The relationship between the American and German reprographics worlds was strengthened during three weeks in July, when the son of Achim Carius, the German reprographics association leader, visited the United States.
Jan Carius, 16, arrived in Chicago on July 5 and stayed at the home of Ed Avis, APDSP's managing director. While in Chicago, he interned for three days at APDSP member firm Cushing. Carius spent time in all of Cushing's production departments, including graphic design, AEC printing, and finishing. He also accompanied Cushing employees who installed window graphics in a Loop skyscraper.
Later in his U.S. visit Carius met with Doug Magid, president of BluEdge in New York. At BluEdge he learned about that company's evolving markets, including the growth of 3D printing. He also observed the company's preparations for a move to a new location closer to their AEC customers.
Carius' visit wasn't all reprographics-related, of course. He spent a week in Milwaukee with relatives of Avis' who have two sons near Carius' age, so he could experience American teen life. He also attended a minor league baseball game in Ft. Wayne, Indiana; toured historic sites -- including Woodstock -- in upstate New York; and scoured dozens of thrift shops in Chicago, Milwaukee, and New York for vintage American clothing.
The young German returned home on July 27, with stronger English skills, a better appreciation for the U.S. reprographics business, and two suitcases full of cool old T-shirts and baseball caps!