Serving Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming
July 8, 2015
Paper Check Off Program Launches Huge Media Blitz  

Years in the making, the $25 million Paper Check Off Program is finally a reality. 

Authorized by federal legislation, the Check-off is designed to maintain and expand markets for an industry's products, in this case paper.  Check-offs are governed by an Order that sets the parameters of the program and are run by an industry nominated board of directors appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. While program funds may not be used for lobbying or advocacy, they are available for informational, educational, and promotional activities in support of an industry's products.

The Paper and Packaging Board is the body that runs the Paper Check Off program.  It brings together the paper and paper-based packaging sectors to promote and increase consumer appreciation for paper and paper-based packaging, reduce guilt about using these products and deepen understanding of the industry's environmentally - friendly practices.

Today the organization launched a multimillion dollar media campaign highlighting the importance of paper and packaging.  The How Life Unfolds campaign will cover cable, syndication and digital media, print media and social media. 

The ad spend for the launch is stupendous and includes spots on major network television (such as Modern Family, The Blacklist, Jimmy Fallon, Law and Order and much more) magazines such as People and Forbes, Youtube, and other social media.  It is truly our industry's long awaited answer to the Got Milk campaign, also funded by a check-off program.

Check it out at www.howlifeunfolds.com.

Department of Labor Drops Overtime Bombshell
       
Last week the Department of Labor's Wage/Hour Division released a preliminary draft of its proposed overtime exemption rule changes.  The proposal, which has been delayed twice, had some expected and unexpected aspects to it. 

For example: As expected, the proposal increases the salary threshold for Executive, Administrative, and Professional exemptions.  The current threshold is $455/week or $23,660 annually.  The proposal raises the threshold to the 40th percentile of earnings for full-time salaried workers. Using 2013 data, the proposed salary amount would equal $921 per week (which is $47,892 annually for a full-year worker). Should the DOL decide after consideration of public comments to set the standard salary level in the final rule at the 40th percentile of weekly earnings of full-time salaried workers, DOL estimates that a 2016 level may be about $970 a week, or $50,440 a year.  This threshold would adjust annually, but appears to be on a lag.  For example, DOL hopes the proposal will be implemented in 2016, but it uses 2013 data for the salary threshold and adjusts annually thereafter.

The Highly Compensation Employee exemption, created by the 2004 rule, is proposed to change from the current $100,000 salary threshold, to 90th percentile of earnings for full-time salaried workers.  Using 2013 data, the proposed salary would equal $2,349 per week ($122,148).  No 2016 estimate is given by DOL.  This threshold would adjust annually, but as noted above, appears to be on a lag.

Unexpectedly, the duties tests for the Executive, Administrative, and Professional exemptions are not proposed to change, but DOL is seeking comments on whether the current duties tests are working as intended to screen out employees who are not bona fide "white collar" exempt employees.

Outside Sales and Computer Professional exemptions do not have proposed changes, but DOL is asking the public for suggestions on additional computer professional occupation job titles and related duties that may fall under current computer exemption.

A FREE WEBINAR detailing the proposed regulation will be held on July 23, 2015.   CLICK HERE TO REGISTER.   (Make sure you are logged in to the PIA Website with your user ID and password.  Need help?  Contact June Crespo at 1-800-910-4283, ext 778). 
New Member Benefit - Soft Proofing
       
WSPA membership continues to have its privileges!  The latest offering - soft proofing through our national organization Printing Industries of America (PIA).

PIA has partnered with Remote Director to provide a virtual proofing solution for member companies to use at no cost. The service provides each company that signs up access to one project folder for their organization. Members can add files, invite clients and staff, and use the robust capabilities of Remote Director, including annotation and approvals of color accurate soft proofs. This opportunity gives members the chance to "test drive" remote proofing without committing to a major investment unless or until you decide to purchase the service with multiple folders.

