U.S. Representative Laurel Lee Visits DPRINT for Facility Tour
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Oct 13, 2024

On October 2, Lane K. Hickey-Wiggins, president and CEO of DPRINT and first vice chair of the PRINTING United Alliance board of directors, provided U.S. Representative Laurel Lee (R-FL-15) with an impromptu facility tour to highlight the value of print in Lakeland, Florida and beyond.     

DPRINT is a screen and digital printing company and a 3rd generation certified woman-owned business. Mrs. Hickey-Wiggins began her career at DPRINT in 2006 and managed the marketing and client relation departments until 2012 when she accepted the role of CEO from her mother, Lisa Kaiser Hickey. DPRINT has been a member of PRINTING United Alliance for more than 60 years and Mrs. Hickey-Wiggins is an active member of the Women in Print Alliance advisory council.

DPRINT has earned countless industry awards for innovation, quality, and creativity. The company was one of the first screen printing contractors to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and was named a Top 50 screen printer to the U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO). DPRINT also became Florida’s first green-certified screen and digital printing facility. To learn more about DPRINT visit here.

Congresswoman Laurel Lee was sworn into office in the U.S. House of Representatives on January 3, 2023. Rep. Lee serves on the House Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. Her focus on these committees includes government accountability and transparency and protecting our nation from threats both abroad and at home. Laurel, a graduate of the University of Florida, has served as a circuit court judge and federal prosecutor. Prior to her election to the House, she served as the Secretary of State under the DeSantis Administration. For more information on Rep. Lee, visit here. 

During the tour Rep. Lee learned about the opportunities and challenges facing the printing industry. Mrs. Hickey-Wiggins discussed two critical issues facing the printing industry. First, she explained the importance of preserving the advertising tax deduction. Every dollar spent on advertising and marketing by Alliance members is fully deductible from federal corporate income tax as an "ordinary and necessary" business expense, as advertising is deemed essential to business. The Alliance works tirelessly to preserve the full federal deduction of advertising expenses.

Second, Mrs. Hickey-Wiggins described the importance of maintaining the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) as a key delivery channel for print and packages. USPS is an essential service that is part of the nation's critical infrastructure, delivering mail to every address in the country, making "last mile deliveries" to rural addresses. As a member of Keep US Posted and the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service, the Alliance strongly advocates for an affordable and reliable U.S. Postal Service.

Rep. Lee also gained insight into print’s vast economic footprint and learned about the industry’s innovation, sustainability, and societal benefits. We appreciate Mrs. Hickey-Wiggins and DPRINT for hosting the tour, and we are thrilled to have gained a printing industry advocate on Capitol Hill.    

If you are interested in hosting an elected official at the federal, state, or local level of government, please send a message to govtaffairs@printing.org. The Alliance will provide you with resources and guidance, and it is a fantastic way to build relationships and promote your business. 

 

Business Florida
Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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