September is the mark of a new year—the school year that is. Those with children especially feel the buzz of new beginnings as new backpacks are purchased (even though last year’s is still fine) and outfits are selected (each year further removed from what was once normal). September will also be the mark of a new year for Graphic Arts Magazine.
As you read in the previous issue Catherine Weibe has gone on to new beginnings, and her cheerful attitude and smiling face will be missed by all at Graphic Arts. So who’s the new girl in class, you ask?
I’ve been writing for the magazine for several issues. After graduating from Ryerson’s Graphic Communications Management program, I moved into sales, only to find myself back at Ryerson a short while later—this time teaching. With over 100 new students on the horizon, for me September truly is a new start, and I look forward to also making it one for our magazine. I am, and always have been, an optimist when it comes to our industry. I believe that it is people that make the difference—printers are great folks.
As you continue to read from month to month, you’re likely to notice some changes—all positive I hope. We will continue to try to add content that is informative and useful. My formula is derived from my senior biology class—we always KISS (keep it simple stupid). My aim is powerful content with less reading, because who has time these days?
This month’s issue has a bipolar focus. As always, we have our sales, IT and HR experts with some tips and tricks. However, the bulk of the issue concerns trade shows and flatbed inkjet printers, a pair we’ve been seeing quite often in print.
Speaking of trade shows, Tony Curico takes us through a great preview of the upcoming Graph Expo 2008 show in Chicago this October. With over 600 exhibitors, we’ve compiled news on the most popular vendors at the show. We hope to see you there.
We are also honoured to have Gail Nickel-Kailing review the state of the flatbed inkjet industry. With a retail value of printed output from wide-format equipment being nearly $30 billion worldwide (www.it-strategies.com), everyone is looking for opportunities. No better way to start than by talking to some experts. Gail talks about flatbed inkjet with companies that have already achieved great success in this new industry sector—all of them Canadian! Included is a look at the equipment that helped them achieve success.
So as you stand in the endless line-up for a Dudley and lined paper, I hope you will find time to read and enjoy. The year promises to be exciting!
