Editor's Note

U.N.I.T.E. Together to Pledge Inclusion and Diversity

An affiliation of print companies is providing the model for how to achieve it.

Published

6 months ago

October 26, 2023

Mark Kissling Signs of the Times October 2023 Issue

MANY YEARS AGO, my daughter Alex came home from college wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with “Live United.” As I had just become a fan of the English football club Manchester City (see ST, September 2023), the word “United” had become synonymous with Manchester United — City’s arch-rival. Half as a joke, half taking umbrage, I asked her, “Why doesn’t your shirt say, ‘Live City’?”

“It’s for the United Way, Dad,” Alex answered, to which I replied meekly, “Oh, okay…”

Fast-forward to Printing United 2022. Signs of the Times’ booth abutted a stage which hosted several impressive and impassioned presentations on diversity and inclusion. The group of individuals pledging “to spread the message of diversity, inclusion, equality, tolerance, acceptance and compassion within the apparel industry” formed a new group, U.N.I.T.E. Together, with the pledge above quoted from their website: unitetogether.us.

The acronym stands for Understand New Ideas Through Empathy, the result of which will hopefully strengthen diversity and inclusion efforts throughout the printing industry. U.N.I.T.E. Together will enjoy a greater presence with a booth at Printing United 2023. Drop by or visit their website to find out how your company can “embrace and celebrate all that makes us unique and demonstrate that all are welcome, valued and heard.”

The benefits both ways make it worth a look. You may be pleasantly surprised, as I was back in the day when, a few weeks later, Alex’s then-boyfriend customized a “Live City” beer mug for me. I still use it.

5 Smart Tips from This Issue

Raster Image Processors (RIPs) facilitate printing in numerous ways. (Tech Products)
When pricing, include time/material for a tweak or two within the first 90 days the client has their vehicle back. (33 Tips Every Vehicle Wrapper Should Know)
Print novelty “custom front license plates” on 3mm aluminum composite or PVC. (Novelty Idea Store)
Delegating can be scary or difficult, but it’s necessary if a business is to grow. (Maggie Harlow)
Promote an image of your company based on what you want it to be. (Dale Salamacha)

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