography from PIM.
• Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA): Regional trade association for printers in Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Directly comparable in member services (group benefits, education, advocacy) and adjacent geography to PIM's Midwest footprint.
• Printing Association of Florida: Regional trade association serving Florida printers. Provides analogous training, networking, and advocacy services to PIM but in a distinct Southeast geography.
• Graphic Arts Alliance: Alliance of regional printing industry associations coordinating resources across multiple U.S. regions. Comparable peer offering shared services that parallel PIM's training and benchmarking work.

Direct peers

• PIA MidAmerica: Regional printing trade association serving Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Tennessee. Direct peer already co-runs the Financial Executives Council with PIM, indicating directly comparable services (advocacy, training, networking) for an overlapping member base of print service providers.

Broad incumbents

• PRINTING United Alliance: National trade association for the printing and graphic communications industry formed from the merger of Printing Industries of America and SGIA. Broader incumbent with overlapping education, advocacy, and events offerings across the entire U.S.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PrintingMW
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCWifBUWjPsoRoUeb37RbxeQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/PrintingIndustryMW
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/4038088

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Printing Industry Midwest