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New Equipment at NJBF 07/18/08
New Jersey Business Forms, Englewood, N.J., completed a three-year, $5 million pressroom and bindery modernization project, which includes a second new 16-color UV web press with 50" rewind and half-web size sheeting capability. Bindery enhancements include two MBO folding lines with inline Palamides paper bundlers.

Vertis Files Ch. 11 07/18/08
The Baltimore Sun reported that Vertis Inc., a Baltimore advertising and direct-marketing services provider, filed for bankruptcy protection to ease a merger with American Color Graphics Inc., the third-largest insert printer in North America. The move was expected. Vertis had announced recently that it had secured financing commitments to fund a prepackaged bankruptcy in order to reduce combined debt. | MORE

In Memoriam 07/18/08
Daniel Nemcek, 22, son of Gary Nemcek, president and co-founder of Four51, died July 7 near Bozeman, Mont., of a head injury sustained in a mountain biking accident. Surviving leukemia as a teen, Nemcek went on to study at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minn., where he played lacrosse while earning a degree in economics. In lieu of flowers, the family requests expressions of sympathy be in the form of donations to the Minneapolis Children's Hospital, c/o Daniel Nemcek, Oncology Unit, 2910 Center Pointe Drive, Roseville, MN 55113.

Printable Releases FusionPro 2.6 07/11/08
Printable Technologies Inc., a provider of web to print and personalized marketing software, released FusionPro Links 2.6, incorporating a variety of features to better deliver a campaign-centric workflow. This vendor-hosted platform is ideal for marketers who want to quickly and easily reach their target markets with individualized communications, while collecting detailed response data to understand and respond to their customers' needs. Users can create a customized online response experience with personalized URLs and microsites for variable data publishing (VDP) marketing campaigns, and manage these campaigns with a comprehensive suite of tracking and reporting features.

Ward/Kraft Expands Security Options on Long Run Labels 07/11/08
Ward/Kraft Inc. announced this week more long run security label options, including fraud deterrent technologies for face stock printing as well as embedded deterrent substrate solutions. Face stock printing options include chemical sensitivity coatings, five copy-resistant stains, embedded security fibers, toner adhesion coatings and custom watermarking. Embedded solutions include structured magnetic threads embedded into paper label substrates as the label paper is made, security threads made from polyester, metalized film, de-metalized film, magnetic and fiber optic materials. Another embedded option integrates an invisible mark into the paper which appears when the label is scanned with a special pen. Also available are machine-readable taggants that allow equipment such as printers to communicate with a host device to suspend printing until the label taggant is recognized and accepted.

KaeL Direct Partners with Convergence Direct Marketing 07/11/08
Convergence Direct Marketing, Bethesda, Md., has made a strategic financial investment in direct mail production and solutions provider KaeL Direct, Alexandria, Va. The deal came in response to customer needs for more comprehensive product and service offerings. Convergence has experience in developing and managing large, national and international non-profit marketing and fundraising campaigns. KaeL, a PSDA member, has more than 30 years experience providing production solutions for enterprises of all kinds.

Flint Group Raises Ink Prices 07/11/08
Citing "unprecedented increases in all of our raw materials," Flint Group North America announced price increases and surcharges on all packaging and commercial inks sold in North America, effective July 21.The increases ranged from 4 to 7 percent; surcharges ranged from 6 to 10 cents per pound. "These increases are directly and indirectly related to crude oil increases as well as large swings in the manufacturing capacity of some of the primary raw material manufacturers," the company said.

Central Ink Corp. Raises Prices 07/03/08
Central Ink Corp., West Chicago, Ill., announced price increases effective July 1 as follows: an extra $0.12 /lb on all non-heat black inks, an 8 percent increase on all non-heat colors and a 6 percent increase on all heatset inks. "With crude oil prices reaching levels 40% higher than last year, the cost of raw materials has been escalating at a record pace. Today's crude oil prices are more than double what they were one year ago," said Bradley J. Dahleen, V.P. of sales and marketing. "This proves problematic for ink manufacturers because the majority of ink products are derived from crude oil and news ink, itself, consists of 50-70% crude oil."

Teraco Acquires Innovative Plastics Printing 07/03/08
Teraco Inc., Midland, Texas, has announced the acquisition of Innovative Plastic Printing Inc., a Roselle, Ill.,-based plastic manufacturer and supplier of printed plastic products and personalization for over two decades. "Combining our strengths and capabilities gives us numerous advantages in the marketplace for printed plastic cards, card personalization and card packaging," said Teraco President and CEO, Ray McDowell.

Pitney Bowes Among Top 50 Global Outsourcers 07/03/08
Pitney Bowes Management Services Inc. (PBMS), a wholly owned subsidiary of Pitney Bowes Inc. has announced it has been named to The Black Book of Outsourcing's 2008 "50 Best Managed Global Outsourcing Vendors" list. PBMS placed in the highest ten percent of all firms judged in each survey area: C-Level Commitment, Human Capital Performance, Corporate Direction and Leadership Impact. Rankings are based strictly on responses from client surveys. For eight weeks each Spring, Brown-Wilson Group, authors of The Black Book of Outsourcing, surveys outsourcing users and C-level officers to gain a buy-side decision maker perspective on the global services industry. After a stringent external auditing process, the client experience responses of nearly 24,000 buyer executives determined the 2008 Black Book of Outsourcing rankings.

GPA Announces Partnership With HP Indigo 07/03/08
GPA, a leader in providing substrate solutions for HP Indigo digital presses, has been named a Preferred Partner of HP Indigo. This partnership establishes a mutual commitment between HP Indigo and GPA to help owners of HP Indigo technology achieve a competitive advantage and profitable growth in digital printing. As an HP Indigo Preferred Partner, GPA will make its line of Ultra Digital substrates immediately available to new and existing HP Indigo customers. GPA is a Platinum Sponsor of the Digital Solutions Cooperative (Dscoop).

