View from the publisher – March 07

Based on current national polls, the environment is now one of the top concerns of most Canadians. When Mr. Harper became Prime Minister of Canada a year ago this subject was not on the government’s radar at all. But as Harold Wilson, former Prime Minister of Britain, said, “a week is a long time in politics.” Please read our feature article, “Processless, the environment and profitability” on page 18 by John Zarwan. We also have an article on page 26 by John Piggott, “Environment and profit”, and Catherine Wiebe discusses small and inexpensive changes you can make to improve both your environmental sustainability and your bottom line in her article on page 58.
And speaking of bottom lines, Industry Canada recently released the figures for Canadian print export in 2006. Compared to 2005, 2006 saw a 7.7% decline in exports. It is worth noting that Canada has a trade surplus of approximately $236 million for 2006.

Make sure to circle the dates on your calendar and book a trip to Montreal for the Grafik’Art trade show from April 19-21. All the large companies are going to be there including Fujifilm, Heidelberg, Komori, K.B.A., MAN Roland, Spicers, and many more. For more information on the show call 514-916-8102 or go to www.grafikart.ca. If you need free VIP passes contact us immediately at joe@graphicartsmag.com.
If you have received a renewal form with this issue, please fill it out and return it via mail or fax. As a member of CCAB (national mailing list auditors) we are required to collect signed renewal forms to insure the integrity of our circulation.

Coincident with this very “green” issue, we are also celebrating the greenest day of the year—St. Patrick’s Day. As someone who was born in Ireland it is with pleasure that I wish you all a Happy St. Patrick’s Day—and watch out for that green beer!

Until next time, stay positive and stay focused.