Graphic Arts

PITTSBURGH—June 12, 2007—As we continue to encourage students to pursue careers in graphic communications, it becomes increasingly important to provide them with a firm foundation of knowledge of the field as a whole. PIA/GATFPress’s newest release, Introduction to Graphic Communication by Harvey Robert Levenson, Ph.D., aims to do just that. Dr. Levenson, the department head of Graphic Communication at California Polytechnic State University, authored Introduction to Graphic Communication specifically for students, but given its broad-based approach to graphic communication, its contents can be just as helpful to any professional who wants to gain a more thorough understanding of graphic arts, printing, design, publishing, and related

WASHINGTON, DC—June 8, 2007—The U.S. Department of Commerce recently announced its affirmative preliminary determination in the ongoing anti-dumping (AD) investigation of imported Coated Free Sheet (CFS) paper, setting rates ranging from 23 to 99 percent in China, 0 to 30 percent in South Korea, and 10.85 percent in Indonesia. Following the March announcement of affirmative preliminary determinations of tariffs in the concurrent Countervailing Duties investigation, this is yet one more blow to domestic printers sure to be impacted by pricing and supply dynamics of the CFS paper market. The investigation was initiated by one U.S.-based paper supplier, NewPage Corporation; the industry as a whole

PITTSBURGH—June 7, 2007—The Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) announced the formation of a Center for Lean Practices to assist members with the implementation of Lean Manufacturing practices. The Center will provide consulting, training, publications, and a speaker’s bureau. The association reports that printers are increasingly recognizing the power of applying quality systems to their operations in an effort to reduce defects, expose wasted resources, and improve throughput. Lean Manufacturing is one way for members to meet client demands for faster turnaround, and stay cost competitive while protecting profit margins, according to PIA/GATF. Lean’s focus on driving out waste is also seen as

Prepress and Press Capabilities Are Enhanced THREE RIVERS, MI—DeGraaf’x Inc. has streamlined its workflow with a new five-color Heidelberg Printmaster PM 52 perfector and Prosetter P 52 platesetter, as well as several elements of Heidelberg’s Prinect workflow system, including Signa Station, Printready System and MetaDimension. Marek Dives Into Digital WAUKESHA, WI—Tamara Marek, president, and Fuzzy Marek, CEO, purchased a new Kodak Digimaster EX138 system, a NexPress 2500 press and NexGlosser glossing unit for their printing operation, The Marek Group. The digital technology was installed to help the company handle its expanding Web- to-print business. CALIFORNIA CARLSBAD—L + L Printers installed

When in Rome. . .Do as the Printers ROME—There’s been a marked increase in the number of vendor-specific industry events—mini trade shows, open houses and road shows—held in recent years. They provide stages (some even international) for new product introductions and briefings on how these companies see the state of affairs. HP recently brought hundreds of customers, press people and analysts from around the world to Rome during the run of its 2007 Graphic Arts Summit. Highlights included the introduction of two new seven-color HP Indigo press models (5500 and 3500), a near-line UV coater and a large-format printer targeted to print service providers

PIA/GATF announced the recipient of its 2006 William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award. Stuart McMichael, former president of Arlington, VA-based Custom Print, was selected for his significant contributions toward environmental awareness, education and best practices in printing. He helped transform Custom Print into a totally “green” operation. Tony Mangabat has joined the Graphic Arts Association (GAA), Trevose, PA, as its new environmental, health and safety (EHS) manager. Mangabat will assist GAA members with EHS and compliance issues, including navigating through the regulations, interpretations and guidance documents. Printing and Imaging Association of New York State, based in Amherst, NY, announced that it is expanding

RESTON, VA—April 23, 2007— The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation (GAERF®) is pleased to announce that it will offer nearly $25,000 in scholarships to the top graphic communications students in the country who participate in the SkillsUSA Championships, to be held June 20-22 in Kansas City, MO. GAERF will award $250 to each of the two graphic communications SkillsUSA state winners who go on to compete in the national championships. “GAERF is committed to supporting programs that prepare the workforce of the future,” said Ralph J. Nappi, GAERF President. “In this spirit, we are delighted to recognize our industry’s most talented students, and

BOSTON—April 17, 2007 -- At an awards ceremony this afternoon, Questex Media Group, Inc. announced the winners of the On Demand Best of Show Award program. InfoTrends, a leading market research and consulting firm in the digital imaging and document solutions industry, partnered with the On Demand Conference & Exposition to produce the awards program. The On Demand Conference & Exposition is taking place this week at the Boston Convention & Exposition Center. The On Demand Best of Show Awards were judged in eight categories. One Best of Show award was presented in each of the following categories: Bindery, Finishing and Mailing

Label Art has enhanced its online ordering capabilities (www.labelart.com). Customers can use this new service to place catalog orders, upload artwork, view proofs and track the status of their orders 24/7, with an automatic notification of shipment when the order is complete. IWCO Direct, a national provider of integrated direct mail solutions, has joined the growing membership of The Print Council. As a member, IWCO adds its support to the alliance of companies dedicated to increasing the market for printed materials. Grand Junction, CO-based Colorado Printing is expanding its presence into Arizona, and it has hired veteran print sales rep Paul Mullen to help

Economics, markets, technology and people; no print-related business can succeed these days without excellence in managing all four of these areas. RESTON, VA—03/14/07—This fall, the 12th edition of EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK® themed, “The Printers’ Success Quartet: Economics, Markets, Technology, People”, coming on the eve of GRAPH EXPO® in Chicago, IL, will give industry executives the knowledge and tools they need to score high on these critical yardsticks. EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will take place on Saturday, September 8, 2007, at McCormick Place. The year’s foremost printing, publishing and converting trade show opens the next day for a four-day run. “EXECUTIVE OUTLOOK will once again focus on