VersaSeal Announces 2008 Tax Forms 07/03/08
VersaSeal tax forms are now available for the 2008 tax year. VersaSeal, a patented pressure seal solution available to distributors and resellers, offers a wide variety of W-2 and 1099 formats. A special discount is available for customers who place orders before September 12. VersaSeal also offers a Rent-To-Own equipment program for customers who use pressure seal only during the busy tax season. For samples and pricing call (866) FORXCEL (866-367-9235.) VersaSeal, is part of the Custom Resale Group of PrintXcel, Discount Labels, Dealer Label, Wisco Envelope, Lancer Label, Printegra and National Imprint Corp.

NewPage Gets FSC Certification at Stevens Point 07/03/08
NewPage Corp., Miamisburg, Ohio, announced that its Stevens Point, Wisc., mill received chain-of-custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). FSC is an international, nonprofit organization that develops standards for responsible forest management, and accredits independent third-party organizations to certify forest managers and forest product producers to these standards. This FSC certification signifies that the Stevens Point mill has in place a tracking system to control and verify certain levels of FSC-certified fiber and that the mill obtains at least 10% of FSC-certified fiber from FSC chain-of-custody sources. By achieving certification to this standard, the Stevens Point mill, which produces specialized labeling and packaging papers, is able to supply FSC-labeled products to its customers.

Mohawk Joins EPA Climate Leaders Program 06/27/08
Mohawk Fine Papers joined the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Climate Leaders Program, completing EPA base year reporting requirements. The company pledged to reduce its corporate-wide greenhouse gas emissions in Feb. 2007, and must submit an annual report of its emissions to the EPA and pass a site evaluation each year. The company just completed its first year of data inventory.

Quick Printers' Association Study Shows Sales are Up, but Profit is Down 06/27/08
The National Association of Quick Printers (NAQP) released the 2008-2009 Operating Ratio Study, revealing that the industry has grown in sales volume, but payroll costs have risen and profitability is down. Ninety-three percent of survey respondents were single-shop operations, and sales for all companies rose an average of 9.5 percent in the past two years. About 45 percent of all companies had at least one outside sales rep, an increase of 10 percent from 2005.

UPS Drops Q2 Earnings Expectations 06/27/08
United Parcel Service Inc. lowered its earnings expectations for the second quarter, citing slow economic growth and increased fuel costs. The company said it expects earnings per diluted share to range from 83 to 88 cents per share, compared with the previous expectation of 97 cents to $1.04 per share. In April, the company posted a profit of $906 million and earnings of 87 cents per share.

R.R. Donnelley's M&A Strategy is Strong, Analysts Aay 06/27/08
R.R. Donnelley may be in a stronger financial position than many realize, according to a June 21 BusinessWeek story. The company gained market share during the past year, and its acquisitions strategy has maintained its status as the nation's largest printer since 2004. "With a net debt-to-capital ratio of 47 percent, Donnelley may be underleveraged, which means it could make more acquisitions, such as pieces of Quebecor, should they become available," the story stated. | MORE

Ennis Reports Flat Q1 Earnings 06/27/08
Ennis, reported earnings for the quarter ended May 31 increased 0.9 percent, a change from $10.8 million in the second quarter 2007 to $10.9 million this year. Print sales for the quarter increased 0.2 percent, and apparel sales increased 15.2 percent. "While we do feel the print segment's top line is somewhat impacted by the general economic climate," said Ennis CEO Keith Walters, "they are continuing to benefit from the cost control initiatives started last fiscal year." | MORE

HP Cuts Business Units, Jobs 06/27/08
HP will cut the group's five business units to three, likely cutting jobs in its division that makes ink cartridges and computer printers, the AP reported. The division earned $2.38 billion in the first six months of this fiscal year, but operating profit grew only 6 percent, the American Business Daily reported. Changes are expected to go into effect Aug. 1.

Amazon Opens Office Supply Division 06/27/08
Amazon.com announced Tuesday a new store offering more than 500,000 small office, classroom and corporate consumables. The store, amazon.com/officesupplies, will carry products from Avery, Hammermill, Papermate, Midland Paper and many others. In addition to forms, envelopes, mailers, shipping supplies, calendars, presentation supplies, ink and toner, the store offers customer reviews, discussion boards and image uploading. The company plans to open a 500,000-sq.ft. fulfillment center in Goodyear, Ariz. in the third quarter.

Green Energy Fund is Nearly Out of Steam 06/27/08
A California fund that has been helping the state's largest utilities buy renewable energy at above-market rates may soon run out, reported the San Francisco Business Journal. State mandates established in 2002 require that 20 percent of California's power comes from renewable sources by 2010. Over the past eight years, the fund has given $770 million to the state's three largest investor-owned utilities. The faltering funding may help these utilities get out of the 2010 mandates. The California Public Utilities Commission estimates the money will run out in the next 12 to 18 months.

Medical Records: Paper or Electronic? 06/20/08
The New York Times reported that most doctors stick with paper records because the cost of converting a small office to electronic patient records is about $20,000 per doctor. The federal government is creating financial incentives for doctors who convert paper records to electronic. | MORE

Overnight Shipping Declines 06/20/08
The Los Angeles Times reported a decline in overnight shipments thanks to a slowing economy and rising fuel prices. Meanwhile, FedEx reported its first quarterly loss in 11 years. The quarter's results included an $891 million charge related to the company's decision to change its name from FedEx Kinko's to FedEx Office. More about the name change can be found in this June 9 BusinessWeek story.

Corporate Express Selects Four51 for Online Ordering 06/20/08
Corporate Express Document & Print Management (CEDPM), announced an enterprise license agreement with Four51 Inc. for its online business-to-business catalog technology that connects buyers, distributors and suppliers. Four51's e-commerce platform will help Corporate Express "bring products to market faster and consolidate disparate online ordering systems, while continuing to provide interoperability with ERP and spend-management solutions, such as SAP and Ariba, used by Corporate Express' customers," the company said.

"We're excited to leverage Four51's online business-to-business catalog technology," said Michael Bailey, vice president of Information Services in a news release. "Our new strategic partnership will enable us to continue streamlining and optimizing our internal systems and processes, while at the same time providing a state-of-the-art e-commerce front end to our customers."

