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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Last Call for Papers Announced for TAGA's Annual Technical Conference | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, August 21, 2008 -- The Technical Association of the Graphic Arts (TAGA) is making its final call for papers for the 61st Annual Technical Conference. Papers on emerging science, technology, and application of all forms of graphic technology and printing processes are invited. The conference will run March 15-17, 2009, in New Orleans at the Hotel Monteleone. The scope of the conference encompasses topics such as fundamental science, color, materials, computer modeling, MEMS, electronics, and workflow. Papers that include the innovative application or evaluation of technology in the graphic arts are also encouraged; however, papers of a commercial nature should not be submitted. Papers will be accepted and presented based on abstracts of 300 to 500 words, which may include figures. Prospective authors should include an outline of the work and summary of the findings within the abstract. Accepted papers will be presented at the conference and published in the prestigious 2009 TAGA Proceedings.
TAGA is a leading source of technical research for the graphic communications industry, worldwide. The Annual Technical Conference is attended by research professionals and academics from several countries around the world, representing all aspects of graphic media -- from electronic and nanotechnology to traditional ink and paper applications. The annual proceedings and the peer review journal are widely referenced information sources. To submit a paper or to get more information on TAGA or the Annual Technical Conference, visit www.taga.org/2009. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| New Scholarship Named in Honor of Brian W. Gill Announced at PGSF | ||
Pittsburg, PA, August 19, 2008 - The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) is pleased to announce that a new scholarship has been named in honor of industry veteran Brian W. Gill. This scholarship is funded through a significant donation from the Employing Printers Education Trust (EPET). The Trustees of EPET, under Chairman Charles Pecher, have elected to honor the group's long- time advisor, Brian W. Gill. "Brian's dedication and guidance over the years has helped many printers in their quest for managerial excellence. It is only fitting for Brian to be honored for all that he has given to the graphic communication industry," stated Pecher.
"PGSF is very pleased to participate in this honor for Brian W. Gill," says Ted Ringman, vice president of development for PGSF. "This endowed scholarship is funded with a gift of $100,000 and will provide over $5,000 financial assistance to a deserving student each year. In fact, this is part of the overall commitment of the EPET Trustees to provide almost $700,000 to help fund industry educational scholarships through PGSF. Currently, this endowment is providing seven Gutenberg-level $5,000 Scholarships to help support graphic communication education." |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| 59th Annual Premier Print "Benny" Awards Recognize Print Communications Excellence | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, August 18, 2008 - The world's largest and most prestigious graphic arts competition, the Premier Print Awards - symbolized by the Benjamin Franklin "Benny" trophy - attracted over four-thousand entries before judging was completed in June, sponsor PIA/GATF said today. The annual international contest recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of print communications; promoting excellence and rewarding companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media. 2008 Premier Print Awards sponsors are Adobe Systems, Inc., Canon U.S.A., Heidelberg USA, Hostmann-Steinberg, Inc., Kodak, Komori America Corporation, Verso Paper, Utica National Insurance Group, and Xerox Corporation. Best of Category winners will be present to receive the coveted Benny Awards and meet with guests at the Premier Print Awards Gala being held at the Chicago Marriott on the Magnificent Mile. Guests will also view entries that garnered Awards in the Gallery of Winners. Registration begins at 6:00 pm on the evening of October 26. Michael Makin, PIA/GATF President and CEO, says that "On behalf of PIA/GATF, our 11,000-plus member companies, affiliates and partner organizations around the world, we congratulate the Premier Print Award winners. Their Benny Awards are irrefutable evidence of their graphic communications excellence. The winners and all the entrants are now part of a rich, 50-year tradition representing the continued vitality and quality of the print industry." www.gain.net under programs and services, awards and recognition. For information on the Gala and the Awards, contact Sara Welsh, PPA Coordinator, at 1-800-910-4283 extension 705 or swelsh@piagatf.org. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Package Printing, Second Edition Explores New and Expanded Subjects | ||
| August 13, 2008, Pittsburgh, PA - PIA/GATFPress is pleased to announce the release of the second edition of Package Printing by Dr. Nelson R. Eldred. The book contains important updates to help packagers remain competitive in this growing field. While much of packaging has remained the same in the last thirteen years, several aspects of the process have changed. The printing practices of the 1990s as well as the volume of various packaging and printing markets are two such evolving components. This latest edition of Package Printing reflects the changes brought about since the book's initial release and focuses on several topics, both new and old, including:
Many current issues relevant to package printers are covered in this informative industry resource including: health, safety, the environment, recycling of printed packages after use, total quality management (TQM), just-in-time (JIT) manufacture and delivery, and much more. Dr. Nelson R. Eldred is an independent graphic arts consultant headquartered in Tampa, Florida. He received his doctorate in organic chemistry from Pennsylvania State University. For Union Carbide Corp., he set up a study of chemicals for paper and ink manufacture. Later, he served GATF (now PIA/GATF) as Supervisor of the Chemistry Division and as Manager of Techno-Economic Forecasting. Dr. Eldred has written extensively for both technical and trade journals, holds several patents, and presented numerous seminars and workshops on paper and ink. Package Printing, Second Edition (Item #1755) is available for $99; PIA/GATF members pay just $75. This and all of PIA/GATFPress's nearly 200 publications are available online at www.gain.net, or by phone (toll-free 866-855-4283), fax (301-393-2555), or mail (200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143).
