Serving Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming
April 6, 2016
Have Your Ticket Yet?

The Print Excellence Awards showcase the very best in print produced right here in this region. 

Last year more than 200 print leaders attended the programs in Phoenix and Denver and a great time was had by all.  You don't want to miss this year's programs where you can network with industry peers, catch up with old friends and see beautiful print showcased.  Each Print Excellence Awards event will also feature the presentation of WSPA's Employee Recognition Awards - where the finest employees in the area are heralded in front of their peers.

This year's Phoenix event will be held on Thursday, April 7th at Rustler's Rooste.  To reserve your tickets or a discounted table, click on  PHOENIX REGISTRATION.

Dress Code for Rustler's Rooste:  No tie, no suit, no hassles.  Casual.

This year's Denver event will be held on Thursday, April 28th at the Downtown Embassy Suites Hotel.  To reserve your tickets or a discounted table, click on  DENVER REGISTRATION.

Dress Code for Embassy Suites Denver:  Business Attire

Detailed information on both events can be found on the WSPA Website.
OSHA To Increase Penalties 80%
    
Due to recent changes in several OSHA regulations, the Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs Department of Printing Industries of America has revised its popular OSHA Primer publication. 

OSHA is set to push through an 80% increase in penalties by the end of the summer this year and printing operations need to be prepared in the event of an inspection.

The OSHA Primer serves as a simple resource that provides an overview of Federal OSHA regulations applicable to the printing industry. It describes required employee training requirements, corresponding frequency, and references to other valuable resources. It is FREE to all WSPA members and can be downloaded from PIA's online bookstore HERE.

If you are interested in ensuring your plant is OSHA compliant, contact Gary Jones at 1-800-910-4283 (ext. 794) or gjones@printing.org.
 
10 Old School Ways To Market Your Business

Printers are notorious for not marketing their businesses.  We perform miracles for our customers with communications but forget about marketing our own services.

Significant advancements have been made over the years to enhance marketing efforts, including the preponderance of social media.  But sometimes sticking to the tried and true is just as effective.  Here are 10 old school ways to get recognized:

1. Print Ads  2. Newsletters  3. Free Trials  4. Direct Mail  5. Business Networking
6. Co-Op Advertising  7. Public Speaking  8. Article Writing 9. Vehicle Signage
10. Media Releases

What are you waiting for? 
Have You Updated Your Print Access Listing?

One of the greatest ways to promote your business is with Print Access.

Last year Print Access, our Association's online Buyer's Guide had more than 100,000 visits.  This online service, exclusively available to WSPA/PIA members, is the printing industry's "who does what" search engine.

Although every member is entitled to a listing, not all have created profiles or regularly update their profiles.  With more than 240 product categories, including 100 commonly-searched product groups, anyone wanting to take full advantage of being found in a web search should take the time to update their profile.  Each member has a designated individual profile along with a unique password.  Forgot your password? Click the "forgot password" link above the User Name and follow the instructions, or contact June Crespo toll-free at 844-237-1550 or  jcrespo@wsprint.org.

To access Print Access  CLICK HERE.
Most Bizarre Late-To-Work Excuses

Instead of blaming tardiness on typical traffic problems or public transportation woes, some employees are getting more creative with their justifications.

When CareerBuilder.com asked about the most outrageous excuses employees have given them for being late, employers shared the following:
  • I thought of quitting today, but then decided not to, so I came in late.
  • My hair caught on fire from my blow dryer.
  • I was detained by Homeland Security.
  • I had to chase my cows back into the field.
  • A black bear entered my carport and decided to take a nap on the hood of my car.
  • My lizard had to have emergency surgery in the morning and died during surgery. I had to mourn while deciding whether to have the lizard disposed of by the vet or bring the lizard corpse with me to work.
  • There was fresh powder on the hill. I had to go skiing.
  • There was a store grand opening and I wanted to get the opening day sales.
  • I had to finish watching "My Name is Earl."
  • All of my clothes were stolen.
  • I was confused by the time change and unsure if it was "spring forward" or "fall back."
  • A Vaseline truck overturned on the highway and cars were slipping left and right.

Source: CareerBuilder.com

Ask The Tech Experts

Ask The Tech Experts is a resource of PIA's Center for Technology and Research that features the responses to questions covering a wide gamut of topics. 

If you would like to ask a technical question, simply email Dillon Mooney at  dmooney@printing.org or call PIA's toll-free hotline at 1-800-910-4283.

Is it true that production operators can be certified?

Yes, experienced operators of sheetfed offset, web offset, and flexographic presses, as well as stitching machines, can be certified through the non-profit National Council for Print Certifications.  Operators take an online certification exam and over 1,000 individuals have been certified since the certifications became available.  Companies can promote the certifications to customers and use it as part of training and development.  Skill assessments of employees are also available.  Visit  www.printcertification.org for more information.