With 1,000 employees, seven manufacturing plants and 50 sales offices nationwide, Corporate Express Document & Print Management provides print management, and business form, label, direct mail and fulfillment solutions. The parent company, Corporate Express, generated 2007 sales of EUR 5.6 billion, has nearly 18,000 employees and operations in 21 countries. It recently agreed to be bought by Staples.

Ennis Annual Report 06/20/08
Ennis Inc. has printed its 2008 annual report on 100 percent recycled, FSC-certified paper. Printing was done by Ennis subsidiary Admore, which recently was certified by FSC and SFI. The four-color cover of the report features a die cut and embossing.

ASB Names New Vendor Relations Director 06/20/08
American Solutions for Business (ASB) has named Justin Zavadil, the 28-year-old son of Larry and Diane Zavadil, the founders of the company, as director of vendor relations. A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Justin has been working in commercial and real estate development for the past four years. Prior to that, he was an ASB sales associate in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area.

Deluxe to Acquire Web Hosting Firm 06/20/08
Deluxe Corp. and Hostopia.com Inc. announced they have entered into a definitive agreement for Deluxe to acquire Hostopia, a provider of web services that enable small and medium-sized businesses to establish and maintain an Internet presence. Deluxe will acquire Hostopia in an all-cash transaction that values Hostopia at approximately Cdn$124 million. "We are very excited with the prospect of providing Hostopia's industry-leading, private-label web services to our small business customers and collectively growing our product and service offerings as we move forward together," said Lee Schram, Deluxe CEO, in a news release.

Staples To Buy Corporate Express 06/13/08
Staples this week announced it has reached an agreement with Corporate Express under which Corporate Express recommends the all-cash offer by Staples for Corporate Express, a deal worth $4.8 billion, including the cost of stock and debt assumption. The combined companies will be major force in office supplies and printing in North America, Canada, Europe, Australia and New Zealand.

Ward/Kraft Offers New Membership Card Program 06/13/08
Ward/Kraft Inc. has launched a new stock and imprinted membership card program with new pricing and delivery benefits. Distributors no longer have to meet long run minimums with the RealCard program, which is designed to help distributors penetrate the desktop printed integrated product market. The program features low minimum quantities--250 for inkjet and 1,000 for laser--and fast turnaround on blank or imprinted plastic membership cards. Stock products ship within 24 hours and cards imprinted in 4-color process ship within seven days of proof approval.

Advanced Labeling Systems Acquired 06/06/08
Advanced Labeling Systems Inc., a Denver-based label and tag manufacturer, has been acquired by the investor group that owns General Credit Forms Inc., Golden Business Forms Inc., South Seas Data and McCormick Paper Co. Inc. The assets of Advanced Labeling Systems, Inc. were purchased by the investors and are now entirely owned by Advanced Labeling Systems LLC. All of the companies held by this investor group are involved with manufacturing, warehousing and distributing products and services for the point-of-sale bankcard payment industry and the money transfer industry.

Name Change: FedEx Office 06/06/08
FedEx Corp. this week announced it will change the name of FedEx Kinko's to FedEx Office and take a charge of $891 million in Q4 for "one-time, non-cash impairment charges associated with the decision about the use of the Kinko's trade name and goodwill resulting from the Kinko's acquisition...The goodwill impairment charge reflects a decline in the current fair value of the FedEx Office unit in light of current economic conditions, the unit's recent and forecasted performance and the decision to reduce the rate of store expansion."

Consolidated Buys 36 Indigos 06/06/08
HP announced this week it has signed a multimillion dollar agreement with commercial printer Consolidated Graphics for the installation of 36 HP Indigo digital presses, including multiple HP Indigo 7000s, at facilities in the U.S. and the Czech Republic.

Staples Ups the Ante 06/06/08
Staples Inc. announced Tuesday it has increased its offer to buy Corporate Express for $14.23 per share, a 26 percent increase from Staples' original offer of $11.27 per share on Feb. 19. The two companies reportedly are negotiating. More

Schreiner MediPharm Opens U.S. Plant 06/06/08
Schreiner MediPharm, a Germany-based global provider of pharmaceutical labeling solutions, recently opened its first U.S. production facility 30 miles from New York City in Blauvelt, N.Y. The 50,000-square-foot facility features a variety of screen and flexo printing technologies and will be ISO-certified to meet today's most demanding labeling challenges, the company said. The product line includes specialty peel-off labels, combination hanger labels, brand protection and RFID solutions, expanded content labels and functional syringe labels. Details: (845) 848-9000.

Victor Printing Wins Award 06/06/08
Victor Printing Inc., Sharon, Pa., won the 2007 Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce Phoenix Award for innovation. Last year Victor installed a Komori LS 29 offset press and an HP Indigo 5500, becoming one of the first commercial printers in the area to install this innovative digital press.

New Clear Label from Continental 06/06/08
Continental Datalabel, Elgin, Ill., introduced a new clear label for both inkjet and laser printers. Produced under the Compulabel brand name, the new item replaces the company's previous clear label which was for laser only. A change in materials makes the label suitable for both printer types. Available in five sizes, including 2-5/6" x 1," 2-5/8" x 1," 4-1/4" x 1-1/3," 4-1/4" x 2" and 8-1/2" x 11, they can be customized and die-cut to any configuration. Call (800) 947-800 for samples.

Admore Earns FSC Certification 06/06/08
Admore, an Ennis Inc. company, is the first Ennis facility to receive the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Chain of Custody Certification. Admore's Macomb, Mich., facility received certification Feb. 28. FSC is an international organization that brings people together to find solutions which promote responsible stewardship of the world's forests. The certification gives Admore the ability to place and print the FSC logo on projects that meet the strict standards of FSC criteria. The mission of the FSC is to promote environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. The FSC gives the assurance that forest management does not put the forest's natural heritage at risk and management activities efforts are appropriate.

Kodak Helps Cork Wine Counterfeiting 05/30/08
Expensive Canadian ice wine is increasingly being exploited by counterfeiters. Kodak, with packaging provider Stanpac, has demonstrated the KODAK TRACELESS System for Anticounterfeiting using a silk screen method.