About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with over one million employees. It serves the interests of more than 11,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATFâs Color Management Conference, Celebrates 10th Anniversary with Special Retrospective | ||
âThe conference is a great place to get information from the color management experts who are deeply involved in the latest technologies. It is the biggest collection of the best minds in the industry.â âThis is a unique event that brings the highest level users, marketers, and engineers together in a way that allows for the technology to move to the next level, continuing to improve color quality, and make it easier for all involved. Every year we walk away energized, and the next year we come back amazed that the Conference gets even better. Iâm privileged to have the opportunity to contribute to this 10th Anniversary celebration.â Pittsburgh, PA, August 12, 2008âWhere were you ten years ago? Tony Blair was named prime minister of the U.K., 15-year old Tara Lapinksi took the gold at the Nagano Japan Winter Olympics, the U.S. Dept of Justice sued Microsoft, and Google was born. If you were involved in the print industry, chances were high that you or someone from your company was at the first PIA/GATF Color Management Conference. In celebration of 10 years of technical education and exclusive networking that has been widely applauded by printers, prepress professionals, and vendors alike; PIA/GATF will host a special general seminar session, "Color Management 10 Years Back and 10 Years Forward - How Times Have Changed," at the 2008 PIA/GATF Color Management Conference being held in Phoenix, Arizona, from December 7-9. Three veteran color crusaders - all premier color experts in their own right - will reflect back on a decade of technical education at the PIA/GATF Color Management Conference, and then move well into the future of color management technology. âItâs nice to give back to something that has given so much to the industry. So many of us have benefitedâcoming together with other people who understand, or want to understand more, about colorâwhile forging tremendous relationships for our companies and for ourselves. Itâs a pleasure to look back with PIA/GATF on ten years of a phenomenal conference that keeps getting better.â "The PIA/GATF Color Management Conference has been a true constant in our industry; where you can always count on experiencing the best in color management education and networking, Iâm proud to join my trusted peers in looking back at the last decade, as well as offer my thoughts on what the next ten years in color management will bring. Based on the tradition of the event, Iâm looking forward to a very stimulating, thought-provoking session." Dave Hunter will cover how color technology has changed, with some aspects having become obsolete since the Conference's inception. He will bring the audience with him as he recalls the groundbreaking presentations, technologies, and company changes that affected the way the industry viewed and worked with color management information. Steve Upton and Dan Caldwell will present a variety of predictions and expectations on where Color Management technology is headed based on interviews with color management consultants, printers, educators, and self-proclaimed gurus.[1] The session is scheduled to take place at the Color Management Conference on Monday, December 8, and will be followed by a vendor reception and a 10-year anniversary celebration to mark the event. For more information, visit: www.piagatfcolor.org. Addendum 2008 PIA/GATF Color Management Conference
Color Management 10 Years Back and 10 Years ForwardâHow Times Have Change Speaker Biographies Dave Hunter Hunter has been involved in the evolution of electronic publishing over the last fourteen years. He has been in a position to help direct the rapid development of technology to ultimately provide graphic and print professionals with faster, less expensive, and more productive tools that get work done. Hunter began his work in this field in 1984 with Intran, a Minneapolis-based company that created electronic publishing software on a mini-computer. In 1986, he became the fifth person hired in the Aldus Corporation sales force. He advanced his career at Aldus for eight years, helping to introduce TrapWise and PressWise to the marketplace. In 1994, Hunter founded Pilot Marketing Group, an organization that researches, tests, markets, and trains on technologies targeted to graphic and print professionals. He has an extensive background in graphic software applications, scanners, color theory, color measurement, color management, workflow, print production, prepress software, and associated hardware products. Hunter has been used as a consultant and trainer for companies such as Apple Computer, Xerox Corporation, Imation, and Radius Corporation. He has been hired to test numerous color management products for both creating profiles and applying profiles. Dan Caldwell Caldwell has over 22 years experience in the prepress and graphics industry. He has been the Vice President, Operations for Integrated Color Solutions since February 2001. Prior to ICS, from 1994 to 2001, Caldwell was the Vice President at Color Solutions, Inc. Together with Franz Herbert, he was a co-founder of the Company and was instrumental in the startup, design, and marketing of the ColorBlind® brand. From 1992 to 1994, he held various positions at PrePress Technology. From 1992 to 1993, he was a Technical Salesman, specializing in scanning and color control software for all computer platforms, and from 1993 to 1994, he