To learn more, visit www.printing.org/remotedirector. 
Registration, Housing for Graph Expo Open  

Are you going this year? Special rate pricing for Graph Expo hotels is in effect until August 15. This year the show and conference run from September 13-15 at Chicago's McCormick Center. Another benefit for GRAPH EXPO 15 is that no deposit is charged at time of booking. A credit card is required to guarantee all room reservations and the hotel will charge a deposit 2-4 weeks prior to arrival. Attendees receive the lowest rates, most ranging from $174/night to $239/night, at the most popular and convenient hotels in downtown Chicago. In addition to the specially negotiated rates, attendees who book their rooms through the official GRAPH EXPO housing service enjoy other benefits including complimentary shuttle bus service between the show hotels and McCormick place. And don't forget, as a member of WSPA you can attend the show for FREE. For more information CLICK HERE
Cyber Tours of Your Facility

When inviting a client to a plant tour, it's a given that the shop will be as clean and orderly as possible.  You don't want a client to walk in and see aisle ways which are non-existent; press sideframes coated with ink and offset powder; and oil slicked floors.  

 

But have you paid that kind of attention to your website?
 
It's highly unlikely that a potential customer will show up for a tour of the plant unannounced, but they'll visit your website uninvited. Today's buyer will look at your company through your website prior to ever making contact, or returning a call, to a sales rep. Is your website ready for a visit?
 
Print Buying Expert Marge Dana offers the following cyber housekeeping tips:

 

1. More color. You're a printer. Color is your currency, so please have a vibrant site, filled with gorgeous hues and featuring images of your products. I see so much grey-nearly 50 shades. It's not pretty.

 

2. Engage me. Your information about your culture, your people, your specialty should be infused with enthusiasm. Make me interested enough to send an email or call you for more information. Good copy helps imagery come alive. Don't put me to sleep.

 

3. Help me reach you. Your contact information should be prominent and everywhere-on every page. I need your phone, your location, your email...and some names would be great. I shouldn't have to hunt for this information.

 

4. Show me why I should choose you. Don't be so overly coy about your specialty and your strengths that I can't figure either out. Why do your customers love you? I need to read about this on the home page and elsewhere. What are you terrific at? Don't fall back on lazy, formal writing that tells me nothing specific about your firm.   

Forklift Operators Eligible For Fuel Tax Credit

Congress has extended the 50-cent per gallon alternative motor fuel tax credit as part of the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act. Propane forklift operators have until August 8, 2015, to make a one-time claim to receive the tax credit for every gallon of propane used in 2014. The claim provision was part of the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014, signed by President Obama on December 19, 2014.

The Internal Revenue Service has defined forklifts as an off-highway business motor vehicle, making them eligible for the alternative motor fuel tax credit. The IRS indicated that the end-user of the forklift is the person who should receive the tax credit, not the propane marketer.

Forklift operators must take a few appropriate steps to register with the IRS before becoming eligible for the tax credit. First, forklift operators need to file Form 637 with the IRS to be registered as an "Alternative Fueler." The IRS will then issue a registration number identifying the forklift operator as such. Once the registration number is received, the forklift operator can file a claim for the credit at the end of the year by filing Form 4136. 
How Much Spoilage Is Acceptable?      

It's a question we are asked quite often - and tracking of this data is practically non-existent.  Part of the challenge is defining the spoilage number.  Is that number the "sales" value of what was spoiled?  Is it the "opportunity" cost?  Is it allocated as a full-absorption number or a direct cost number?  The other challenge being process (web, digital, finishing, etc.) Thus, even if this number was reported, we could easily be comparing kumquats to elephants.

WSPA posed this question to industry guru Joe Polanco of Dallas.  Polanco maintains that a range of 0.5% of sales to 1.5% of sales is an "acceptable" number for spoilage.  Spoilage being defined as the cost incurred on a "re-work," i.e. a job printed on the wrong paper; a job refused by the customer due to unacceptable performance (whatever that is . . .), etc., etc.

Now, let's take it one step further.  One needs to consider making this number a part of the financial reporting statements, which then argues that the "costs" tracked should be direct costs - and not sales value.  Thus, it's a relatively easy number for the accountants to tie into the P&L.  Regardless, once you determine how the "cost" will be measured, remain consistent and you're now able to create a good internal benchmark, and more importantly a common base which the Association can assist in surveying.
Last Week To Participate in 2015 Wage & Benefit Survey

How do the wages you pay your employees stack up against the competition? Are you potentially paying too much?   One participating WSPA member used the results from last year's Wage and Benefit Survey to lower its overall company compensation tab by a staggering 20 percent.
 