"The wine industry in Ontario offers world renowned ice wine," said Murray Bain, Vice President, Marketing, Stanpac, Inc. "Unfortunately, some are taking advantage of the brand by passing off inferior products as Canadian or counterfeiting well known premium labels." Ice wines are produced in extreme conditions using grapes still frozen on the vine. In places like China, where counterfeiting is widespread, sales of Canadian ice wine have dropped 60 percent due partly to counterfeiting. Counterfeiting also extends to the manufacturing process, where fake "Canadian ice wine bottles" are becoming increasingly available on the Internet.

Since 2007, Kodak has worked with several premium vintners using the TRACELESS System to develop authentication and protection solutions. Its forensically invisible markers are embedded during the manufacturing or printing process, allowing the winery to protect the authenticity of its high value product.

Kodak NEXPRESS Approved and Licensed by Pantone 05/30/08
Pantone has licensed all Kodak NEXPRESS Digital Production Color Presses as approved for the Pantone Matching System and the new Pantone GOE System, confirming that they are capable of achieving approved Pantone Colors. The color range is larger than ever, with Pantone's introduction in late 2007 of the new PANTONE GOE System, which adds more than 2,000 unique colors to the just less than 1,200 in the Pantone Matching System. Pantone's approval applies to these NEXPRESS models: S3000, S2500, S2100, 2500, 2100 Plus and 2100.

InnerWorkings Acquires etrinsic 05/30/08
InnerWorkings Inc. announced it has acquired United Kingdom-based etrinsic, a leading print management and marketing services firm among the 20 largest print management companies in the UK with a generated revenue of approximately $44 million in 2007. extrinsic was founded 36 years ago by Colin Davies, a longtime member of PSDA, who sold the firm to his management team in 2005 and retired in 2006.

Ward/Kraft Installs New Integrated Card/label Equipment 05/30/08
Ward/Kraft Inc. this week announced lower costs and faster delivery times on medium- to large-run blank integrated cards and labels, thanks to new equipment installed at the Kansas Forms Division. The integrated offering includes blank label and card options available in cut sheet, unit set and continuous formats, produced on 11", 14", and 17" equipment

MeadWestvaco to Close Pa., Packaging Plant 05/30/08
MeadWestvaco has announced it will close its MWV Packaging plant in Warrington, Pa., to streamline costs and efficiencies. The facility produces visual and paperboard packaging for the personal and beauty care industry. The closure of the Warrington plant, expected by late summer, will impact 145 employees.

Promotions at Miami Systems 05/23/08
Miami Systems Corporation, a Cincinnati based producer of LaserSelect rolls, cut sheets and other products, has announced the promotion of Rich Campbell, currently EVP, to president. Sam Peters, founder and current president, will assume the role of chairman. Rick Martin, current vice president, has been promoted to COO.

EMA Connects with Four51 05/23/08
EMA-Specialty Envelopes & More now offers the Connect Four51 e-commerce program, which creates efficiencies in the print, envelope and business card supply chains. The Connect Four51 order process drives all purchase orders to suppliers through an integrated channel, significantly reducing labor costs and virtually eliminating errors, EMA said. Details

Ward/Kraft Wins Awards 05/23/08
The Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica has announced that Ward/Kraft Inc., Fort Scott, Kan., won several awards in its 19th Annual Graphic Excellence Awards Competition, which attracted nearly 800 entries from commercial printers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Western Missouri and Texas. Ward/Kraft won a Best of Category Award, an Award of Excellence and 31 Awards of Merit.

Ennis-Wolfe City Adds Magnetic Capabilities 05/23/08
Ennis' Wolfe City, Texas plant now can print on Magnecote magnetic paper that
can be perforated, die-cut, laminated and can bend, tear, fold and roll. Lighter than traditional magnets, Magnecote can save on direct mail and shipping costs, and can be used virtually every way paper can be used, the company said.

GPA Announces New Catalog 05/23/08
GPA, Chicago, has released its new Ultra Digital catalog of substrates for HP Indigo digital presses. Selections include coated and uncoated papers, specialty fine papers, pressure sensitive papers and films, non-adhesive films, FSC certified eco-friendly substrates, pre-converted direct mail substrates and more. More information.

Class Action Suit: Amazon Restrains Trade 05/23/08
BookLocker.com has filed a class action lawsuit against Amazon in response to Amazon's recent attempts to force all publishers using Print on Demand (POD) technology to pay Amazon to print their books. Read the complaint here.

Electronic Medical Record Use Growing 05/23/08
Quest Diagnostics labs and Long's Drug Stores, Hawaii's largest drug store chain, are among those who have joined with Google to launch a new service that will enable customers to import prescription and other medical information, share it with doctors and streamline the dispensing of their prescriptions. The service, called Google Health, links customers with doctors and health care providers through the use of electronic medical records. Details

Four51 Attains Security Certification 05/16/08
E-commerce software provider Four51 announced it has been certified as a Level 1 Payment Card Industry compliant service provider. The PCI Data Security Standard is managed by the Cardholder Information Security Program, which was developed to protect credit card data across all points of a transaction, ensuring that cardholders, merchants and service providers maintain the highest information security standards. Four51 e-commerce software connects buyers, distributors and suppliers of goods such as printed materials, promotional products and office supplies. PCI compliant credit card processing service providers are required to adhere to a standard set of 12 security practices, including maintaining firewalls to protect data; encrypting transmissions of cardholder data and other sensitive information; assigning a unique ID to each person with computer access, and tracking and monitoring all access to network resources.

Poly-Pak Unveils Green Packaging Program 05/16/08
Poly-Pak Industries, a manufacturer of plastic packaging, has a new environmental packaging program designed to help retailers become more environmentally responsible. The "It's Easy Being Green" program includes a selection of environmentally responsible bags as well as the "Bring It Back" recycling system, inspired by the Progressive Bag Affiliates. Poly-Pak's program offers non-food retailers such as large department stores and independent retailers outside the grocery industry a selection of bag options and the "Bring It Back" recycling kit. Each kit includes a large or small collection bin, attractive signage and recyclable pouches to send collected bags back to Poly-Pak's recycling center. Collected bags will be recycled into composite decking, plastic fencing and trash bags. "Bring It Back" kits are available nationwide. The cost of recycling the collected waste is paid for by Poly-Pak. Call (800) 969-1995 for details.