was the Product Manager responsible for the development of OEM products. His experience with color reproduction started with traditional camera color separations using filters. From there he worked on the original drum scanners in the early 1970s. He co-founded and became general manager of one of the fastest growing color trade shops in Southern California in the mid-1980s. His achievements in the industry included managing prepress for Newsweek magazine at RR Donnellyâs Los Angeles printing facility during the transition from traditional film to satellite data transmission. He integrated a traditional color trade shop to the desktop with custom software and hardware configurations. He is a regular speaker on color management issues at Seybold, DIMA, Macworld, Nexpo, Ifra, IPA and many other trade related events. Steve Upton Steve Upton is the creator of ColorThink and ColorThink Pro, a co |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Job Description Database Reaches 200 on GAIN | ||
Job descriptions are an essential management tool for any business. They are a guide for recruiting, interviewing, evaluating performance, setting company performance and safety standards, motivation, performance management, and regulatory compliance. However, writing or updating job descriptions is no easy task, even for a Harvard MBA grad. Thatâs why PIA/GATF collects various job descriptions from the printing industry and publishes them free to our members on GAIN. Not only are there 200 job descriptions available from receptionist, to press operator, to truck driver, (and almost everything in between) but members can benefit from seeing various types of styles and formats that their peers are using in the industry now. Plus, there is an article from the PIA/GATF Human Relations Department on who to write a job description along with a job analysis form. PIA/GATF members can view the GAIN Job Description Database on GAIN. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Builds Online Social Networking Presence | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, August 6, 2008âIn an effort to increase the online presence of the printing industry,
Anyone can connect to Membership in these profiles and groups is not associated with membership of Additional Resources:
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| 2008 InterTech⢠Technology Awards Recipients Detailed Information Now Available | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, July 23, 2008âPrinting Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is pleased to present detailed information on the 2008 PIA/GATF InterTech⢠Technology Award recipients. Twenty-eight nominations were submitted from twenty-one domestic and international companies, and ten innovative technologies were selected to receive the award. The independent panel of InterTech judges deliberated over a unique cross-section of technologiesâfrom consumables to MIS systems to large-format printing. Innovative advancements in technology were demonstrated in the form of digital press design, prepress content and color control, flexographic printing material, and value-added print processes. Process efficiency was a prevalent characteristic among many entries; submissions contained solutions to automate production steps, provide in-line process control, and manage production. A technology review booklet showcasing all twenty-eight of the current yearâs entries will be produced by Graphic Arts Monthly for release in Fall 2008; the booklet will also be available on www.intertechaward.com. For more information about the InterTech⢠Technology Awards, contact Eric Neumann, PIA/GATF Research Manager, at 412-259-1819, intertechaward@piagatf.org, or visit www.intertechaward.com. The 2008 InterTech⢠Technology Award recipients are: Alwan Dynamic DeviceLinks Alwanâs Dynamic DeviceLinks technology applies highly sophisticated color management and quality control to standard PDF-based workflows. It evaluates the components of an individual PDF, identifying all elements, including color description and color spaces. Each object within the PDF is also analyzed for its CMYK surface and ink consumption. This âintelligent color preflightingâ ensures perfect color from any input space to any output spaceâall with faster makeready, stable printing, maximum economy, and minimum waste. Dynamic DeviceLinks technology powers Alwanâs CMYK Optimizer family of applications, which allow prepress companies and printers to check, as well as automatically and dynamically correct the color spaces and ink weight characteristics of files before printing. The technology works in all print environments, including gravure, offset, and digital. The judges praised Dynamic DeviceLinks for ink savings and noted that its ability to solve color conversion problems for the digital press is far ahead of the competition. EskoArtwork Neo EskoArtwork Neo is a stand-alone native PDF 1.7 viewer and editor that provides the production tools needed to assess and edit multi-page PDF files. With an intuitive interface, every element of the PDF, including text, images, and other graphic objects, can be positioned and reworked as if Neo were a full-blown design applicationâbut all within the PDF file. Users also have the ability to add separations, edit text with paragraph reflow, and transform object and image content. In addition, Neo contains an optional, interactive trapping function. Every function in the Neo toolkit is targeted to support quick turnaround and meet tight deadlines. Compliant with Certified PDF, this application is highly beneficial for printers that run fully native PDF workflows and need