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Serving Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico and Wyoming
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Don't Forget Awards Night In Denver Tomorrow
A reminder that this year's Denver Print Excellence Awards event will be held tomorrow, Thursday, April 28th at the Downtown Embassy Suites Hotel.
Dress Code for Embassy Suites Denver: Business Attire
Time: 6:00 - 9:30 p.m.Detailed information on the event can be found on the WSPA Website. |
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PIA Doubles Down Efforts To Block Dangerous Precedent
Printing Industries of America and its allies in Consumers for Paper Options are redoubling efforts to block a proposed Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) rule that would switch the delivery default of mutual fund information from paper to electronic. PIA is lobbying for inclusion of bipartisan legislative language offered by Representatives Bruce Poliquin (R-ME) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) into an appropriations bill to block implementation of this rule should it go forward.
Last month, SEC Chairman Mary Jo White testified before a House committee where Representative Kevin Yoder (R-KS) put her on record regarding the ongoing controversy of the proposed rule's negative impact on investors and purported cost savings. White demurred by stating the agency is always willing to reconsider rules in light of new information.
The debate sets an important precedent in how far federal agencies can go in using implied consent of citizens (in this case investors) to stop sending printed, mailed information. It raises questions of financial transparency by investment companies, cost-benefit analysis of paper versus electronic, and the role of consumer choice in delivery preferences.
It's also quickly becoming a David versus Goliath issue as the Investment Company Institute, who supports going paperless, recently committed an army of outside lobbyists and resources to pushing the rule through at the SEC. |
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Key Employee Coverage
What is one of the most influential factors affecting your company's success? It's your employees-the people who are right beside you, helping to build the profit and pursue opportunities for growth. Physical assets-the buildings and equipment-support financial goals, but to carry out the directives necessary to reach those goals, a company won't get too far without trusted employees.
And, if you're like other business owners, you have certain employees whose departure from the company could create genuine setbacks. They're the ones with the management skills, technical know-how, experience, and customer relationships you rely on. How would your company handle the void left by a key employee's departure or death, and the urgent need to find a qualified replacement?
Are any of your key people close to retirement, or absent due to a long-term illness or disability that may prevent their return? Perhaps one of your star performers recently quit. Or, perhaps, one of your key employees passed away not long ago. With the anxiety of losing a valuable employee still fresh in your mind, it's a perfect time to start putting a plan in place to protect your company in the event another key person leaves.
Determine who your key employees are.They are the employees you could describe as the people you can't do without-the ones you trust to make the right decisions when you're not available. They can be at any level or in any position. And there currently may be no one who could step right in and take over their responsibilities. Remember, you're a key person too! While it can be uncomfortable to think about one's own mortality, concentrate on those left behind and what they could go through if you haven't planned for your company's future.
Decide how to protect your company after losing a key employee.It's an unhappy reality of running a business that good employees leave. And, if an employee has distinctive skills, the loss can be even harder to deal with. That person's unique talents and expertise mean you need to fill some big shoes. Plan to spend a lot of time and effort finding a replacement. And, don't forget money. It's estimated that the cost to replace mid- to high-level employees can range from one-and-a-half to four times their annual salary.
Are you prepared to cover that expense out-of-pocket? Few employers have that kind of extra money lying around, "just in case." Having an important employee leave is enough of a disruption to your business. Do you want to add a financial burden on top of that?
Insure the life of your company.In the strictest sense of the word, life insurance insures someone's life. But, when used as key person protection for your business, it can be thought of as insuring the life of your company, too. Life insurance is a cost-effective solution to help provide some welcome financial support toward your company's need to replace a key employee. Life insurance can help to
- keep the business running and growing
- assure creditors that their loans are safe
- assure customers and employees that the business will continue
- recruit, attract, and train a replacement
- replace lost profits
- provide time and flexibility for survivors to make necessary business continuation decisions if the key person is you or another owner.
The benefits of key person coverage go deeper than just the cash value of a life insurance policy. It can help smooth the way back to "business as usual" after your organization loses a vital member. In other words, you and your team gain peace of mind thanks to an added degree of stability and security. And isn't that "key" to running a great business?
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Prove Beyond The Obvious When Hiring For Customer Service
When you're hiring customer service reps, extracurricular activities may tell you more about their motivation than their job history. Why? Because for some people, service is more than a job function-it's a lifestyle. If you want people who'll gladly serve your customers, look for those who have a history of volunteering. Your best bets will be the ones who can demonstrate a history of lending a helping hand.