Are you leaving money on the table?

 

WSPA's Wage and Benefit Survey helps you negotiate your compensation and benefits package to ensure it is competitive in the marketplace. If you participate in the confidential survey, we will provide you the report FOR FREE! This is a $250 value ($1,000 for non-members).

By now you should have received your paper copy of the survey.  If you would like to participate electronically, CLICK HERE.

You should have received your personal password to complete the survey.  If you did not receive it, please contact

Ed Gleeson at 1-800-910-4283 (ext. 756).  

 

Please take the time to participate and take advantage of the intelligence you will glean from the survey findings. The deadline to participate is July 17, 2015.

 

Questions? Contact Michael Makin toll-free at (844) 237-1550 (ext. 3)

Denver Golf Outing Next Month - Sign Up Before It Is Sold Out! 

The Denver golf outing is just eight weeks away - what are you waiting for?  It will be held Friday, August 28, 2015 at the Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club.

Described by Golf Digest, as "one of the best places to play in Colorado," the Arthur Hills designed course is a links-style 18-hole championship course that makes use of dramatic elevation changes, native areas, panoramic views and wide, accommodating fairways to appeal to players of all levels.

Tickets are only $125 and include greens fee, golf cart and lunch.  Foursomes and individual tickets will sell out fast so be sure to sign up ASAP.  Don't golf?  Join us for lunch for just $25.
 Interested in sponsoring the tournament?  Contact Golf Committee Chair Sandi Neuman of Vision Graphics at 303-909-7410 or  sandi.neuman@visiongraphics-inc.com.
Come Out and Play! 

WSPA's Phoenix Golf Tournament will return with a vengeance on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at the stunning Arizona Grand Golf Resort.

 

Join colleagues and friendly competitors from the industry for a day of fun on the links followed by the Par-Tee on the Green, where bragging rights will be on display and awards presented.

 

Tickets are only $99 and include greens fee, golf cart, lunch and two drink tickets.  Foursomes and individual tickets will sell out fast so be sure to register as soon as possible!

 

Want to stay at The Grand Resort?  Take advantage of special WSPA rates by clicking HERE.

   

REGISTER HERE FOR GOLF


Sponsorship Opportunities

Interested in sponsoring the tournament? There are numerous opportunities still available including individual hole sponsorships - many helping to support future GCEF Scholarships.

 

Title Sponsorship ($5,000) - Have your company's name on all marketing pieces for the event with exclusive sponsorship rights "Partee on the Green presented by..."

  • 2 complimentary foursomes
  • 2 minutes to present at event
  • Company name on golf shirts
  • One hole sponsorship

Platinum Sponsorship ($3,000)  

  • 2 complimentary foursomes
  • Signage, choice of (pick which item you want your name on) gall balls, golf towels, water bottles
  • One hole sponsorship

Gold Sponsorship ($1,500)

  • 1 complimentary foursome
  • Hole sponsorship (pick one of the contest holes) Men's long drive, Women's long drive, Men's Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt

Silver Sponsorship ($1,000)

  • 1 complimentary foursome
  • One hole sponsorship
  • Combined lunch sponsorship

Hole Sponsorship

  • Signage at either the tee box or the green
All sponsorships include signage at the event plus recognition in program and on website.  Email current HIGH RES LOGO in jpg, eps or vector format.  In-kind raffle prize donations are also welcome.


For details contact tournament chairman Gary Matchinsky at 480-829-8890 or  garym@bctarizona.com

Weekly Photo Feature:  
ARE YOU KIDDING ME?
 
Each week E-Connects will share incredible photos on just how lax individuals 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.

Hold still, will you?!  Ya think?!

If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org.
Refer-A-Member Incentive
 
WSPA is only as strong as its membership base and wants to continually grow to service its members.  You can help by being an ambassador and referring potential members our way!

 

What's in it for you for spreading the word?  If you refer a member and they sign up, we will send you a $50 gift card.   

 

Send your leads toll free to Michael Makin at 1-844-237-1550 (ext. 3) or mmakin@wsprint.org. 


Quote For The Week 

"The secret of happiness is freedom.  The secret of freedom is courage"

Carrie Jones