to check files as a quality control. Neoâs high points for the judges were speed, on-the-fly functionality, and the ability to build and manipulate PDFs without restriction. POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems Through automatic loading, turning, aligning, and cutting of paper lifts without manual intervention, Heidelbergâs POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems allow for faster throughput with less operators while achieving higher quality standards. Lower back issues and carpel tunnel complaints usually come from handling paper lifts around a stand-alone paper cutter or conventional systems. With P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems, cutting becomes an automated processâoperators are no longer fatigued from manual labor, and there is significantly less risk of injury. P.A.C.E. stands for POLAR Automated Cutting for Efficiency. Benefits of the POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems include increased productivity, reduced labor costs, economic cutting, ergonomic handling, high flexibility, minimum makeready, and minimal operator fatigue. For facilities that have more than two existing cutters and at least two shifts per day of cutting work, the POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems concept is worth consideration. Judges were impressed with its fail-safe interface, ergonomic improvements for operators, and productivity and resultant labor cost savings. Prinect Inpress Control Prinect Inpress Control from Heidelberg is the first and only fully-integrated device for the sheetfed press that provides inline measurement and analysis of color using spectrophotometry while the press is in full production. The system also features automatic registration control. Prinect Inpress Control enables measurement and control during makeready and production without stopping the press to pull sheets for analysis and follow-up. Measurement results (up to eight colors per side) are delivered directly to the Prinect Press Center, where any color deviation from desired standards is automatically determined and the appropriate adjustments are immediately delivered simultaneously to all printing units. This results in not only higher press utilization, but also more even and consistent quality throughout the production run. The system is available for the Speedmaster CD 74, XL 75, and XL 105 series presses and functions at the maximum operating performance of these presses. Prinect Inpress Control was lauded by judges for its ability to allow maximum color control at full speed. HIFLEX MIS and Web2Print HIFLEX MIS, including eBusiness, Office, and Factory with Webshop and Print Support use JDF to leverage total automation of procurement, estimating, production planning, order entry, and scheduling. This streamlined, paperless workflow allows individual personnel to perform multiple, integrated roles in a centralized SQL Database, significantly reducing administrative costs. HIFLEX MIS is configured to a printerâs specific rules and equipment. Autopilot generates production plans and JDF files dynamically for every order. These JDFs are used to automate prepress, press, and postpress. HIFLEX Webshop provides multi-brand, open/closed storefronts. Online print buyers can create print product specifications dynamically, then automatically insert orders into HIFLEX MIS, saving significant administration costs. Webshop is ideal for creating print orders of all types. HIFLEX Print Support |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| 2008 Best Workplace in the Americas Awards Entries Are Now Being Accepted | ||
Is your company a safe, competitive and employee friendly place to work? Would you like to have thorough evaluation of your firmâs HR practices by a team of experienced, industry savvy professionals? If so, then consider entering the 2008 Best Workplace in the |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Binding Industries Association Announces 2008 Product of Excellence Winners | ||
Sewickley, PAâJuly 17, 2008ââThe Binding Industries Association (BIA), the worldâs largest association for trade binderies, loose-leaf manufacturers, and suppliers to those industries, announced the top winners of the 2008 BIA Product of Excellence Awards. The BIA and its members have taken the graphic arts industry back by force this year, and their award competition was no different. Judges had the honor of evaluating the most entries in almost a decade and had to be painstakingly critical in their evaluations. Companies submitted some of their best work for a chance to win the coveted âProduct of Excellenceâ. Having this distinction tells your customers that you adhere to a higher standard when it comes to quality. All first place winners will be prominently displayed in The Binding Edge magazine, showcased on www.bindingawards.com, and will receive plaques honoring their accomplishments. Some of the top winners this year included Cadillac Looseleaf Products, C&C Offset, Duraweld Limited, Federal Looseleaf Inc., Holum & Sons Co. Inc., PRISM GRAFIX, Rickard Bindery, Seidlâs Bindery, and Specialties Graphic Finishers Ltd. These companies have reached the pinnacle of success in the binding industry and should be celebrated as having world class operations. Winning companies will use their triumph to solidify client relationships, grow their business, and enhance their standing in the marketplace. âThe Product of Excellence Awards competition helps drive creativity, elicits vision, and separates leaders. Without this competition there would be complacency,â says Kurt Streng, President, Cadillac Looseleaf Products.