Source: The Motivational Manager |
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Magic Number 19
The number of consecutive months that U.S. commercial printing industry shipments have been up in current dollars (16 consecutive months compare to the corresponding month of the prior year).
On an inflation-adjusted basis, the industry has had five positive quarters, one of the best growth periods over the last 20 years. Go print!
Source: US Commerce Department
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WSPA Member Benefit - Save On Background Checks
With Employers Choice Online, you can save 20 percent off the cost of both standard and managerial background checks. These legally compliant results help employers reduce workplace violence, theft, fraud, substance abuse and negligent hiring liabilities. Standard Package Background Checks Include- Social Security Address trace
- County criminal search
- Nationwide criminal database search
- Driving history search and
- Employment verification (previous 3 employers)
Managerial Package Background Checks Include: - Social Security Address trace
- County criminal search
- Nationwide criminal database search
- Driving history search and
- Employment verification (previous 3 employers)
- Pre-employment credit report.
It is always better to be safe than sorry. To initiate a background check, simply CLICK HERE.To see what other discount programs are available to you as a WSPA member, visit our website. |
Careers In Graphic Communications
In an effort to recruit young people into the graphic arts industry, the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) released a freshly designed career poster.
The new 17 x 22-inch poster provides updated statistics on the industry in an attractive and eye-catching manner.
The poster has been distributed throughout the United States, primarily to high schools, technical schools, and community colleges.
Printing companies and industry vendors who would like to participate in distributing copies of the poster should contact Bernie Eckert at beckert@printing.org. Check out what the poster looks like by viewing it HERE .
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1. Covet your time. Time is precious--only 86,400 seconds in a day. Average people waste most of those seconds in unproductive or unrewarding ways. Successful people manage their time efficiently. They are aware of how they spend it and make conscious choices to use it wisely whether to work, relax or regenerate with family.
2. Have a personal mission statement. Look at thought leaders for ideas and inspiration. Here are a couple of examples: I must do the most productive thing possible at every given moment. Inspire people to pursue the awesome growth. Successful people identify what they are about and make their choices accordingly.
3. Spend 5 minutes a day prioritizing. Without prioritization, it's difficult to be efficient and productive. Take 5 minutes at the end (or beginning) of every day to sit down, assess and choose the 5 or 6 priorities for tomorrow so you can begin with clarity. Successful people don't squander effort and energy on unimportant issues.
4. Surround yourself with like minded people. Wealth, status and accomplishment have their own rewards, but the more success you attain, the lonelier you can become, since others may no longer feel comfortable or relate to your lifestyle. Successful people are careful about who shares their time. They look for people with a similar outlook, who can help them grow emotionally and spiritually
5. Be a follow up specialist. Many people talk a good game and then never deliver. Sometimes the cause is hypocrisy and sometimes it's simply being sloppy and careless. Successful people do what they say they'll do, and they pay close attention to detail so small issues don't get neglected and become major catastrophes.
Source: Leslie Groene
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Sante Fe Raises Minimum Wage
The Santa Fe's Mayor's office recently announced an increase to the city's minimum wage to $10.91 from $10.84, effective March 1. The minimum wage law was created in the city back in 2002 and initially set a base at $8.50 for most workers in 2003. Since then, the minimum wage has been indexed to inflation. For more information CLICK HERE. |
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OSHA Primer Updated
Due to recent changes in several OSHA regulations, PIA's Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs Department has revised its popular OSHA Primer publication.
OSHA is set to push through an 80 percent 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.
Download the Primer for free HERE. You must be logged in as a member to download. If you experience any difficulty, contact PIA's Member Central at 1-800-910-4283, ext. 770.
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For more on How Design Conference CLICK HERE
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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: Would You?!
If you come across a funny safety pic you think should be featured, email Michael Makin at mmakin@wsprint.org. |
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Toll-Free Hotline
Don't forget that as a member of Western States Printing Alliance (WSPA) you have free access to the Technical Hotline of Printing Industries of America.
The hotline fields more than 1,500 calls a year from members seeking assistance. We are just a phone call away at 1-800-910-4283!
The hotline can also be used for your questions relating to HR or EHS issues.
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Quote For The Week
"If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it."
Jonathan Winters
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WSPA | 844-237-1550 | wsprint.org
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