COURIER CORP. -- Textbook Example

"We've been a little more resistant to the recession because we only manufacture books," Nichols adds. "Magazine printing, for example, is dependent upon advertising revenues. Some of our competitors are major players in other market segments, some of which have been hit the hardest."

Courier has also reaped the benefits of a strong, complementary relationship with Book-mart Press, which it acquired in 1997. Founded by current President Gary Gluckow and his father, Seymour, Book-mart Press engenders an altruistic love of its trade, developed by its founders and fostered by Courier. Gluckow and his wife, Michelle (also Book-mart's executive vice president), are driven by their affinity for the printed word and have remained with the Courier team due in large part to their shared philosophy in areas such as company culture.