WSPA is thrilled to welcome new member All Book Covers (Bradford Alan).  The company is an industry leader in custom-designed, custom-made, case-made and leather products.  From travel accessories, to photo holders, genuine leather binders, to media packaging and even iPad Tablet Covers, All Book Covers offers a wide assortment of products.  For more information visit www.allbookcovers.com

Just in time for Halloween, Henry Wurst has released a chillingly clever video extolling the virtues of print. 

While some may claim our industry is as lifeless as the zombies on the Walking Dead, Henry Wurst proves how very much alive PRINT is.

 CLICK HERE to video the company's video masterpiece!

One of the tools most commonly used by warehouse and print workers is the box or carton cutter.  These tools usually have removable razor-sharp blades you can change when they get dull. Here are some tips for your employees for the safe handling and use of box cutters.

• Handle all sharp or cutting tools while wearing cut resistant gloves, which are often made of metal mesh.

• Always cut in a direction away from your body.  And never use your thumb to stop a blade.

• When cutting cardboard with a box cutter extend the blade only as far as needed for the thickness of the cardboard.  Not only do you get better cutting leverage and control, you reduce the danger of damage to the box's contents.

• Pass all tools, especially sharp ones such as box cutters, carefully and never throw these tools.

• Many box cutters carry replacement blades inside the handle.  Be careful when opening the handle not to let the extra blades fall out.

• Store your cutter safely, making sure no sharp edges are exposed.

If you do cut yourself, clean the wound and stop the bleeding using direct pressure.  An ice pack over the wound may also slow bleeding and reduce any swelling. If the bleeding doesn't stop or if you haven't had a tetanus shot within the past five years, follow your company's rules on how to seek medical attention.  Apply a medication only if told to do so by a doctor.  Always report injuries to your supervisor or manager. 

Due to budget cuts, the IRS has announced that it is significantly curtailing its program for providing off-cycle determination letters for qualified retirement plans. 

Going forward plans will be able to request such a letter upon start-up, termination, or on a staggered 5-year remedial amendment cycles. The firms in the last category may still apply for a letter in the calendar year 2016, but then that program ends too. Members who are looking to sell/merge down the road and are in the 5-year cycle should ensure they have a determination letter, if it is current, or determine if a new one should be requested (due to plan changes).  Having a current determination letter will make the due-diligence process much smoother during the transaction.

Congratulations to ASU Print and Imaging Lab on the acquisition of a brand new iGen 4 Diamond Press.  Cathy Skoglund, Manager of Operations and Business Development (pictured right) reports the press was delivered last week.  She hopes the device will expand ASU's suite of offerings. 

If you have exciting news to share about your company, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org.

     Printing Industries Press is proud to offer the widest selection of graphic arts titles in the industry. In addition to technical titles covering every aspect of the printing process, you will find economics, sales and marketing, and human relations information as well. Several types of resources are offered including primers, textbooks, training materials and how-to guides, and various downloadable products. Use the links on the left side of the the store's webpage to navigate through the subject categories and keywords to find what you're looking for.

Printing companies today need to grow in order to remain healthy.  As adding volume organically continues to be a challenge, growing by acquisition is a very realistic growth strategy.

Merging with or acquiring another company is a viable method of strengthening your company's financial position and provides the added volume necessary to stabilize pricing to attract and retain customers.

On November 19th in Denver, WSPA will feature a special session on M & A.  The 90 minute program will cover:

• The methods, advantages and pitfalls of employing acquisitions as a business growth strategy
• What to look for in a potential merger or acquisition and
• How to best position your company should you wish to sell.

If you have ever thought about growing your business by buying another company or someday selling your own company, this is a must-attend session.

The session leader is Paul Reilly, former Chairman and CEO of Cenveo, Inc., one of North America's leading graphic communications firms.  During his tenure with the company, Cenveo grew from $17 million to over $2 billion in sales, while completing some 60 acquisitions.

Mr. Reilly's firm, New Direction Partners, will compile a desktop valuation for printing and packaging firms attending. This valuation is worth in excess of $3,000 and is included in your registration fee of just $39!

Date: Thursday, November 19, 2015
Time: 10:30 a.m. - Noon (followed by a light networking lunch)
Location: Veritiv (3900 Lima Street Denver, CO 80239)
Price: $39 for members

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

To see the Color 2015 Program CLICK HERE.

Each week, E-Connects shares 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.

Pictured: Crappy and dangerous work.

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

"Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work."

Peter Drucker