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Where's The Globe?
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Steve Bova, CAE
Executive Director
Andre Agassi, acting as a spokesperson for the Canon EOS camera, is known for saying, “Image is everything.” Findings from a recent IRgA brand perception study of the reprographics industry revealed that, while the AEC industry recognizes “reprographers” or “blueprinters” as their printers, there is not a strong connection between the IRgA and the AEC industry as partners. |
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Perception being reality, the IRgA, as an action from our findings, is beginning to position itself to enhance its relationships with organizations within the AEC community and to demonstrate that reprographics companies – especially those that are members of the IRgA – are savvy, professional managers of information that is critical to project development.
To accomplish this feat, it is advisable to do so with an identity that portrays that same message. One of the perceptions of the IRgA, from the AEC community at large, has been that our industry is stodgy and staid, and that reprographers have been somewhat less than innovative or cutting-edge leaders. While not necessarily true, this perception is typical of organizations that are 80-years-old.
In an effort to modernize our organization’s look, the IRgA Board of Directors has accepted a recommendation to eliminate the globe that was part of the IRgA’s logo. There are two important points to make regarding this decision:
1. The IRgA is not changing its international ties, but instead, is updating its look. The connection to a globe is a common element among international associations or economics firms. The image of the globe, however, has no ties to the reprographics industry and does not identify the IRgA in an unique manner.
2. The IRgA is an organization that continues its interest in creating an international community of those involved in the reprographics industry, especially as globalization becomes an ever more important business strategy. The elimination of the globe from the IRgA logo in no way should de-emphasize the importance of the international ties and relationships within our organization. While not truly an international association (one that conducts business internationally), the IRgA is an organization that is open to reprographers and industry suppliers worldwide.
Throughout the year, you will see a gradual phase-out of the globe as a graphic element. As we continue our branding efforts, more emphasis will be placed on the image of our industry and association as professional and proactive partners with the AEC community.
The IRgA welcomes your feedback through info@irga.com, or you may contact me directly at sbova@irga.com.
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Convention News
IRgA 80th Annual Convention a Success
The 80th Annual IRgA Convention and Trade Show, held May 10-12 in Orlando, Florida, was a great success with convention registration totalling more than 950 participants. With twelve breakout sessions, featuring a wide variety of industry trends and business tips, attendees were challenged to take it all in.
The presentations given during the Opening General Session on Thursday, May 11, are now available for download. Click here to download the presentation by Michael Shaw and Steve Bova on the results of the recently conducted branding survey, and click here to find the presentation given by David Watkins, entitled "12 Trends Impacting the AEC Industry."
The Trade Show was also a huge success with a total of 53 exhibiting companies. Due to limited space, six companies were unfortunately on a waiting list. However, contracts for 2007 were handed out at the show and sent to those six companies immediately afterwards. Contracts are being accepted for 2007, and companies interested in exhibiting can contact Nicole Boland at nboland@irga.com.
The IRgA would like to thank all those who have responded to our Convention survey. Results are being shared with the 2007 Convention Planning Committee this week at their planning meeting. The 2007 Convention Planning Committee is: Bryan Thomas, Thomas Reprographics, Convention Chair; Gary Wilbur, R.S. Knapp, Program Chair; and Mike Carter, Lynn Imaging. If you have any other ideas that you would like to share or if there are educational programs that you would like to see in the future, please contact IRgA at info@irga.com.
The IRgA's 81st Annual Convention & Trade Show will take place May 9-11, 2007 in Dallas, Texas. Visit www.irga.com for on-line updates as they become available.
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Industry News
International Paper Agrees to Sell Coated & SC Papers Business
International Paper has signed a definitive agreement to sell its coated and supercalendered papers business to CMP Holdings LLC, an affiliate of Apollo Management L.P. for approximately $1.4 billion, subject to certain post-closing adjustments. The coated and supercalendered papers business includes four paper mills, located in Jay, Maine; Bucksport, Maine; Quinnesec, Michigan; and Sartell, Minnesota, and generated $1.6 billion in sales in 2005. The transaction is expected to close in mid-summer 2006, subject to various closing conditions including receipt of financing, regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.
Read more...
Harte-Hanks enhances its digital printing offering through purchase of PrintSmart, Inc.
Harte-Hanks, a global direct and targeted marketing solutions provider, announced today that it has expanded and enhanced its digital printing capabilities by acquiring certain assets of PrintSmart, Inc., a full-service print-on-demand (POD) provider, located in East Bridgewater, Maryland. As a vendor to Harte-Hanks for the past five years, PrintSmart has provided certain POD services to the digital print and fulfillment facility of Harte-Hanks, which serves an array of vertical markets. Read more...
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The #1 LED Printers In Japan Are Now Available In North America! Seiko-I Infotech, the leading manufacturer of LED printers in Japan, proudly introduces a new generation of Teriostar™ printers. This new generation of wide-format networked printers and copiers produce amazingly fast prints, with excellent density and line acuity. For more information visit www.seiko-i.com.