Why is it important to feed label stock in a specific direction?

Paper recovers faster (or has better snap) when the paper grain is in the same direction as the paper path.  This helps pressure-sensitive label sheets navigate tight turns and high speeds within a press without jamming or labels coming off.  As a result, label stock manufacturers normally indicate the proper feed direction on the stock.  Also, remember that label sheets should be passed through a printer only once, since sheets are likely to curl during multiple passes.
Huge Saving On FSC Certification

We continue to see FSC® Chain of Custody Certification as a requirement of many our customers.

For many print providers, the cost and discipline required in order to be part of the supply chain is difficult to justify, but that may no longer be true.

As a member of WSPA, regardless of your company size, we can provide technical support (control forms, logo approval, and planning) as well as the audit through well-recognized agencies (Rainforest Alliance or SCS) for a single fee at discounted pricing - including travel and FSC® fees.
 
So if you are currently enrolled in a Chain of Custody program, or contemplating FSC® certification, contact June Crespo at 1-844-237-1550 or jcrespo@wsprint.org. We'll be glad to outline our "Small Group" program as well as our just created "Large" printer program, and provide you significant savings! Many of our members have saved thousands of dollars a year through this program.   
For more information, CLICK HERE
Do You Have To Share Investigation Files With Suspended Employees?

You have an employee who was suspended for insubordination. He has requested that the witness be interviewed.  Are you required to share the statements/documentation with him?
 
Response: The employee is question is not entitled to review the employer's investigation file, including any witness statements, notes, or other documents that were relevant to, and made part of, the investigation.   The investigative file should be kept separate from the personnel file and documentation and information contained therein is the property of the employer; absent a contract that entitles employees otherwise, it should not be subject to disclosure to the employee who was under investigation.

Certainly you should let an employee who has been the subject of an investigation know what the outcome of such investigation was, particularly if the outcome results in disciplinary action as to the employee in question (you indicate here that the employee was suspended so presumably he was already notified of the employer's action). To the extent the employee in question asked the employer to include in its investigation an interview of a witness or co-worker who may have had additional information and the employer did so (and employers generally should meet with individuals identified as having relevant knowledge in any investigation), the employer is not required to let the employee know what transpired during that conversation (nor must the employer disclose any written witness statement or similar document).

If the employer's subsequent investigation caused it to revisit its disciplinary decision (suspension), of course it can and should let the employee know and then take whatever steps are necessary to rectify the matter (i.e., if the suspension was unpaid and the employer determined subsequently that such disciplinary suspension was inappropriately issued, it can always issue back pay to make the employee whole). On the other hand, if the employer did not learn anything from the witness who was interviewed that gave it any reason to revisit its decision, the employer is not required to do so, and can simply let the employee know that it has investigated the matter and that its original disciplinary decision stands. Beyond this, he is not entitled to know or see more relative to the employer's investigation, including meetings with and statements taken from witnesses.

Source: Federated Insurance
New Two Sides Video On Paper and Sustainable Forestry

There is a lot of misinformation about paper use and sustainable forestry. Two Sides has created a new animated video about the relationship between the two that you can share with your clients and prospects.  To view the video, CLICK HERE

Major Management Study: Last Chance To Participate And Receive Free Report

Printers recognize that improved strategic and operational management are the keys to higher profits. However, what are the key strategic and operational management practices that printers need to implement?

A new PIA study will answer this important question. The study is being conducted through a new on-going partnership between PIA's Center for Print Economics and Management and the Department of Management at Middle Tennessee State University.

The study findings will help members gain a competitive advantage over non-members. For completing the study survey, members will receive a comprehensive report of the findings (a $500 value) as well as a free volume of the ratios (valued at $99 for members).

However, the greatest incentive is for the potential knowledge gained. To participate in the study CLICK HERE  

For more information contact Tai McNaughton at 1-800-910-4283, ext. 756 or tmcnaughton@printing.org.
Weekly Photo Feature:
Are you Kidding Me?!

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: "Hey dude, can you pass me my paint brush.  It's beside my smokes."

If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org.
Thank You Print Excellence Award Sponsors!
WSPA In Two Minutes

Are you taking full advantage of your membership in WSPA and PIA?  What to learn what you might be missing in just two short minutes? 

Visit our website to get a video overview of the programs and benefits of your local printing association, including discount programs that could well pay for your annual membership dues.

Quote For The Week

"Repetition does not transform a lie into truth."

Franklin D. Roosevelt
Want Others On Your Team To Receive E-Connects?

Simply send the list of emails to Michael Makin @ mmakin@wsprint.org
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