 Denver Member Forum A big thanks to all of the members and potential members who showed up at the WSPA Member Forum last week in Denver, held at Lewan Technology's offices. The event showcased the many benefits of membership in WSPA and Printing Industries of America. It also featured an industry update by PIA CEO Michael Makin, who shared how companies are diversifying their operations to remain viable in an ever increasing competitive landscape. If you would like a copy of Michael's presentation, simply email mmakin@wsprint.org and we will get one right out to you.
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Welcome New Member LithExcel Marketing Communications!
LithExcel Marketing Communications in Albuquerque started over 20 years ago and was one of the first companies in the United States to utilize variable data marketing strategies. Today, it specializes in helping customers connect with their customers on a one-on-one basis through print, digital, and cross-media techniques.
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 Great news on postal rates
USPS has decided to maintain current product and service prices and not seek a market dominant price change at this time. Because the Postal Service has announced price change proposals in September and October for the past three years, mailing industry representatives and thousands of printers across the country have been waiting to hear whether a price change would take effect on January 1, 2015.
This doesn't mean we are out of the woods yet but now March 2015 is the earliest that an increase could take effect. Mail often and mail early in 2015!
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 Ask Dr. B!
Printing Industries of America has introduced a new free resource of technical Q & A specifically designed to support members. Led by Dr. Mark Bohan and his team of experts at the Center for Technology and Research, the resource features the responses to questions covering a wide gamut of topics. If you would like to ask a technical question, simply email Dr. Bohan at mbohan@printing.org or call PIA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-910-4283.
Why Should I Monitor Fountain Solution pH?Fountain solution pH is important as it is an indicator of properly mixed concentrate and can reveal unknown contaminates. pH below 4.0 can interfere with ink driers. Measure the pH of freshly mixed fountain solution and when you normally change the solution. What Is the Recommended Temperature of A Delivery Pile On A Press with an IR Dryer?Generally speaking 85-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Above 90 degrees some ink resins can soften and cause set-off or blocking. Be certain that the inks are recommended for use with IR dryers. With drying, more is not always better. What Is a Dyne Level?Dyne level is a number expressing the surface energy of the substrate, most commonly used with non-porous materials such as plastics. Recommendations are typically 40-50 dyne for conventional inks, even higher for UV inks. Too low a dyne level can affect ink adhesion, and the ability of the ink film to lie in an even layer.
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 E-Cigarettes - New Trend Means New Policy for Businesses
E-cigarettes, or electronic cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that turn liquified nicotine and other combustibles into a vapor that the user then inhales. Retail sales of the devices have tripled over a two-year period, to an estimated $1.8 billion last year.
The American Heart Association has called for tougher restrictions on sales and marketing of e-cigarettes, and though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has talked about imposing regulations and restrictions, any rules regarding "vaping" are still in the proposal stage.
However, employers need to develop a policy for employees who might want to "vape" while at work or on a break. Businesses must decide whether e-cigarettes will be completely banned, allowed in smoking areas, allowed in certain approved areas outside of the regular smoking areas, or allowed everywhere inside the workplace. No matter what is decided the company must create a new written policy, or update an existing smoking policy, stating what is or is not allowed.
Some cities, states, and municipalities have already imposed restrictions or bans on the devices. In developing policy, employers need to weigh those laws along with considerations such as the health effects of e-cigarette vapor on the individual using as well as the possibility of second-hand vapor coming into contact with other employees. In addition, a policy should take into account the effects e-cigarettes might have on employee productivity, and the risk of liability created by allowing "vaping" into the workplace. Once a decision has been reached on e-cigarettes, employers should distribute the written policy to workers in advance of its official effective date.
Source: Bruce Kennedy cbsnews.com/moneywatch
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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.
Help!
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 Henry Wurst promotes power of print on eve of Halloween Is Print Dead? Some Zombies might believe so but if you take the word of member firm Henry Wurst, Print is very much ALIVE! Click on this clever spoof. NIGHT OF THE PRINTING DEAD
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Quote For The Week
"Know how to listen and you will profit - even from those who talk badly."
Plutarch
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