Printing Impressions November 2011 edition
‘Jonesing’ for Some Sales –Farquharson/Tedesco
Some 90 percent of all first-time sales calls go without any follow-up action. We call once. We stop by once. We send one e-mail. After that, we get busy with quoting, estimating and plant tours, and before you can say ‘Gutenberg,’ any possibility of momentum is lost.
A Fulfilled Workforce Costs Less in the End –Michelson
Despite national unemployment rates that continue to hover above 9 percent, many printers still lament how difficult it is to find, and keep, skilled workers. Printing plant closures and staff downsizings due to the prolonged recession have alleviated the problem to some degree.
ACROSS the nation
Commercial printer equipment installations and other news from Printing Impressions’ November 2011 edition, featuring items on Lithoprint Corp. and Northeastern Envelope.
Faking Gift Cards Is Easy, Says Weezie –Cagle
Police in Augusta, GA, are on the lookout for a criminal who made off with thousands of dollars in jewelry from a mall in that city, courtesy of phony Visa gift cards. The WJBF ABC affiliate reported that police are on the hunt for a known suspect, whose name we won't use since he has not been charged with a crime (or captured) as of press time.
Phoenix Expands With All Out Asset Purchase
The Phoenix Group has debuted its new Midwest facility, Phoenix-Veterans Print Corp. in Chicago. The firm will be bolstered by the assets acquisition of Woodridge, IL-based All Out Print Communications, with a number of that company’s former executives managing the new Phoenix-Veterans Print facility.
PRINTER news
Commercial printer company and personnel news from Printing Impressions’ November 2011 edition.
Printing’s Best Workplaces : The Cream of the Crop
There is a select group of companies in the printing industry that take an aggressive approach to offering working terms and conditions that attract and keep valued employees. How does your shop stack up against them?
QR Codes, NFC Square Off
Even before QR codes and NFC officially square off, there’s a movement to already dub NFC “The QR Killer.” Google instigated the matter in March 2011 when it announced it no longer would be supporting QR codes in Google Places and would be using NFC instead.
Quad/Graphics Closing Plants in Two States
Quad/Graphics Inc. will cease production at its Richmond, VA, and Stillwater, OK, facilities as part of its ongoing plan to integrate operations following the company's acquisition of Worldcolor. A total of 365 employees combined will be impacted by the closures.
Secret Ingredients Revealed –DeWese
It was entirely coincidental that two of my long-time readers lifted a quote from my September column and produced a t-shirt bearing the quote. You remember the words—a one, a two, a three, “90% of success is showing up with a little talent.” So sayeth Harris DeWese, circa 2011.
Standard Invests $7M in Software, Digital Printers
Standard Register is adding to its brand communications capability and capacity with approximately a $7 million investment in digital color production and color management that will allow it to offer a high level of critical color production and distribution.
Study: Print Products Most Threatened by Digital Media
Ron Davis, Printing Industries of America vice president and chief economist, has released a financial report focusing on the long-term future of print and print markets. The report explores how leveraging multiple functions of print can increase the longevity and viability of a printer’s success in the marketplace.
SUPPLIER news
Commercial printing industry supplier company and personnel news from Printing Impressions’ November 2011 edition.
UPFRONT
Commercial printing industry news briefs, including items on GRAPH EXPO 2011, Henry Wurst, Jackson Printing and Mailing, Macomb Printing and RR Donnelley.
Waste Handling Systems: Paper’s Special Delivery
Paper recycling lacks the sexiness of a new press. Ever get jealous about the size of your competitor's baler? Didn't think so. Sure, it is a necessary evil, but if your shop prides itself on quality and attention to detail, then you can't short-arm your paper handling system requirements.
