Graphic Arts

By Kristen E. Monte What a difference a year makes. When Mary Garnett was named executive director of the Web Offset Association (WOA) a little over a year ago, she had high hopes for what the organization could do for web offset printing companies. So far, she has proven herself to be an effective leader of the organization. Mary Garnett Garnett took over the position with WOA, a special industry group of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), in February 2004. She immediately got to work on some of the major concerns that confronted the industry as a whole. She says that

Buhrs, a producer of mailing and fulfillment solutions, has announced its intention to enter the market for FSI collating and wrapping systems for the newspaper industry. Buhrs has appointed Don Piontek, of Finishing Resources, to develop its presence in the market. John Kia has been named manager, production product marketing, for IBM Printing Systems. Also, Chris Reid has been named commercial print solutions manager. In this capacity, he is responsible for worldwide output solutions customized for commercial printers, including service bureaus, direct mailers and book printers. FileAmerica, a custom file folder manufacturer, is celebrating its 30th year serving the trade in the printing industry. Formerly known

Having emerged from the recent election with the first popular vote majority since 1988 and firmer control of Congress, George W. Bush is pushing ahead with some of the programs he championed during the recent campaign. Top of the list is a restructuring of the nation's creaking Social Security scheme, followed by reforms of America's tax and tort systems. All three reforms, however, will face stiff opposition from powerful, and entrenched, interest groups. The crisis in Iraq continues to sap Mr. Bush's political capital, as the Iraqi elections look less and less likely to quell the insurgency. America's economy will remain strong, despite widening deficits

Leadership Award Bestowed at Show MIAMI BEACH—Warren Wilkins, president of Webcom Limited, was named Graphic Arts Leader of the Americas, North America for 2005 by the Printing Association of Florida (PAF) during Graphics of the Americas. Associates Graphic Services (AGS), Wilmington, DE, a provider of digital and traditional printing, has announced the acquisition of DocuSource, a producer of digital printing and variable data personalization. Cary Printing, Cary, NC, has hired Brant Chesner to fill the new position of operations manager. He formerly worked at Quebecor World Kingsport. Also, Sidney Copeland is the new vice president of digital printing. Copeland is the former co-owner of digital printing facility

American Loose Leaf has appointed Cindy Stevenson as the new production manager for its St. Louis facility. Stevenson has more than 30 years of experience in the ring binder industry and has been with American Loose Leaf for 20 years. John MacKay has acquired all outstanding shares of Feuiltault Machinery from its founder, Martin Feuiltault. Mr. Feuiltault will remain with the company as a member of the company's technological orientation committee. MacKay will assume the position of president. International Paper's 2005 Best on Press Awards will feature $14,000 in prizes to 21 winners. Work printed on IP brands during the 2004 calendar year is eligible for

DETROIT—To increase the efficiency of its premedia operation, Brophy is implementing the Kodak Polychrome Graphics Matchprint Virtual Proofing System. The SWOP-certified monitor proofing solution uses customized CRT displays and proprietary color management technology. (www.brophy.com/www.kpgraphics.com) ENGLEWOOD, CO—Cenveo is launching eCENergy, a Web portal providing access to a suite of online solutions designed to automate and streamline transactions with customers. Users can securely log in to a custom branded site, then choose from a menu of applications that currently includes an online print ordering and fulfillment system (eCatalog), soft and remote proofing, and digital asset management. (www.cenveo.com) NORWALK, CT—A steady stream of

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 MARK SMITH Technology Editor There were no mysterious bulges, but maybe the occasional exacerbated expression and a testy moment or two during "The Great Debate: JDF—Reality or Hype?" session at Executive Outlook 2004 in Chicago. This "debate" between Frank Romano, industry consultant and Professor Emeritus at Rochester Institute of Technology, and James Harvey, executive director of CIP4, actually started with an exchange of opinion pieces published by OnDemandJournal.com. As entertaining as these exchanges have been, Harvey says he's not interested in repeating the debate since the questions have been asked and answered. He sees more value in the industry moving on to discussing

Michael H. Bruno, February, 1911 - January, 2005 By Frank Romano "Printing was my vocation for all my working life. Ninety years of my life were spent in the 20th century. I had the good fortune of being where the action was during the most active period since printing was invented. This was the last 64 years of the 20th century." Mike Bruno died peacefully in his sleep this week at the age of 93. He is survived by his wife Gilda, his son J. Michael and daughter Donna Eltoft. Mike will always be considered the father of the American printing industry. In 1925 his mother died at

At Graph Expo, Kodak Polychrome Graphics (KPG) donated a Kodak Approval NX digital color imaging system to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). David Hohman has been appointed vice president and general manager of Rycoline, a manufacturer of printing supplies based in Chicago. Rycoline was recently acquired by Sun Chemical. Hohman has been with Sun Chemical for 13 years, serving in operations management. John Strottner has joined Akiyama International as regional sales manager. He will be based at the company's Cerritos, CA, headquarters. Baldwin Technology announced that Mark Becker and Gerald Nathe were re-elected to the company's board of directors. Also, Takayuki Miyaoku was elected as