### About BIA: The Binding Industries Association (BIA), a special interest group of the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), represents trade binderies, loose-leaf manufacturers, and suppliers to those industries. The BIA is the definitive organization for the binding industry and helps its members maintain a competitive advantage and respond to todayâs changing environment. Whether youâre a veteran or new to the industry, the most cost-effective way to gain knowledge, visibility, and access is by becoming a BIA member. For more information, visit us at www.bindingindustries.com or call us at 412-259-1806. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIFE to hold fall peer exchange during GRAPH EXPO | ||
Sewickley, PA, July 18, 2008â Printing Industry Financial Executives (PIFE), the graphic arts industryâs premier network of financial decision makers, will be meeting October 26â27, 2008 in Chicago, Illinois, at the most comprehensive graphic communications exhibition in the world, GRAPH EXPO. This meeting will provide an expansive view of the top trends in the industry along with unparalleled networking with attendees from around the country. Companies headed to GRAPH EXPO should be sure to send their top financial executives to this one-of-a-kind peer exchange. Take the time to ensure that your company is on the right track, and discover how to tackle your most pressing issues. CFOâs, vice presidents of finance, and controllers will meet face-to-face with their counterparts, to give their personal slant on the industry. âPIFE is the best support team for our organization and for me personally,â says Any Tosounian, Chief Financial Officer, Impress Communications, Inc. âThe networking in the exchange of information amongst various companies is unsurpassableâ Anything and everything will be open for discussion, starting on the evening of Oct 26th, from the rising costs of healthcare to ever-increasing fuel prices. The meeting culminates the next day over lunch at McCormick Place after a plant tour at Service Web Offset Corporation. Learning how other companies run their businesses has always been a highlight of the PIFE fall peer exchange, and this year should not be any different. If you are planning to attend GRAPH EXPO, donât miss one of the most important peer exchange meetings of the year. Attendees will receive critical information and a one-of-a-kind educational opportunity on what it takes to successfully manage a companyâs financial and administrative functions. For more information regarding the fall peer exchange or to download the registration form, visit www.pifegroup.com or contact Diane Koch at 412-259-1803 or email dkoch@piagatf.org. ### About PIFE: PIFE is a network of professionals who hold positions in finance and administration in the graphic arts community. PIFE members receive information and education on what it takes to successfully manage a companyâs finance and administration functions and to stay abreast of the latest technologies and keys to profitability. Participants in PIFE meetings earn continuing education credits. PIFE is a section of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF). Membership is free to all PIA/GATF members by simply opting in. For more information, visit us at www.pifegroup.com or call us at 412-259-1803. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Announces 2008 InterTech⢠Technology Award Recipients | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, July 17, 2008âPrinting Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2008 InterTech⢠Technology Awards. For over thirty years, recipients of this prestigious award have not only had a major impact on the graphic communications industry, but they also consistently prove to be successful in the commercial marketplace. The independent panel of judges deliberated over technology submissions ranging from consumables to MIS systems to large-format presses. A recurring theme with 2008 InterTech nominations was process efficiency; submissions contained solutions to automate production steps, provide in-line process control, and manage production. Great strides in technology were also demonstrated in the form of innovative digital press design, prepress content and color control, flexographic printing material, and value-added print processes. Recipients were recognized from across a wide spectrum of printing processes and production areas. Twenty-eight nominations were submitted, and ten innovative technologies were selected to receive the award. The 2008 InterTech⢠Technology Award