It’s been quite an eventful year. There was drupa in May that attracted over 314,500 visitors from more than 130 countries. There were other industry shows that set new attendance records. There was the emergence of a promising new technology – Landa Nanography – that could change the course of this industry in the years to come. For me, one of the best news items was that national printing shipments increased according to Statistics Canada. With the exception of March, every month this year (up to August) has surpassed figures for the corresponding month in 2011. Let’s hope this trend continues.
In April of 2013, CPISC and the CPIA, two hard-working industry organizations who seldom get the recognition they deserve, will be merging into the Printing Industries of Canada (PIC). PIC’s mandate is to promote print to stimulate demand, advocate to government and the media, collaborate with other key industry bodies and ensure that printers have the resources they need to effectively run their businesses. We wish them luck and fully intend to give them support through our magazine.
While the printing business continues to be a daily struggle for most of us, experts in our industry predict that many sectors should experience growth in 2013. Two of these are wide-format printing and workflow solutions. We’ll see how that plays out and continue to give you full coverage. And, needless to say, printers must continue to market themselves and offer marketing services to their current clients and potential customers as a value-added.
We attended another fabulous Open House at C.J. Graphics in Toronto recently and, as usual, it was first-class all the way. This year, along with raising food and funds for the Daily Bread Food Bank and its not-for-profit CJ Skateboard Park and School, President Jay Mandarino was excited to be launching his new joke book, with proceeds going to charity. Congratulations to Jay and his staff once again. And congratulations also to the Toronto Argonauts on winning the 100th Grey Cup game. It was a great accomplishment and a wonderful week that organizers and volunteers alike should be proud of.
Finally, this is the best time of the year to take a deep breath, maybe get a bit of rest, and think about why we’re working so hard – in other words, think about our families and loved ones. Because in the final analysis, shouldn’t it always be about them? From all of us at Graphic Arts Magazine, have a Merry Christmas and a holiday season filled with immense joy.
As always, stay positive and stay focused.