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  • 04/18/2012 by Kristina Iorio

    Join us for the Automation Solutions Network meeting hosted by the Japs-Olson Company on September 18-19, 2012, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota. You will have the opportunity to hear from Japs-Olson representatives, along with other industry leaders, about how to increase your profitability through automation. Specializing in direct mail and commercial printing, Japs-Olson Company is continually recognized as a leader in the printing industry.

    • Tour this state-of-the-art plant and learn about the history that has helped shape this 512,000 square foot facility. Hear senior management expound upon the benefits of using automation as one strategy to maintain a leading competitive position.
    • Learn how to continuously improve workflow while reducing touch points and improving your business model.

    • Open Discussion Sessions
      Network with print leaders and peers as they discuss best practices...
  • 04/11/2012 by Kristina Iorio

    Print is all around us: it’s in the books and magazines we read, on the packages on our shelves, on the fabric of our clothing. Some of the most visually stunning printing have even won Premier Print Awards. Print is alive, and it is to this idea that we dedicate our new social site. If you have not joined Printing Industries of America on Pinterest yet, we would love to share with you our “Gallery of Print.” We are showcasing everything that is important to us—and important to you.

    What Is Pinterest?

    Some of you may be asking, “What is Pinterest?” It is, basically, a “virtual board” that lets you organize and share interesting photos that you find online. Voted one of TIME Magazine’s “50 Best Websites of 2011,” the new social media craze allows you to socialize with other pinners because you can browse their boards and “re-pin,”” like,” or “comment” on their photos...

  • 04/03/2012 by Kristina Iorio

    Once again, Printing Industries of America is featuring another great title from Printing Industries Press as our Book of the Month for April/May 2012. Direct Mail Pal 2012: A Direct Mail Production Handbook covers all of the changes in postal rules, rates, options, and practices in order to help you navigate through a changing environment and effectively plan and operate while maximizing your profitability.

    If you are a direct mail production professional or printer expanding into direct mail, novice or experienced, this handbook is for you. Direct mail personalization, according to recent data, rose 46 percent from 2010 to 2011. With the proper knowledge and planning this book provides,  you can take advantage of this growing trend.

    This publication is highly recommended by our staff here at Printing Industries of America for its current information and comprehensive scope. Amy Woodall,...

  • 04/02/2012 by Ms Mary L. Garnett

    Cash mobs are the latest trend in “mobbing” on social media.  A cash mob is a positive experience according to people who have been “mobbed.”  In a cash mob the purpose is to support local small businesses by showing up and spending at least $20; meet three new people; and have fun.  So far cities around the world have been involved.  Andrew Samtoy, an attorney, kicked off cash mobs after being exposed to the summer riots in Britain last year where mobs were vandalizing stores and communicating the plan through social media. He wanted to try something positive that would introduce people to a small businesses with limited marketing reach.   There is a blog http://prnt.in/Zdg   about the cash mobs as well as many news reports.  See http://prnt.in/ZdM    So far, the owners, who are notified and must agree, are pleased with the results.  Cleveland Ohio...

  • 03/30/2012 by Mr Samuel G. Shea

    Recent articles in USA Today and Forbes have highlighted the growing 3D printing market. 3D printing, which has roots in industrial prototyping, is the “printing” of objects by devices that function somewhat similar to inkjet printers or plotters. Devices that create 3D models from Computer Aided Drafting (CAD) programs have existed since at least the 1990’s. Basically, 3D printers use plastic or other materials to create models layer by layer. If you’ve never seen one of these devices in action, do yourself a favor and search YouTube for videos of 3D printers.

    Traditionally, the major markets for these printed models (or prototypes) have been engineering, automotive, and architectural businesses. Recently, though, this process has been used in applications ranging from toy...

  • 03/29/2012 by Ms Julie Shaffer

    So you have a Linkedin account, a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. Maybe you check in to your gym or the place you have lunch on Foursquare, post videos on YouTube and try your best to figure out how to fit Google Plus into the mix. In short, you’re doing what people like me have been urging you to do — you’re engaged in social media conversation. Congratulations. Now, what do you know about your social standing? Do you have Kred? Do you have Klout?

    Just as a bank uses your credit score to measure your financial soundness, and Google Analytics measures your website’s reach, services Klout.com and Kred.com measure your social media influence. If you haven’t used either of these services, it’s worth the time to head over to each site and check it out. But be warned, once you sign up and see your scores odds are human nature will kick in and you will become obsessed with improving them....

  • 03/29/2012 by Ms Julie Shaffer

    So you have a Linkedin account, a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. Maybe you check in to your gym or the place you have lunch on Foursquare, post videos on YouTube and try your best to figure out how to fit Google Plus into the mix. In short, you’re doing what people like me have been urging you to do — you’re engaged in social media conversation. Congratulations. Now, what do you know about your social standing? Do you have Kred? Do you have Klout?

    Just as a bank uses your credit score to measure your financial soundness, and Google Analytics measures your website’s reach, services Klout.com and Kred.com measure your social media influence. If you haven’t used either of these services, it’s worth the time to head over to each site and check it out. But be warned, once you sign up and see your scores odds are human nature will kick in and you will become obsessed with improving them....

  • 03/29/2012 by Ms Julie Shaffer

    So you have a Linkedin account, a Facebook Page and a Twitter account. Maybe you check in to your gym or the place you have lunch on Foursquare, post videos on YouTube and try your best to figure out how to fit Google Plus into the mix. In short, you’re doing what people like me have been urging you to do — you’re engaged in social media conversation. Congratulations. Now, what do you know about your social standing? Do you have Kred? Do you have Klout?

    Just as a bank uses your credit score to measure your financial soundness, and Google Analytics measures your website’s reach, services Klout.com and Kred.com measure your social media influence. If you haven’t used either of these services, it’s worth the time to head over to each site and check it out. But be warned, once you sign up and see your scores odds are human nature will kick in and you will become...

  • 03/29/2012 by Kristina Iorio

    The following information is contributed by Rick Hartwig and the Environmental, Health, and Safety Affairs Department of Printing Industries of America.

    Get ready for changes to your Hazard Communication program! After years of effort, theOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) revised its Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) to align with the United Nations' Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS). The revision was made to provide for consistency and to allow employees to better understand hazards, which will result in improved compliance, easier program management, and fewer injuries and illnesses.  

    The changes outlined under the new standard will be phased in over time and will be fully in effect by June 1, 2016. This rule includes three major changes to the current standards:

    • Hazard...
  • 03/27/2012 by Kristina Iorio

    As you read through Printing Industries of America’s 2012 Forecast Part 1: Trends and Tactics, it becomes evident that there are many new challenges facing printers, but also, many new tactics to overcoming them. One of these challenges is the effects of the rise of Internet and e-media. The real culprit, however, is that today’s consumers are more demanding than ever. In an age where the most sought after goods and services are just a click away, business must redirect their focus to being more than just printers. Today, printers need to take effective steps to improve their customers’ ROI and transition to being total service providers.

    According to Printing Industries of America’s 2012 Forecast Part 1: Trends and Tactics, contributor Jack Miller, Principle Consultant for Market-Intel, LLC, printers are now in business to serve the customer.  They must evolve beyond the idea...

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