LETTERS to the editor

Skilled Labor Strikes Chord

Dear Editor,

As a member and officer of the Education Summit, I would like to be able to share the articles that appeared in Printing Impressions’ March and April issues: “Skilled Labor: Help Wanted” and “Cure for Workforce Woes.”

Both articles cut across so many of the problems that exist in the graphic communications/printing industry that relates to its skilled workforce shortage—the very issues that I deal with every day. They provided different perspectives from industry leaders.

Eileen D. Cassidy
Director, GAERF

Dear Editor,

Thank you for taking the initiative on the issues of labor, education recruitment and related areas. Your first article really covers so many of the critical challenges that the graphic arts industry faces.

At the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF), we are reminded every day of the challenges to bring young people into our industry and how our image is often portayed incorrectly.

The Education Summit Committee, which has been at work since Graph Expo ’07, will begin to make a difference in the areas that you covered. It will take several years, but this group of very dedicated industry volunteers will have a positive impact on the areas of greatest challenge.

Ted Ringman
VP of Development
PGSF

Dear Editor,

Consider establishing a training school just over the border in Mexico to prepare the very willing Mexican workers for work in our industry. A passing grade is a green card and a job interview.

John A. Gross
Technigraphics Inc.
Iowa City, IA

Dear Editor,

I would like to send a copy of your March 2008 issue, in which the article on education and training appears, to one of our local technical schools. At the urging of the Printing Industry Association of Georgia (PIAG) and some local printers, they are evaluating their printing program, and I think the article will help them see the tremendous value in creating a first-class program.

I’ll put copies in the goody bags for the students and perhaps make copies for the instructors. It might be good for the students to read about the opportunities that are available and the great need.

It occurs to me that we need to inform the instructors, counselors and administrators, as well.

Sue Rodman
Educational Foundation Director
PIAG

Dear Editor,

I enjoyed the article, “Skilled Labor: Help Wanted!”—an excellent overview of the challenges we face, and what many of us are doing about attracting new workers to the industry.

Ted Ringman wrote about the Ambassadors for Print program in Virginia, a program developed and financed by the Virginia Printing Foundation, which deserves great credit for its visionary leadership.

Thank you for recognizing the Virginia Printing Foundation’s key role.

Katie Gekker
Director Ambassadors for Print Program
Virginia Printing Foundation

DeWese Fan Club Grows

Dear Mr. DeWese,

Although I am a prepress operator/manager I never miss your column (DeWese on Sales) in PI. I’ve been reading it for years and truly enjoy it, which is a little strange due to the fact that I don’t sell anything—ever. What is not strange, I guess, is the universal message of truth, hard work and being honest with yourself.

I really appreciate where you are coming from, and I thought it was high-time I thanked you.

James Tepner
Mac Department Manager
RR Donnelley San Diego Commercial Press Plant

Dear Harris,

I always look forward to your great articles in Printing Impressions and always chuckle by the end of the read. You’re an inspiration to me, and I use your advice in growing the sales of this company every day. In a world of big corporate printing companies, many people find relief in dealing with good old country boys who deliver what we say we will deliver.

Jason Deron
Vice President
SG Printing
Waymart, PA

Kudos for Optimism

Dear Editor,

Albeit belated, but wanted to let you know how much I appreciated and enjoyed your February [Editor’s Notebook] column. It is and was a positive message during times of a lot of negative publicity.

Thanks, and I agree.

Ralph Nappi
President, NPES

We encourage reader feedback. Write to Mark Michelson, editor-in-chief, Printing Impressions, 1500 Spring Garden St., 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130; e-mail mmichelson@napco.com.