BOHEMIA, NY—“FTA is strong, your voice matters, and the future is bright!”  Nathan Ridnouer, the organization president, made that declaration in opening its first-ever Town Hall, orchestrated to brief membership on the association’s strategic directions. The event, staged virtually, Wed., April 16, was recorded and is available for any member to watch at will.  

“We’re working every day to improve your member experience, expand the value you receive, and ensure that this association continues to serve as the voice, community builder, and the champion of the flexographic industry,” Ridnouer assured listeners. 

“Today, we are tackling several operational challenges head-on. We are making enhancements that improve our programs and services. We’re laser-focused on increasing the value that each of you gets from your membership. And like the flexographic printing industry itself, our association community is resilient, innovative, and always evolving.” 

Speaking to recent actions, Ridnouer noted, “We’ve launched a new community to complement the success of Women of Flexo—it’s called LIFT, which stands for Leaders Inspiring Flexography’s Tomorrow. LIFT is designed to elevate emerging leaders in our industry and provide meaningful connection and mentorship opportunities.” 

FTA’s president further reported, “We’ve enhanced FLEXO Magazine, which is now in its 50^th year, by launching FLEXO eNews, a biweekly digital newsletter designed to deliver timely updates and industry news right to your inbox.” 

“Let’s not forget FIRST,” he proclaimed. “Did you know FIRST—Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances–was first conceptualized 30 years ago. Today, FTA thrives with on-demand training and certification programs.  In fact, nearly 10,000 industry professionals have used FTA’s Virtual Campus that launched 10 years ago. “

Ridnouer promised, “With new leadership at the helm of the Technical Education Services Team (TEST), we will be expanding our services to include more live, online education offerings.” Specifically, he said, “A new ‘Selling Flexo’ course is planned for customer service and sales professionals. Additional in-person training, where FTA brings FIRST certification and curriculum to you, is also in the works!” 

Turning attention to more immediate endeavors, Ridnouer explained, “This year, FORUM INFOFLEX will include daily keynotes with big-picture insights; concurrent educational sessions to ensure that no matter your role, there’s content tailored to you; and expanded networking opportunities–in and around an exhibit hall packed with the industry’s top solution providers. We’re making it part education, part business, and part reunion for this tight-knit community.” 

Foundation of FTA Board Chair Laura Wright observed, “Periods of transition are a great time to re-examine where you are, where you have been and where you are going.” She referred to FTA members as, “Amazing, dedicated people, passionate about the industry.”  

Wright delivered he message that under Board leadership, “FTA is making a concerted effort to respond to the changing needs of the industry. The ultimate goal—focus initiatives on serving printers and converters, providing training, advocating for best practices and moving the industry forward. As an organization, our core values remain centered around education and training.”

“We’re developing technical resources, expressing the collective voice of the package printing industry and providing the community support it demands and deserves.”  

Paul Teachout, FTA Board chair, publicly described FTA as, “Made up of more than 1,000 member locations touching more than 35,000 individuals,” during the Town Hall.

He too remarked about its solid foundation, technical knowledge and ability to bring appreciated information to the masses.

Teachout noted that FTA itself is designed by charter to make printers/converters better; more efficient, productive and profitable.

 “We’re expanding our reach a bit to embrace the broader package printing market. As the industry evolves, FTA will support its growth. The community is large, and we’re set to welcome new additions.”

Teachout maintained, “This year in Pittsburgh—as FORUM INFOFLEX 2025 unfolds–we will see new production levels, new guest speakers deliver curriculum that you want to hear, see and experience.

The objective, according to FTA’s Board chair: “Create opportunity for engagement—establish one community where everyone collaborates and networks to gain knowledge and move forward. Bring forth trends and analysis to map our futures.  I’m excited about FTA’s evolution.”

As the day concluded, members themselves offered reaction. One labeled the proceedings a “great way to improve communication to the members and keep everyone up to date to the changes to the organization.”

Another remarked, “Love to hear these ideas and focus. Excited to see the changes!” Others chimed in and said, “More things like this would be great,” and “Kudos to FTA for making it happen!”