FTC Updates CAN-SPAM Regulations 05/16/08
The Federal Trade Commission this week updated CAN-SPAM Act regulations in a move that will make it easier for email recipients to opt out of unwanted emails. The new regulations also more clearly define what's expected of marketers. Full story

Attention PSDA Exhibitors and Advertisers 05/16/08
Please be aware of a scam believed to be operating out of Mexico targeting exhibitors at large trade shows in the U.S., including PSDA's Print Solutions Conference & Expo. Using a website, email and snail mail, the scammers offer "free" advertising in a show directory, but then the exhibitors are billed for thousands of dollars in advertising. When the invoices are ignored, the scammers use harassing phone calls, threats to credit ratings and more. Be advised there is ONLY ONE OFFICIAL SHOW GUIDE for PSDA's Conference & Expo in Baltimore and it is published by Print Solutions Magazine. Make sure you see PSDA's name, address and phone number on any solicitation or other communication you receive about PSDA's Print Solutions Conference & Expo.

New Synthetic Label From Badger 05/16/08
Badger Tag & Label Corporation announced a new synthetic label that withstands the elements, allows thermal and other printing, has a very aggressive adhesive and is for "companies looking to reduce costs." The label stock is a 3 mil., high-density polyethylene that has excellent thermal (direct or transfer) printability for customization at the end-use facility. The label can also be printed using laser, inkjet, or dot-matrix methods; stamped or handwritten. By adding a clear mylar overlay, information the end-user prints can be permanently encased and protected. The label can be applied to stainless steel, high density polyethylene, corrugated, wood, and powder coated surfaces. Because of the quick tack and its overall flexibility, it adheres to textured surfaces and can mold to the shape of an item; including something as small as a pen. The stock is waterproof, chemical- and tear-resistant, UV stabilized so fading is eliminated, can be folded without cracking, puncture-resistant, and withstands temperature extremes from 140° F to -20° F.

Datatel FSC Certified 05/09/08
Datatel Resources Corporation, a Monaca, Pa., manufacturer of 50"jumbo rolls, laser cut sheets, long run custom forms and high color print with UV, has attained Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification. The company now has two certifications, having earned SFI certification earlier in the year. FSC is a global organization that promotes well managed forests by ensuring forestry practices are environmentally responsible, socially equitable and economically viable.

Berman Printing Merges with TouchPoint 05/09/08
M&A specialist The Open Approach, Westmont, Ill., announced it has secured a deal for client Berman Printing to become part of TouchPoint Print Solutions--a group that aggregates the resources of select graphic arts providers. Founded in 1935, Berman Printing is one of the first commercial printers in Cincinnati. Berman joins other TouchPoint Print Solutions companies, CoakleyTech and NSO Press, suppliers to a range of Fortune 100 companies and global brands. Berman is one of the few printers nationwide with a 10-color perfecting press.

Donnelley Reports Q1 Results 05/09/08
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. reported first quarter net earnings of $182 million on net sales of $3 billion compared to net earnings of $138.9 million on net sales of $2.8 billion in the first quarter of 2007.

Cenveo Announces Q1 Results 05/09/08
Cenveo Inc. this week announced results for the quarter March 29. Sales increased 29% to $534.3 million from $414.7 million in 2007, primarily due to acquisitions. The company reported a net loss of $3.4 million, compared to net income of $18.1 million, in the first quarter of 2007.

InnerWorkings Announces Q1 Results, $50 Million Share Repurchase 05/09/08
For the three months ended March 31, revenue grew 48 percent versus the first quarter of 2007 to $87.2 million; operating income rose 53 percent to $5.8 million; net income increased 45 percent to $3.9 million, up from $2.7 million in the first quarter of 2007. The company increased its sales force through the addition of 15 new account executives during the quarter, increasing the total to 232. InnerWorkings Inc. also announced this week a $50 million share repurchase program and an increase in its liquidity position resulting from the expansion of its revolving credit facility and the sale of a portion of its equity investment in Echo Global Logistics, Inc. The company has a new $75 million three-year revolving credit facility and has sold 25 percent of its holdings in Echo Global Logistics, Inc. for $5 million in cash. The company also announced that COO Eric D. Belcher has been promoted to president. He joined the firm in 2005 as EVP of operations. He had been COO and CFO of MAN Roland.

New Postal Prices Coming May 12 05/09/08
On May 12 the Postal Service will adjust prices for its services. While the most visible change is the 1-cent increase for First-Class letters, the changes are broader and include prices that could save you money when shipping some packages: Full Story.

Quebecor Appoints Chief Restructuring Officer 05/02/08
Randy Benson was named chief restructuring officer of Quebecor World Inc., reporting to the board of directors' restructuring committee. He most recently served as chief restructuring officer for Hollinger Inc., and for Ivaco Inc. before that. He also held senior management positions at Call-Net Enterprises-Sprint Canada Inc., Parmalat Canada and Beatrice Foods. Quebecor World Inc. is subject to court protection under the Companies' Creditors Arrangement Act in Canada, and some U.S. subsidiaries have filed for bankruptcy.

VistaPrint's 2008 Q3 Revenue Rose 53%, Introduces Websites for Customers 05/02/08
VistaPrint announced revenue for the third quarter of FY 2008, which ends June 30 for the company. Revenue grew more than $106 million year-over-year, the company said, compared to last year's quarter total of $69.3 million. Nearly 40 percent of revenue came from websites targeting non-U.S. markets. Gross margin fell from 65.1 percent for the same period in FY 2007 to 61.3 percent in FY 2008.

The company also launched a web site product on Monday for small businesses, which will allow customers to create a custom website with a VistaPrint tool in a few hours, representatives said. The custom sites will be programmed to match customers' existing collateral purchased from VistaPrint, and are available in more than 250 designs and in three service and structure packages.