recipients are: Alwan Dynamic DeviceLinks EskoArtwork Neo POLAR P.A.C.E. Cutting Systems Prinect Inpress Control HIFLEX MIS with eBusiness, Webshop and Print Support Inca Onset KODAK FLEXCEL NX Digital Flexographic System MetalFX Platinum White Technology Xaar 1001 printhead Detailed award recipient information will follow in a press release slated for distribution the week of July 21, 2008. A technology review booklet showcasing all twenty-eight of the current year's entries will be produced by Graphic Arts Monthly for release in Fall 2008; the booklet will also be available on www.intertechaward.com. The coveted InterTech stars, recognized as a symbol of technological innovation and excellence, will be presented before an impressive audience of industry leaders during the 2008 PIA/GATF Premier Print Awards Gala, October 26 in Chicago, Illinois. For more information about the InterTech⢠Technology Awards, contact Eric Neumann, PIA/GATF Research Manager, at 412-259-1819, intertechaward@piagatf.org, or visit www.intertechaward.com. Additional Resources:
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| The PIA/GATF Digital Printing Council Announces Inkjet! by Frank Romano | ||
July 14, 2008 - Pittsburgh, PA - Described by the author, industry pundit Frank Romano, as "the overnight sensation that took almost forty years," inkjet printing is now covered in its entirety in Inkjet!, commissioned by PIA/GATF's Digital Printing Council and newly released by PIA/GATF Press. # # #
HSPR Helene Smith +1 321.388.6511 |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Center for Lean Practices Proves to Offer Quantifiable Results for Printers | ||
| Pittsburgh, PA, July 10, 2008 -- In 2007 The Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) formed the Center for Lean Practices to assist the graphic communications industry with the implementation of Lean Manufacturing. The Center provides consulting, training, publications, and a speakers' bureau specifically for the printing industry. Since its inception, the Center for Lean Practices has received rave reviews from those who have taken advantage of the Center's products and services. One such printer reduced spoilage from 2.5% to 1.09% over the last year. Ken Rizzo, PIA/GATF's director of consulting, oversees the Center's activities. He has been involved with Lean Practices for over 20 years, including writing and teaching about concepts before Lean Practices became popular in American industry. Prior to re-joining PIA/GATF, Rizzo served as a process engineer for offset printing, where he led numerous lean manufacturing projects, including Kaizen events, 5S, setup reduction, and total production maintenance. PIA/GATF's Center for Lean Practices offers a host of products and services, specifically for the printing industry, including:
PIA/GATF Center for Lean Practices-"Lean for Printers by Printers." ### About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with more than one million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information. 1 412-259-1796 jcrayton@piagatf.org Helene Smith
1 321-388-6511
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| 2008 Education Summit | ||
The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) is dedicated to shaping the future of the printing industry and wants to express the need for support to other print professionals. You are invited to join PGSF and other industry leaders for the 2008 Education The 2007 summit, which gathered over 120 people throughout the graphic arts industry, was extremely successful. Several speakers gave their viewpoints on the challenges faced by the printing industry and many ideas and solutions were presented. From this summit a plan of action was createdâyou can view this plan hereâand a dedicated task force was put into place. This team is ready to present the progress that has been made and would like to continue the discussion on how we can secure success for the future of the printing industry. It is time to come together and improve the overall image of the printing industryâshow the next generation the reasons you entered into this profession! You are invited to join us during GRAPH EXPO: Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 Time: 7:30a.m.â10:00a.m. Location: Room S104 AB. *Breakfast will be served Under the leadership of Chairman, Raymond J. Prince speakers will present the progress that has been made. Speakers include: Brian Regan, Mark Nuzzaco, Ted Ringman, Eileen Cassidy and Katie Gekker.
Take time to review what was established at the 2007 Education Summit.
