Welcome to a challenging new year and, hopefully, one with more positive news than we had in 2010.
Jeff Ekstein, president and CEO of the Willow Printing Group, co-chair of CPISC, CPIA director and PIA secretary, has a unique perspective of what lies ahead as well as some timely and sound advice in this month’s “For the record” feature. I echo his opinions, especially when it comes to the importance of getting together and becoming more involved in the good work done by our industry organizations. I also strongly agree that you should always insist on a fair price for the quality work you produce.
Place Bonaventure in Montreal will once again host the Grafik’Art Show. The 2011 event will be held April 14 – 16 and will focus on press techniques, prepress techniques, sales and marketing as well as management. Be sure to stop by our booth and say hello.
I see that more strategic alliances are being forged in our ever-changing industry with manroland and Océ partnering to offer an array of digital printing solutions. Watch for more news on that front.
Congratulations to Montreal-based Transcontinental, whose 2010 fourth-quarter reflects the best operating performance in its history. Ricoh Co. Ltd. is also on the upswing and plans to invest $300 million over three years in its Managed Document Services infrastructure. Let’s hope the recent success of the U.S. magazine industry, which posted gains in revenue for the third quarter in a row, is duplicated here in Canada.
CPISC has released another skill standards report as part of its Skills for the Future project. These standards cover estimators, sales and customer service reps and production coordinators. All reports can be downloaded for free at the CPISC website.
Canadian postal rates have increased slightly, but there’s good news too. Canada Post is extending its successful Registered Partner Program to smaller print shops. The program, in part, promotes direct mail use amongst printers and helps direct businesses to mailing houses and other related service providers.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper (from Harmony Printing’s pressroom in Toronto) told reporters recently how Canadian businesses spend billions annually to meet federal regulations. So, he has introduced the Red Tape Reduction Commission that will consult with businesses to help find ways to stifle the negative effect of these costs on growth.
It sounds like a lot of positive things are happening to begin 2011. Let’s keep it going. And, as always, stay positive and stay focused.