Standard Register Elects New Board Members and COO 05/02/08
Three new board members and a chief operating officer were elected at Standard Register on Monday, and five incumbent board members were re-elected. Joe Morgan, the new COO, has worked for SR for seven years. He most recently managed the company's On Demand Solutions Group. David Bailis, a new board member, runs his own consulting company and was a senior executive VP at First Data Corp. Michael Kohlsdorf, another new board member, is president and CEO of Aderant Holdings Inc., which works in the legal field. He was previously a senior VP at IKON. Eric McCarthey, the final new board member, is president of Coca-Cola's 7-Eleven Global Business team. The re-elected members are David Clarke III, Roy Begley Jr., Dennis Rediker, and John Sherman II.

Creative Automation Announces Reforestation Program 05/02/08
Creative Automation, a leader in direct mail printing and database management services, announced a reforestation program during the month of June. The company is partnering with American Forests for the program, which will apply to all orders placed during the month of June with the Graphics Printing Division at Creative Automation. For every $5,000 print production order, Creative Automation will plant 25 trees through American Forests in the name of that customer. There is no limit on order size; for example, a $200,000 order would equate to 1,000 trees planted in the customer's name through American Forests, whose community-based initiatives help people plan and implement local actions that restore and maintain healthy ecosystems and communities, including tree planting, urban forestry, environmental education and community-based forestry.

Small Business Concern about Economy Won't Affect Spending 05/02/08
A FedEx Kinko's small business survey found that 89 percent of small business owners polled were moderately to very concerned about the current economy's impact on their business, but decreasing their marketing and advertising budgets is not a likely course of action. In fact, 92 percent said they will either keep their spending the same or increase it this year. The online survey, conducted in March with nearly 500 small business owners and decision makers, also found that 66 percent foresee flat or falling profits in 2008 and 41 percent are considering more spending on marketing and advertising this year.

Two Envelope Companies Get Green 04/25/08
The Wolf Envelope Company, Troy, Mich., has earned chain of custody certification from three forestry standards groups: FSC (Forest Stewardship Council), SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) and PEFC (Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification). Triple certification provides assurance that Wolf has implemented environment friendly paper procurement procedures by obtaining paper from sources that have been awarded this chain of custody certification, the company said.

Envelope Mart USA, Northwood, Ohio, has undertaken several green initiatives including FSC and SFI certification, says company President Norm Shapiro, citing the firm's interest in working with clients that believe in the importance of environmentally responsible business practices. He said that Envelope Mart has continued this theme by offering more recycled products, products that are manufactured with wind power, and shifting from traditional printing inks to "eco smart" inks that have much lower voc's.

Wisco Announces New Teller Helper Designs 04/25/08
Wisco introduced eight new designs to its teller helper catalog and portfolio. The new products feature updated graphics designed to attract attention and cross-sell various financial services for drive-in customers. Product options include up to 4-color process printing, multiple sizes and styles, and latex or remoistenable glue flaps. Wisco also offers distributors sales kits to be used as a leave behind with financial institution customers. Call (800) 777-9677 for details.

How's Business? 04/25/08
An informal survey of business conditions among more than 100 PSDA members on the association's listserver this week showed mixed attitudes. Net sales for the first quarter of this year compared to Q1 last year were up for 42 percent of the respondents; 35 percent said sales were down and 23 percent said sales were flat. Gross margins were up for half of the respondents; 25 percent said margins were down and the remaining 25 percent said they were flat. Three quarters said they were "making some money"; 17 percent were just "breaking even" and eight percent said they were losing money. The survey was conducted by Jim Anderson, president of Corporate Development Associates in Scottsdale, Ariz., who plans to repeat the survey each quarter.

Office Superstores as Competitors 04/25/08
DMNews reports that office supply superstores are becoming big players in the printing business. About 63% of Office Depot's sales volume is office supplies, but printing "is a growing portion of the business," says Randy Pianin, SVP of Office Depot's design, print and ship division. In fact, he explains, the company has pinpointed this area as one of its priorities for future growth. Full story

Office Depot Launches Line of Green Office Supplies 04/18/08
Office Depot launched its new, environmentally preferable line of office supplies called, "Office Depot Green." The line includes recycled-content copy paper, notepads, notebooks, file folders and envelopes; recycled-content paper towels and tissues; refills for writing instruments; energy-efficient light bulbs; remanufactured ink and toner cartridges; furniture manufactured with less chemicals; recycled-content chairs; Energy Star-certified technology; and non-toxic cleaning supplies. The products are available online and at 1,200-plus Office Depot stores.

Printable and Kodak Form Alliance 04/18/08
Printable Technologies Inc., a provider of integrated marketing, web to print and personalized direct marketing solutions, and Kodak's Graphic Communications Group announced the integration of Printable's FusionPro Web product with KODAK EMS Business Software. Together, these products help customers navigate complex environments that include digital print workflows, fulfillment and mailing operations, and campaign tracking and reporting. Full story.

Wolf Envelope Co. Celebrates 85 Years 04/18/08
The Wolf Envelope Company is celebrating 85 years as a full-service custom envelope manufacturer. The company began operations in Cleveland in 1899. In 1923, it opened an operation in Detroit to better serve the growing automotive industry. Today, Wolf's corporate headquarters are located in Troy, Mich. Its main manufacturing facility is located in Angola, Ind., with an additional plant in Hattiesburg, Miss. It has obtained chain-of-custody certification from both the Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Forest Stewardship Council. Wolf serves Midwest companies that require large volumes of envelopes and their distribution to a variety of locations.

A Lesson on California's Proposition 65 04/18/08
Neil Rosen, president of Brooke Business Forms Supplies Inc., recently received an order for 1,000 standard-sized mugs from a new customer. Rosen asked a vendor he had previously worked with to complete the order. Last week, when a CSR from Brooke Business Forms called the vendor to confirm the order, the vendor said that the company doesn't ship to California. "The vendor had to conform to Proposition 65, but they could not do it," Rosen says.

Proposition 65 requires businesses to notify Californians about significant amounts of chemicals in the products they purchase. In 1986, California voters approved an initiative to address their growing concerns about exposure to toxic chemicals. That initiative became the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, better known by its original name of Proposition 65.