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Cushing Announces Management Promotions
Cushing announces major management promotions. With sixteen years of experience at Cushing, Mr. Jorge Galvan has been promoted to Manager of Digital Services, which is a Senior Staff level position, and he is responsible for day-to-day management of the digital services team as well as each of the outlying shops. After eight and a half years with Cushing, Mr. David Parkes has been promoted to the Director of IT Services and will now be in charge of the IT personnel. After completing his second anniversary with Cushing, Mr. Gary Cortez has been promoted to Systems Integration Coordinator. Read more...
Roland University To Offer Graphics Workshop
Roland DGA Corporation, a leading provider of wide-format inkjet printers and integrated print/cutters, announced Roland wRAP Session, an exciting new Roland University course focused on the rapidly growing vehicle graphics market. Scheduled for July 10-11 at the Roland University training center in Irvine, California, the Roland wRAP Session will teach participants how to take a vehicle graphics job from design to installation. Attendees will learn how to get optimum results from their Roland printer, including an overview of media and laminating options. Industry professionals will demonstrate the tools and techniques involved and provide hands-on instruction in the proper way to apply digitally printed graphics. Read more...
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Alameda Company Hires New Digital Product Manager
The Alameda Company has appointed Doug Von Dollen as Digital Products Manager, in charge of the company's large-format and digital proofing media programs. Mr. Von Dollen joins Alameda with more than 20 years of experience in large-format supplies, paper converting, paper distribution, and business-to-business marketing. He brings a wealth of industry knowledge and business expertise, ranging from channel and product development to sales and marketing management. His goals are to build on Alameda's outstanding customer relationships, to expand its national distribution, and to enhance value to all its partners by providing uniquely effective digital imaging products and services. Questions, call 800/752.7843 or e-mail dvondollen@alamedaco.com.
Sepialine Appoints U.S. Eastern Region Manager
Sepialine, a leader in cost recovery solutions for service professionals, announced the appointment of Michael Becker as General Manager for the United States Eastern Region. Mr. Becker joins Sepialine from Equitrac, where he worked extensively in the cost recovery market. While at Equitrac, Mr. Becker was in charge of partner sales with Xerox. With over 20 years of experience in systems, document management and workflow, Mr. Becker will serve the Atlantic seaboard with an emphasis on the New York, Boston and Washington, D.C. metropolitan regions. With a focus on Sepialine's core industries-architecture, engineering, advertising, reprographics and legal-he will work closely with Sepialine Authorized Resellers and strategic customers to implement and educate customers about Sepialine solutions. Read more...
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Adobe Names New Chief Financial Officer
Adobe Systems Incorporated announced Randy Furr will be named executive vice president and chief financial officer. Most recently, Mr. Furr served as president and chief operating officer of Sanmina-SCI Corporation, a leading global electronics manufacturing services company. He brings nearly 30 years of experience in financial and operations management in the technology sector, was instrumental in implementing rigorous financial controls and cost efficiencies as well as corporate government compliance, and held a variety of operational and financial management positions. He will assume responsibility for the company's finance, investor relations, information services, purchasing, facilities, global supply chain management and order management organizations. Read more...
Xplor and INTERQUEST Readying Canadian Seminars
INTERQUEST, a leading market and technology research and consulting firm serving the digital printing and publishing industry, and Xplor Canada, part of Xplor International, the worldwide electronic document systems association, are partnering to conduct a series of seminars for Xplor Canada Center, Eastern Chapters, and the National Capitol Region. For more information or to register, click here.
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Inside the IRgA
2006-2007 Membership Renewal Underway
As August 1st signals the beginning of the IRgA 06-07 membership year, be on the lookout for your membership renewal notice and continue your participation in the IRgA community. Prevent a lapse in your company's membership and ensure inclusion in the printed Membership Directory! Renewals must be received by September 1, 2006. If your company has not received a notice, please call 800/833.4742 or e-mail info@irga.com.
Operating Ratio Study Now Available
The 2006 Operating Ratio Study is now available, and copies are being mailed to all survey participants. For those who did not participate, or for additional copies, order in the IRgA Bookstore for $99 for IRgA members and $249 for non-members. Click here to order a copy now.
Mounting & Laminating Courses Still Available
The M&L Seminars integrate theory with hands-on training in the latest technologies and techniques. Openings are still available for the following classes:
June 22-23 Los Angeles, CA
August 17-18 Addison, IL
September 21-22 Chicago, IL
November 9-10 Addison, IL
Reminder: class sizes are limited to 10 people. To register, click here.
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Feature
Service Schmervice!
Advance to super customer service by
following the lead of these shops
By Ed Avis
Do you keep your shop open late to finish a big job for a good customer? Do you quickly fess up when you’ve made a mistake? Do you hand out boxes of chocolates to good customers at Christmas?
Stop patting yourself on the back! That stuff’s chump change compared to what some of your colleagues are doing.
Read the July/August issue of REPRO REPORT for three stories of real customer service. When these repro pros flex their customer service muscles, customers swoon!
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For advertising information, contact IRgA Headquarters: info@irga.com or 800/833–4742. Or, click here to fill out the Advertising Information Request and information will be emailed to you.
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