 Tracking Print Markets
Preliminary results from Printing Industries of America's Mid-Year Outlook Survey indicate that print sales have improved over the course of the year. Members are still experiencing downward pricing pressure but other than employee health benefits costs they have not experienced much inflation.
In terms of the two biggest expenses printers incur (wages/salaries and paper costs) PIA members reported price increases of 1.8 percent and 2.1 percent respectively.
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 Health Care Tax Hit
Despite continuing efforts to rein in rising health care costs (e.g., increased deductibles, co-pays, etc.), roughly half of large U.S. employers (50+ employees) will begin to hit the health care law's excise tax in 2018 and the percentage is expected to rise significantly in subsequent years, according to Towers Watson. Further, the size of the tax burden is expected to be substantial as the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates the total liability for companies subject to the tax could be a cumulative $79 billion between 2018 and 2023. The Towers Watson survey revealed that 48 percent of large firms are likely to trigger the tax in 2018 and 82 percent of large firms could cross the threshold by 2023. The tax thresholds are indexed to the regular CPI, but as we all know medical insurance rates are much higher. The "Cadillac" tax is a 40 percent tax on the value of all affected health care programs a participant elects that exceed certain dollar thresholds in 2018 and beyond. The tax is non-deductible.
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 Identity Theft: What To Do If You're A Victim
If you're hoping to avoid financial fraud, you can shred your documents, sign up for monitoring services, and carefully review all your bills for errors. But no matter how diligent you are, you may still be victimized. To limit the damage if you're a victim:
First, notify you bank or credit issuer of any fraudulent transactions and make sure the account is closed immediately. The same goes for any medical institution and insurer if you discover you're a victim of medical ID theft and the Internal Revenue Service if you know your Social Security number was compromised. Also be prepared to dispute any fraudulent debts, and any other discrepancies that could arise from someone else pretending to be you.
Second, if the theft goes beyond credit cards, you need to create an identity theft report. Go to the Federal Trade Commission site and file a complaint and print out an identity theft affidavit. You should contact the three major credit reporting agencies - Trans Union, Experian and Equifax - if you think a thief has opened up fraudulent credit cards or other accounts in your name.
Third, to save on all the legwork involved in filing reports and calling agencies, see if you're eligible for a damage control program where a professional either guides you through the process, or handles it for you. There is a decent chance your insurance agent, bank or credit union, or credit card issuer may offer this service.
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 Dealing With Defensiveness In The Workplace
Some employees seem to be naturally more defensive than others, lashing back at any perceived criticism or hostility. If their performance makes them valuable to your team, you'll need to rein them in somehow. These three tactics may work.
- Reduce the perception of danger. When giving feedback, be very clear that your goal is to help, not condemn. Let them know you're not attacking.
- Use positive language. Instead of telling employees what they did wrong, coach them on how they can do their work even better. Focus on performance, not personal traits.
- Set limits. You may understand what makes an employee overly defensive, but emphasize that you can't tolerate disruptive or hostile behavior in your workplace. Be ready to go back your words up if situations regularly grow out of hand.
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 Credit Tip
Granting credit is like going on that first date when you had all the hopes and aspirations that this one would be the "one" and yet when reality hit illusion you were felled like a led balloon. The truth about any relationship, whether it is personal or business, is that the best chance for success is directly impacted by how we define our terms at the onset. So why do some business people fall prey to the credit equivalent of a 'shot gun wedding'? They fail to see that the allure is not necessarily real.
WSPA has a wonderful partner that can help you with credit issues, whether collecting on outstanding receivables or checking out potential customers before you even do work.
PICB is the printing industry's dedicated commercial collection agency that has helped printers recover unpaid debts for over 35 years. Its collection expertise, personal service, dedication, and intimate knowledge of the industry produce superior results at rates below industry averages. Visit the PICB website to see how you can benefit from its services - and take advantage of WSPA member rates. For details,
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E-Connects Weekly Photo Feature:
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
Each week E-Connects will share incredible photos on just how lax companies can be when it comes to safety.
The goal - to keep a safe work environment front and center on the minds of all of your employees.
Gotta light?
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Quote For The Week
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power"
Abraham Lincoln
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