"The vendor said that it could not label the mugs, and now we had to scramble," Rosen says. That same day, Brooke Business Forms found a vendor based in Washington state that conformed to California's Proposition 65. In future, Rosen plans to find out from vendors if they comply with Proposition 65.

SAGE Names Director of Sales & Marketing 04/11/08
Edison Dane, an advertising veteran, has been hired to manage SAGE's sales and marketing departments to further develop the SAGE brand while enhancing sales and overall company revenues. Dane has more than 20 years of experience in sales, marketing and advertising.

USPS High-Speed Sorters Get Faster 04/11/08
The Postal Service Board of Governors has approved funding to purchase technology to postmark letters faster and sort them smarter. The 550 Advanced Facer Canceller System (AFCS) machines will replace existing sorters that use technology from the 1980s. The AFCS machine is 15 percent faster, applies barcodes, and processes broader-sized letters before sorting them to one of 12 destination bins. The new equipment, which is more energy efficient, will be deployed between May 2010 and July 2011.

The board also approved funding to purchase 400 computer systems to replace the existing National Directory Support System (NDSS) and the Integrated Data System (IDS). The NDSS contains the nation's 148 million addresses and downloads ZIP code directories to more than 13,000 letter, flat and parcel sorting machines weekly. The IDS collects and distributes operational and management data to help the USPS achieve optimum machine performance. It also provides mail sorting information that's shared with business customers. Deployment of the new IDS-NDSS computer systems begins in January 2009 and will be completed in July 2009.

Custom Index Gets FSC Certification 04/11/08
Custom Index, a manufacturer of index dividers and folders, received the Forest Stewardship Council chain-of-custody certification. The company offers custom indexes, legal exhibit dividers, filebacks, fasteners, file folders, pocket folders and more. It also offers a variety of stock and custom papers.

RISO to Plant 100,000 Trees 04/11/08
RISO Inc. is partnering with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant 100,000 trees over the next four years. The trees will help replenish national forests damaged by fires or disease and will be planted on behalf of RISO's customers and resellers.

E-Commerce Grows at Xpedx 04/11/08
Printing supplies distributor Xpedx said that its 2007 e-commerce sales reached $1.4 billion, with online orders making up more than half of its total volume, according to a story in the Business Courier of Cincinnati. The company said that 5.8 million orders were placed online during the year, up 12 percent over 2006. Xpedx recently introduced a new online catalog search tool, an upgraded web site and a quick-order site, xpedxstores.com, which is available in some of its retail outlets. The company also will continue to form alliances with other firms to improve its e-commerce services.

Amazon Tightens Grip on Printing 04/04/08
Amazon.com Inc. notified publishers who print books on demand that they will have to use its on-demand printing facilities if they want their books sold on Amazon's web site. New terms imposed by Amazon appear to push publishers toward Amazon's BookSurge subsidiary in place of competing print on-demand (POD) services. Amazon acquired BookSurge in 2005. Full story.

In an open letter explaining its move, Amazon said, "If the POD printing machines reside inside our own fulfillment centers, we can more quickly ship the POD book to customers -- including in those cases where the POD book needs to be married together with another item. If a customer orders a POD item together with an item that we're holding in inventory -- a common case -- we can quickly print and bind the POD item, pick the inventoried item, and ship the two together in one box, and we can do so quickly. If the POD item were to be printed at a third party, we'd have to wait for it to be transhipped to our fulfillment center before it could be married together with the inventoried item." Click here to read the complete letter.

Standard Register Launches Online Rx Pad Ordering System 04/04/08
Standard Register launched an online system for ordering its full line of tamper-resistant prescription pads. The web site introduces a new level of security, easy ordering for physicians and free shipping on all online Rx pad orders. The site provides secure order entry online, automatic medical license validation and online proofs, and also allows practitioners to check order status and track shipments. The prescription pads are printed on proprietary security paper in secure facilities by bonded, authorized personnel, and the finished product is locked and under 24-hour surveillance.

Custom Label Printer Wins Award 04/04/08
The Courier Corp. honored In-Touch Direct Inc. of Falmouth, Mass., with its Vendor of the Year award to recognize the company's excellence in designing and printing custom labels. In-Touch Direct offers 1- and 2-color labels, foil-stamped labels, laminated duro labels, 4-color process labels, laser labels and more.

Maine Printing Company/MPX Gets FSC Certification 04/04/08
Maine Printing Company/MPX received the FSC chain-of-custody certification under the Scientific Certification Systems' Forest Conservation Program. This certification allows MPX to provide its clients with print products that carry the FSC logo, ensuring that the fiber used to produce these products can be traced through the supply chain to an FSC-certified well-managed forest.

Paper Recycling Hits Record High 04/04/08
A record 56 percent of the paper consumed in the United States was recovered for recycling in 2007, the American Forest & Paper Association says. Total paper recovery reached 54.3 million tons in 2007, equaling 360 pounds of paper for every man, woman, and child in America. That's enough paper to fill the Empire State Building 100 times. While Americans already recycle a large percentage of two paper grades, corrugated containers and newspapers, the AF&PA is aiming for a 60 percent recovery goal by 2012. This requires a focus on increasing recovery of other grades, including printing and writing papers, catalogs and direct mail, and extracting additional fiber from waste streams.

Avery Dennison Acquires Label Company 04/04/08
Avery Dennison Corp. acquired DM Label Group, a manufacturer of woven labels headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan. DM Label Group has 11 manufacturing facilities in six countries, including China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Taiwan and the United States. Its core products include woven labels, printed labels, accessory tapes, hang tags, heat transfer labels and "skin touch" fabric ribbon tape.

AB&C Group, BlueSky Go Out of Business 04/04/08
AB&C Group, Ranson, W.Va., went out of business officially on March 14, along with gift retailer The Paragon, puzzle merchant Bits and Pieces, the National Wildlife Catalog and Winterthur, a collectables retailer, when parent company Blue Sky Brands went bankrupt. None of the websites is taking orders at this time. According to news reports, BlueSky, which is owned by Chicago-based equity firm Reliant Equity Investors, has not officially filed bankruptcy papers. Representatives from Reliant, including Managing Director Thomas Darden, who sits on the Blue Sky board, have refused to comment.

