Training and Education

by chris bauer Managing Editor Companies that fancy themselves as being on the leading edge of technology have to keep their employees as well-trained and up-to-date as possible. While it is not always feasible to send employees off-site to attend training programs, other options are available. Computer-based training opportunities, such as popular Webinar sessions, are available from industry associations, vendors and even printers. They allow attendees to learn the latest industry skills without taking time out of the work environment or having the company foot the expenses involved with traveling. "Webinars are becoming a more popular option for all industries—not just printers—because of the

PHOENIX—The weather may not have cooperated, but that didn't dampen the spirits of the 265 people who attended the National Association for Printing Leadership (NAPL) Top Management Conference, held here last month at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort. Even Andrew Paparozzi, NAPL's chief economist, gave a largely sunny forecast in his state-of-the-industry report that kicked off the meeting. Signs that the industry is rebounding: sales increases for four consecutive quarters among NAPL's Printing Business Panel, reports that profitability and pricing levels are up, as well as the fact that printers are hiring again. This, in part, fuels his projections that commercial printing industry sales

By Kristen E. Monte Associate Editor Many children dream of growing up to become a doctor, movie star or even President of the United States. But how many kids imagine life as a printer? As one of the largest segments of American manufacturing, printing provides for a workforce of more than 1 million jobs and annual revenues in the area of $150 billion. There is not a day that goes by, on average, without some sort of contact with graphic communications. An explosion of opportunities is pushing the industry to new heights, and with it comes the need for a highly skilled labor force.

By Erik Cagle Senior Editor Traditionally, DRUPA has always created an east-to-west breeze; hence, whatever new technology or technologies made a splash in Germany at the world's largest printing exposition generally carried over to its North American counterpart, Graph Expo and Converting Expo. The problem is, there's really not a hot new technology that has everyone abuzz. But that will hardly dampen enthusiasm when the doors of McCormick Place swing open to about 40,000 attendees from Oct. 10 through 13. It might not take a new technology to bolster the show. The one trend that stuck out at Drupa, according to Bill Lamparter, president

RESTON, VA - Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) reports it already has sold more exhibit floor space at the upcoming GRAPH EXPO and CONVERTING EXPO 2004 than ultimately was sold figure for the 2003 show. The event will be held October 10-13, 2004 in Chicago's McCormick Place Complex. According to the show company, the floor plan was expanded three months ago to accommodate an influx of requests for booth space. It expects the current floor plan to be sold out completely come October. The show's Mailing & Fulfillment Center has been expanded to double its previous size (in 2003). The Wide Format Pavilion

The Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) are contained in 49 CFR parts 171 through 180. Research and Special Programs Administration (RSPA) amended the HMR in conformance with amendments to the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Law that required the DOT to regulate the training of all hazardous materials (hazmat) employees. Training to meet these requirements will increase a hazmat employee's safety awareness and be an essential element in reducing hazmat incidents. Hazmat employee refers to an employee that directly affects hazmat transportation safety, including: * Loads, unloads or handles hazmat; * Tests, reconditions, repairs, modifies, marks or otherwise represents packagings as qualified for use in the

PALM SPRINGS, CA—This year's annual GATF/PIA Presidents Conference—Decision Point 2004—will, for the first time, also incorporate the Binding Industries of America (BIA) annual meeting. The joint meeting will take place here March 10-14. Presidents Conference 2004 will include general sessions that represent more than 20 topics. Industry leaders will be able to explore the keys to building new business and enhancing current business in areas such as postal partnering strategies and the value of MERLIN; new technology offerings; first-hand industry accounts of decision points to change the course of business; and options on new value-added services like mailing, fulfillment, as well as

BY Kristen E. Monte Associate Editor At first glance, Glen Mills Schools might be mistaken for a prestigious private school, with its gated entrance, steep hills and buildings dating as far back as 1826. It is not until you explore the campus that you realize this is a residential facility for troubled youth. Glen Mills Schools, located in Concordville, PA, approximately 20 miles southwest of Philadelphia, is the oldest residential school for court-referred young men in the country. Founded in 1826, it is home to boys, ages 15 to 18, from all over the U.S. and several other countries. The fundamental concept

CHICAGO—Moore Wallace recently held its "Beyond Ink on Paper: An Integrated Print Solutions Event." "Beyond Ink on Paper" is a seminar designed by Moore Wallace to broaden corporate attendees' knowledge of printing and print management technologies. It showcases the company's spectrum of total print management products and services through workshops and displays, highlighting forms, labels, commercial printing, direct mail, business communications outsourcing, distribution services and @winXS, Moore Wallace's e-commerce tool. "This continues to be a highly successful forum that brings together current and prospective clients with our experts to gain understanding and perspective of the entire Moore Wallace portfolio of integrated print solution tools," states

DOVER, NH—Heidelberg Web Systems recently completed a $5 million modernization of its Customer Training and Technology Center, located here. Begun last November, the new training center now includes a static lab for hands-on training on freestanding printing units; a folder lab equipped with three fully operational folders and a Contiweb splicer; and, most notably, a new wing with a fully operational printing tower from a Heidelberg Mainstream newspaper web press. Additional teaching assets include an XCalibur VLF thermal platesetter consigned by Agfa; and related equipment and materials from Agfa, QTI, Baldwin, Böttcher, Sun Chemical, AWS, Rima and Heidelberg postpress. As a result of the