The Graphic Finishing Industries of Illinois was founded almost one hundred years ago, formed by a group of trade finisher owners and leaders desirous of finding a common ground to better serve their clients.

The Graphic Finishing Industries of Illinois was originally known as the Employing Bookbinders Club of Chicago. The Employing Bookbinders Club was established around 1910 by Fay Rickard, the grandfather of Jack Rickard, Harold Volkert and the father and uncle of Frank Liedtke, Sr.  A picture of the Club’s 1929 Annual Meeting, held at the old Stevens Hotel Ballroom, hangs on an office wall at Rickard Circular Folding, cherished along with many memories of the years gone by. Attendees of that Annual Meeting numbered over two hundred. The Printing Industry of Illinois came into existence in its present form in 1927, after the GFI’s original beginnings. The GFI became an association of the PII organization in the mid-1960’s and the name of the group was officially changed to Graphic Finishing Industries of Illinois in 1970. The name change occurred at a meeting at the Como Inn in Chicago, a historically graphic arts industry hangout, by the Club committee consisting of John Mascari, Sr., Peter Broustis, Alan Hagio, Jim Niesen and Jack Rickard.

Thus, from its small beginnings in Chicago, the GFI membership has grown, along with its purpose and goals. GFI has reached an all time pinnacle of success. The GFI actively serves its membership through programs consisting of educational seminars, networking events and pro-active support for the trade finishing industry.

The GFI is a Special Industry Group of the Printing Industry of Illinois/Indiana Association. As such, GFI members also enjoy membership in Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation. GFI members are also eligible to join the Binding Industries of America, the international trade association for the post-press industry that is a Special Industry Group of PIA/GATF. The GFI actively supports legislative efforts aimed at improving the economic well-being of the entire graphic arts industry. As always, GFI’s overriding goal is to attain an ever-higher level of service to the industry and its members.

The nation’s entire graphic arts industry is welcome to utilize our website to the fullest extent. We invite your comments, both positive or negative. If you see where we can improve our site, please e-mail our office with your comments.