Serving Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming
April 15, 2015
Mixed News for Print Markets

The US Census Bureau just updated their numbers for February and print's positive trend over the last few months continued. For the year, compared to the first two months of 2014, printing shipments are up 4 percent. January shipments increased 3.2 percent and February's increased 4.9 percent. Also, sales increased by 1.3 percent from January to February 2015. On the downside, the Institute for Supply Management says that overall, manufacturers are still reporting growth but at slower rates in March. For the printing industry, respondents reported new orders and production deceasing for the first time this year. Even so, printers in their panel must have a positive outlook on the remainder of the year because they also report increasing employment during the month. More complete analysis will be provided in our First Quarter Print Market Update of Printing Industries of America, scheduled to publish in May.

Graph Expo Moving

After decades at Chicago's McCormick Place, Graph Expo will be moving to Orlando in 2016 with the show scheduled for September 25-28, 2016.

Graph Expo will still be in Chicago this year and all members are encouraged to attend our industry's national show.  Print 17 (the big show) will return to Chicago in 2017 from September 10-14, 2017. CLICK HERE for information on this year's show.
Proposed Ozone Standard Creates Pandemonium

 

In what appears to be one of the EPA's most expensive regulations ever proposed, Printing Industries of America joined in with a chorus of other trade associations, businesses, and 21 state governors in opposing the proposed change to the ozone standard. Specifically, we submitted comments opposing EPA's move to lower the National Ambient Air Quality Standard for ozone from its current level at 75 parts per billion to 70, 65, or 60 parts per billion. EPA is considering all three options and the impact is significant. Currently, there are 227 counties that are classified as non-attainment or not meeting the ozone standard.  

 

Under EPA's most stringent level, the number could increase by an additional 739 counties. Each county would be subject to more stringent regulations on air pollution emissions.  The National Association of Manufacturers commissioned a study indicating that the cost of additional regulation for a standard at 65 parts per billion would be $140 billion per year from 2017 to 2040.   

Is That Driver Drunk...Or Drowsy?
The next time you're driving, count the first 10 cars you see.  Nothing unusual, right?  That is, until you consider that one of these drivers might actually be asleep!  Sleepy driving is quickly joining drunk and distracted driving as another major cause of traffic fatalities. 

In a November 2014 report, the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety estimated fatal crashes cause by drowsy drivers increased more than five percent in the last five years.  And one in 10 drivers surveyed admitted to falling asleep while driving sometime in the last year.

Accidents involving drowsy drivers can be similar to those caused by drunk drivers. That's because lack of sleep causes impairments that can mimic those caused by drugs and alcohol: hand/eye coordination, vision, over confidence in driving ability.  The physical effects of 17 hours without sleep are the same as having a blood alcohol level of .05 percent; 20 hours is the same as being legally drunk.

It's not easy to spot a tired driver.  So business owners need to explain the risks to employees, and encourage them to be honest about their own degree of sleepiness before allowing them to drive.  Share these tips - and don't forget to follow them yourself. 
  • Don't drive when tired.  Period.
  • Get a good night's sleep before a long drive.
  • Taking medication that can cause drowsiness?  Don't drive.
  • Don't rely on tricks to stay awake.  Loud music, caffeine, or open windows won't last for long.
  • Avoid driving during normal sleep times.
  • Stay way from alcohol; even a little makes sleepiness worse.
  • At the first sign of drowsiness, find a safe place to take a nap.
  • Take a passenger to help you stay awake and watch for signs of driver fatigue.

Source:  Federated Insurance 


Premier Networking Opportunity  

The 2015 Print Leadership Summit (PLS), is scheduled for May 18-19 at the Minneapolis Marriott City Center in Minneapolis, MN. Whether you consider your company a marketing service provider, a packaging solutions firm, a display graphics enterprise, or a supply chain management company, if you PRINT, the Print Leadership Summit is for you!
 
"The attendee response to the first Print Leadership Summit was so enthusiastic that we knew we had hit the target with this program," says Julie Shaffer, Vice President, Digital Strategies. "Print is still a huge industry, and we built a conference devoted to addressing the issues that matter to print business leaders with a focus on successful business transformation stories and detailed 'how-to' discussions."

The keynotes and breakout sessions focus on transformative stories, with leaders of companies in a diverse range of sizes sharing stories of how they've adapted and are thriving in this post-recession business environment.  The agenda highlights everything from sales growth, marketing strategy, pricing, operational issues, mergers and acquisitions, digital media integration, and much more. The conference keynote speakers are all entrepreneurs sharing business transformation success stories.

Member price: Only $595                 REGISTER HERE
Non-member price: $895

Ratios Benchmark Your Firm's Financial Health
       
How is your business really doing?  Have you ever taken the time to see if you are leaving money on the table or could be more profitable?  Have you ever participated in the leading benchmark survey for the printing industry - the PIA Ratio Studies?
 
The Ratio Studies have been published for nearly 100 years and provide participants with data they cannot get anywhere else!  The Ratios help define what a successful firm's operating statement and balance sheet looks like.  How?  By publishing ratios of the top performers (Profit Leaders) in contrast with all other participating firms (within a market segment).  As a company manager, this information is invaluable in helping you reach your company's maximum potential.
 
Because gathering data is key to the success of this program, by sharing your company data (through the accounting firm Margolis Partners LLC), there is no cost to receive the survey results! If your chart of accounts is extremely different than the survey, for $150 (less than your CPA would charge), you can have the data entered for you --- CONFIDENTIALLY!  Although firms have different product mixes as well as capital equipment, this year's survey will accommodate those differences as will the final report shared with participating companies.
 
So why aren't you participating?  This year's deadline to submit your information is May 15, 2015.
 
Need more information?  Click Here or contact Ed Gleeson at (800) 910-4283 (ext. 756) and he'll be glad to assist.

Last Chance To Register For Print Excellence Awards!
       
Time is running out to attend the 2015 Print Excellence Awards of WSPA.  Join industry leaders from Arizona, Colorado, and New Mexico at fun-filled evenings where "Simply the Best" printing will receive coveted Print Excellence Awards.  The events will also feature the presentation of WSPA's Employee Recognition Awards and highlight the efforts of amazing employees at member companies.

Socialize with friends and colleagues you may not have seen in ages, see first hand some of the most beautiful print pieces produced in 2014, and cheer employees who have made a difference.

Deadline for reservations is THIS FRIDAY (April 17, 2015).

The Phoenix event will be held on Thursday, April 23rd at Rustler's Rooste.  To reserve your tickets or a discounted table, click on PHOENIX REGISTRATION.

The Denver event will be held on Thursday, April 30th at the Downtown Embassy Suites Hotel.  To reserve your tickets or a discounted table, click on DENVER REGISTRATION.

Detailed information on both events can be found on the WSPA Website. 
Thank You Print Excellence Awards Sponsors

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.

Seriously?

If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at  
mmakin@wsprint.org.


Quote For The Week 

"Creativity involves breaking out of established patterns in order to look at things in a different way."

Edward De Bono