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| New DPC White PaperâMarketerâs Primer Series: 1 to 1 (Personalized) Print | ||
There has been some question about the role of print in todayâs increasingly electronic world. When you can zap a marketing message to someoneâs cell phone at the precise time and place the marketing message is relevant to them, when customers can log into their favorite online retail site and be greeted with personalized recommendations based on their past purchase history, is there a role for a print? The answer is yes, but not the way you might think. â1:1 (Personalized) Printing: Boosting Profits Through Relevance,â part of the Marketerâs Primer Series from DigitalPrintingReports.com, will look at the key takeaway points in the role of 1:1 printing in increasing the effectiveness of your marketing program. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Form I-9 Revised Again, But No Substantive Changes | ||
In June, the Form I-9 which was revised late was year, was revised again by the Department of Homeland Security. Form I-9 establishes employment eligibility verification for new hires and is required for all employers. The revision addresses only an expiration date on the form and contains no other changes. Be on the look out again this time next year for another new form. Previous versions of the form may not be used going forward and are cause for possible fines by the government. Employers do not have to revise existing forms in their files on current employees. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| IRS Increases Mileage Rates through Dec. 31, 2008 | ||
In recognition of recent gasoline price increases, the IRS made this special adjustment for the second half of 2008 for the optional standard mileage rate. The rate will increase to 58.5 cents a mile for all business miles driven from July 1, 2008, through Dec. 31, 2008. This is an increase of eight (8) cents from the 50.5 cent rate in effect for the first six months of 2008, as set forth in Rev. Proc. 2007-70. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Announces Keynote Speaker for the 10th Annual Color Management Conference | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, June 25, 2008âPrinting Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is proud to announce Duncan Berry, Ph.D. as a keynote speaker at the 10th Annual Color Management Conference. ### About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the worldâs largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with more than one million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Provides List of JDF Certified Products | ||
Interoperability of workflows and equipment is essential for increased productivity in print production. JDF (Job Definition Format) is an open industry standard developed and managed by the CIP4 organization in order to simplify information exchange between different applications and systems in and around the graphic arts industry. Open standards allow print manufacturers to easily integrate technology from multiple vendors. Major vendors of MIS, pre-press, and production software and hardware have embraced the JDF standard. In order to ensure that all vendors are developing their products to the current standard it is necessary for an impartial third-party to âcertifyâ their compliance to the standard; CIP4 selected PIA/GATF in 2006 as the official certifying organization for JDF. More information about JDF Certification can be found at www.piagatfCIM.org and www.CIP4.org. When it comes to JDF-enabled devices, JDF Product Certification guarantees a certain level of interoperability between two certified devices within the same Interoperability Conformance Specification (ICS). These ICS documents establish the basic requirements for systems that manage or consume JDF. If a product is JDF Certified it means that it writes or reads JDF and JMF as established by the ICS, thus proving that it meets the requirements for interoperability. Because less time and effort is required to establish interoperability between two certified systems, identifying certified products is an important consideration when buying new equipment. PIA/GATF maintains a list of JDF Certified products to help consumers easily identify those products that have achieved JDF Certification, the list of products is located at www.piagatfCIM/JDFcertified and also on the CIP4 website. The list is updated as each successful new product is tested and certified. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| PIA/GATF Mourns Passing of Tom Destree, Long-time PIA/GATF Editor in Chief | ||
Pittsburgh, PA â June 25, 2008 - PIA/GATF sadly reports that its long-time editor, Tom Destree, passed away suddenly on Monday at his home in Castle Shannon, PA. Tom Destree, 53 years old, was one of PIA/GATFâs most valued veterans and one who touched many through his skilled editing and writing. In fact, it is believed he may have touched every printed document issued by the organization. Destree was with PIA/GATF for 30 years, initially with the original GATF group, and most recently held the position of Editor in Chief. He worked tirelessly through the years, the primary behind-the-scenes editorial support for the more than 12,000 member companies comprising the worldâs largest printing association. âPIA/GATF lost an incredible team player this week. Tom was a very talented editor whose dedication and commitment was only exceeded by his genuine nature. He will be greatly missed,â said Michael Makin, PIA/GATF President and CEO. Mary Garnett, PIA/GATF Executive Director: âTom was a very low-key, not-in-the-spotlight gentleman, yet his contributions to our organization and our lives were huge. Through his long career at PIA/GATF, he touched virtually every printed piece that left this building. He was our Peer-of-the-Year for 2007. Tom set an example through his steadfast dedication and personal outlook that we all appreciated, admired, respected, and will sorely miss.â Tom was born in 1955, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He earned a bachelorâs degree in industrial arts at the University of Wisconsin-Stout and a masterâs in business administration from the University of Pittsburgh. He joined the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) in 1977 and was heavily involved in book and magazine production and management, including a tenure as managing editor of GATFWorld from 1990 to 1994. He is survived by two brothers, a sister, an aunt, and many cousins. During his time at PIA/GATF, Tomâs accomplishments were many. He is listed as the primary or secondary author on many of PIA/GATF's best-selling, titles including Sheetfed Offset Press Operating, The Lithographers Manual, and The PIA/GATF Guide to Troubleshooting for the Sheetfed Offset Press, and the PIA/GATF Web Offset and Sheetfed Offset Training Curriculums. Dee Gentile, Managing Editor for GATFWorld and Management Portfolio: âEvery printed pieceâbe it a brochure, postcard, fax, email, catalog, magazine, book, report, board minutes, etc.,âwas either edited, proofread, or blessed by Tom Destree in some way. Tom had a tireless devotion to making every piece of paper he handled be the very best it could be to reflect PIA/GATFâs well-established competency, which he himself was essential to creating.