UPFRONT
GAERF Launches Education Push
RESTON, VA—The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation has begun distributing educational information about the printing industry to 65,000 high school teachers and guidance counselors across the country as part of the Make Your Mark in Graphic Communications program. The program, which has the potential to reach six million U.S. high school students, consists of a kit that includes teachers' curriculum and counselors' guides, posters, student brochures and follow-up surveys. The program is aimed at introducing and enticing young people into careers in the graphic arts fields.
Mail-Well Names Group Head
ENGLEWOOD, CO—Mail-Well Inc. announced Gordon Griffiths has been named president and CEO of the Mail-Well Print Group. Griffiths previously served as president and COO at St. Joseph Corp., one of Canada's largest commercial printers. He also spent 18 years with Quebecor Printing. Griffiths replaces David Blue, who left the company to pursue other interests.
New Facility for Webtrend
SANTA ANA, CA—In order to better serve its Southern California and national clientele, Webtrend announced it has moved some of its operations to a recently acquired plant here in Orange County. The 63,000-square-foot facility now houses the company's executive, sales and administrative personnel, along with print production operations. The company will continue to maintain its Vista, CA, branch for fulfillment purposes.
Bookspan Acquires Inserters
HANOVER, PA—Bookspan, a direct marketer of general interest and specialty book clubs, announced it has ordered 10 Buhrs BB300 envelope inserting systems to enhance mailing capabilities at its facility here. Bookspan, which operates approximately 50 book clubs, is a partnership between Doubleday Direct (owned by Bertelsmann AG) and Book-of-the-Month Club Holdings (owned by Time Inc.).
Instant Web Creates Three Posts
CHANHASSEN, MN—Printing and mailing specialist The Instant Web Companies announced it has filled three new positions. Dan Axelson was named finance director, a position that combines accounting and treasury functions. Mary Hyland assumes the role of director of business services and oversees estimating, purchasing, billing and sales analysis. Joseph Guttman is the company's new estimating manager.
Commonwealth Gets Digital Units
LOUISVILLE, KY—Three presses were acquired by Commonwealth Printing to augment the company's procurement of a new facility in Riverport, KY. The company purchased three Heidelberg presses, including a six-color Speedmaster 74 DI with coater. The pressroom overhaul was completed with the addition of the Speedmaster 102 and a Quickmaster 46, according to Mike Hewitt, company president and COO.
RRD Names Portland to Post
CHICAGO—R.R. Donnelley has named Michael J. Portland as its executive vice president and chief marketing and development officer. He previously served as vice president and general manager of Ashland Distribution's service businesses division.
Exec Printing Adds Fulfillment
MARIETTA, GA—Executive Printing has opened a 40,000-square-foot full-service fulfillment, distribution and warehouse facility, the company announced. The new plant, dubbed REACT!, features an open office environment to facilitate kit packing and the fulfillment of printed products. The service includes Web-based, real-time inventory control and ordering, as well as comprehensive reporting capabilities for clients.
FLM Graphics Adds Speedmaster
FAIRFIELD, NJ—FLM Graphics has completed installation of a new six-color Heidelberg Speedmaster CD 102 press in its expanded facility here. The CD 102, considered the company's "flagship" press, complements two other Speedmaster models there—a six-color, 28x40˝ and a five-color, 28x40˝ press. The press is a critical component in supporting FLM's value proposition initiative to provide as many quality performance options to its customers as possible, notes Frank Misischia, FLM CEO and founder.
Quebecor, Agfa-Gevaert Team Up
MONTREAL—Quebecor World and Agfa-Gevaert jointly announced that the companies have reached an agreement on the deployment of the jointly developed Agfa Delano software in several Quebecor World printing and prepress operations. The partnership was forged when Quebecor World asked the prepress manufacturing specialist to create a Web-enabled, server-based software suite to facilitate communication and process management between prepress and print professionals, creative parties and customer support personnel.
Vertis Merges Two Divisions
SAN FRANCISCO—Integrated marketing and advertising solutions specialist Vertis has consolidated its San Francisco premedia and photography services into a single location. As part of the move, Vertis Advertising Production Services will move certain personnel and services from its premedia facility to the creative photography studio, which will provide enhanced creativity and greater control of images. Additionally, Vertis will integrate expert photography with a full range of premedia services, including proofing and project management.
Garcia Honored by SBA
IRVINE, CA—Luis Garcia, president of Prime Mover, has been named a finalist for the 2002 Small Business Person of the Year award by the Santa Ana district office of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Garcia, who founded Prime Mover in 1986, was honored at an awards luncheon May 16 as part of a nationwide salute to small businesses.