â Amy Woodall, Director of Technical Information, PIA/GATFPress: âTom was not just the Technical Information departmentâs own special secretâeveryone in the company counted on him for his expert proofreading skills. His years of experience with PIA/GATF filled him with ideas, knowledge, and experience that enabled him to contribute meaningfully to every piece he laid his eyes onâand he never hesitated to suggest improvements to any piece that passed under his pen for any department.â To share your own personal remembrances of Tom Destree with his family, friends and colleagues you can visit Tomâs tribute page at http://gaintest.net/destree/?p=1. The family has requested that donations be made in Tomâs name to the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation, 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143. About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the worldâs largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information. All products and services are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged. |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Press Simulator Advancements Announced at drupa | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, June 18, 2008âNew versions of the Sheetfed Offset Press Simulator (SHOTS) and Heatset Web Offset Press Simulator were recently announced at drupa. The advancements provide users with a remarkable level of realism, giving companies and schools an ever more powerful tool to help trainees acquire skills and to help experienced personnel sharpen and extend their existing knowledge. PIA/GATF serves as the North American distributor for both simulators. The following improvements are available in the new versions of both the SHOTS and Heatset Web Offset Press Simulators:
SHOTS Version 4.6 adds such features as:
Heatset Web Version 5.0 will add such features as:
Press simulators play the same sort of role as a flight simulator for pilots, forcing operators to confront production situations, understand the effects of their actions, and learn problem-solving skills. Companies using simulators report that training time has reduced for new employees, average makeready times have gone down, and the percentage of good copies in the pressrun has risen. Schools find simulators an affordable way to put a multicolor press at the fingertips of their students. Schools using SHOTS are invited to participate in the SHOTS Heard Round the World | ||
| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| BIA Mid Management Conference a Success | ||
Sewickley, PA, June 16, 2008âThe Binding Industries Associationâs Mid Management Conference, held April 28â29 in Chicago, Ill., was hailed as a critical step in the resurgence of the association. Over 117 people attended two days of sessions that covered topics ranging from lean operations to environmental requirements to selling fulfillment services, all issues posed to impact bindery operations in significant ways. The conference was hailed as definitive event for trade binderies, graphic finishers, loose-leaf manufacturer, and suppliers to those industries. Attendees marveled at the networking opportunities and the wealth of information they received. The conference also featured the very first inductee to the BIA Hall of Fame, James R. Niesen, former executive director of the BIA. Attendees commented on how well the events were scheduled, and how many new business contacts they made. Opportunities abounded for attendees to meet with some of the top suppliers in the world, who were on call to answer any of their questions. âThe people were friendly and interested in our line of thermal-binding machines and accessories. I donât recall attending a show where more attention was paid to the vendors and their needsâ said Jim Ghio, national sales manager, Peleman Industries. The 2009 BIA Mid Management Conference is scheduled for May 4â6 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nev. For more information about BIA, please contact Justin Goldstein, PIA/GATF, 200 Deer Run Road, Sewickley, PA 15143-2600. Phone: 412/259-1806; email: jgoldstein@piagatf.org. ### About BIA: The Binding Industries Association (BIA), a special interest group of the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF), represents trade binderies, loose-leaf manufacturers, and suppliers to those industries. The BIA is the definitive organization for the binding industry and helps its members maintain a competitive advantage and respond to todayâs changing environment. Whether youâre a veteran or new to the industry, the most cost-effective way to gain knowledge, visibility, and access is by becoming a BIA member. For more information visit us at www.bindingindustries.com or call us at 412-259-1806 |
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Color Vision Testing Products Now Available from PIA/GATF | ||
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| 08/28/2008 12:17 AM | ||
| Call for Nominations: Naomi Berber Memorial Award | ||
Pittsburgh, PA, June 4, 2008âPrinting Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) and its Ben Franklin Society are seeking to honor an outstanding woman in the graphic communications industry. Nominations for the Naomi Berber Memorial Award are due July 11, 2007. |
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The Employing Printers Education Trustees unanimously voted to honor Brian W. Gill with a scholarship through PGSF in his name. "We honor Brian for his 25-plus years of dedicated service to the graphic arts industry - for his energy, his unswerving commitment to open shop management, and his leadership within PIA and the Master Printers of America. There is a generation of graphic arts employees that has benefited from Brian's seminars, counsel, and insights. Brian's mantra was 'It's always about the people.' This scholarship will allow current and future graphic arts students and employees to develop and to keep the skills necessary to move our Industry into the 21st century and beyond," said Pecher. 