"To my knowledge, there weren't any big indications that something was going on," said Curt Barry, CEO of F. Curtis Barry & Co., Richmond, Va., which helped some customers find new fulfillment centers after the closing. "They had cash flow problems and just couldn't pay their bills."

During the first week in March, AB&C alerted customers that it was having some financial issues and was seeking new sources of funding. The heads-up left many customers scrambling for a new fulfillment house, and those who didn't take heed were surprised the following week. About 400 people worked in AB&C distribution and call centers in W. Va., and about another 150 in the Orange, W.Va. call center. According to some reports, some employees had not been paid in three weeks. Several employees have filed lawsuits for their benefits and wages in at least two West Virginia circuit courts. | MORE

Glatfelter Announces NatureSolv Guarantee 03/28/08
Glatfelter announced its NatureSolv 100 percent guarantee for all carbonless products. Glatfelter said that if a product has a carbonless capsule, it will be a 100 percent NatureSolv carbonless capsule. Available to Glatfelter customers for no additional cost, NatureSolv is based on technology that utilizes naturally-based, organic solvents to create a carbonless capsule that is more environmentally responsible.

MeadWestvaco Revamps Corporate Identity 03/28/08
MeadWestvaco Corp. unveiled its new corporate identity: "MWV: How brands take shape." The new brand is designed to articulate in a unified voice MeadWestvaco's global packaging capabilities, supply chain efficiencies, sustainability promises and efforts to increase customers' marketplace competitiveness, the company said.

WBF Prescription Pads Exceed CMS Requirements 03/28/08
Wise Business Forms introduced its tamper-resistant prescription pads with 10 industry-leading security features that exceed the requirements of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). By April 1, CMS requires that pads must contain at least one of the following characteristics of fraud detection to be considered tamper-resistant: 1) prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form, 2) inhibit erasure or modification of information, and 3) prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms. Beginning Oct. 1, pads must meet all the three characteristics. Wise security features include void pantograph, heat sensitive Rx symbol, artificial watermark, blue or green background, a listing of all security features on back, reverse Rx, micro-printing, chemical reactive paper, and toner adhesion coating.

Wisco Launches 6 x 9 Standard Window Envelope 03/28/08
Wisco announced the availability of a 6 x 9 envelope featuring a standard position window. Because the product is in inventory, delivery time and prices have been dramatically reduced, the company said. The product also meets USPS regulations for letter size mail. The window is located 2 ½ inches from the bottom, allowing users a simple transition from larger 9 x 12 and 10 x 13 envelopes that cost more to mail. Wisco offers up to 4-color process printing on this product. Custom windows are available.

Ennis Develops National Sales Team 03/28/08
Ennis Inc. developed a National Sales Team consisting of seven experienced sales managers who are directly responsible for all Ennis capabilities and plants within a geographic region. In addition to geographic responsibilities, the team will provide distributors an opportunity to leverage the company’s national manufacturing facilities. Ennis area sales managers will serve as a single source for distributors to work with all manufacturing facilities. The team members include Carrie Hoesli, CDC, Southwest area sales manager; Lowell Lumpkin, Midwest area sales manager; Randy Olsen, Western area sales manager; Rich Frese, Northeast area sales manager; Shelly Reed, South Central area sales manager, and Steve Clarke, Midwest area sales manager.

ASB Conference Aims to Connect Generations 03/28/08
More than 600 sales associates and vendors attended American Solutions for Business' winter sales conference Feb. 27 to March 2 at the Hilton Hotel in Minneapolis. The conference was based on the theme of "Connecting Generations." It included 20 training sessions and vendor workshops, and a day-long vendor showcase. The event also included panel discussions on how buyers choose suppliers and products, how end users utilize promotional products, how generational differences affect purchasing, and more.

Mimeo.com Launches Publishing, Document Distribution Tool 03/28/08
Mimeo.com launched Mimeo Marketplace, an on-demand publishing and document distribution tool. It's designed for manufacturers, training professionals, retailers and marketing departments that frequently need to produce and distribute documents to end users across multiple locations, often overnight, the company said.

Check 21: Void Pantographs Called Into Question 03/28/08
Some check manufacturers and distributors are losing faith in the effectiveness of void pantographs, which combat one of the most basic counterfeiting techniques—copying. When someone tries to duplicate a secure document on a scanner or color copier, the word VOID appears in bold letters on the new document. "I think it's a combination of two things: Check 21 compliance standards and the ever-changing technology in color copiers and scanners," says Charlie Chomas, CDC, president of DynaTron Inc., Lake Worth, Fla. "Is the void pantograph really a viable security feature? In my opinion, it has been weakened." | MORE

Company Uses Wind Power to Produce 100M Envelopes 03/28/08
Grossman Marketing Group (GMG) is using energy supplied by wind power to produce envelopes, collateral and promotional products after its customers, including Boston Celtics, Kraft General Foods and WBZ-TV, asked the company to produce eco-friendly products. GMG launched the initiative a year ago and has produced more than 100 million Green-e certified envelopes. The envelopes are produced and supplied at no extra cost and have saved 27,800 gallons of crude oil, the company said.

Data Source Buys Automotive Forms Management Firm 03/28/08
Data Source Inc. bought Dallas-based automotive forms management company Restex Inc. for an undisclosed amount, according to a story in the Kansas City Business Journal. Restex had 11 employees, all of whom transferred to Data Source. Restex now uses the Data Source business name. Data Source has 123 employees, including 116 in the Kansas City area. Restex created, sourced and managed printed and promotional products for more than 1,000 car dealerships and service providers. Data Source plans to expand that business.

USPS to Improve Address Quality 03/28/08
In 2004, more than 9.7 billion pieces of mail were sent to undeliverable addresses of which more than 600 million pieces were sent to "vacant" addresses--a house, apartment, office, or building not occupied for at least 90 days. To reduce that unwanted mail, the USPS has developed a new data table that's used with address matching software to help mailers determine vacant addresses. The new "no-stat" and "vacant" tables are available through Coding Accuracy Support System address matching software (CASS Certified) as part of the Delivery Point Validation (DPV) product. The tables are simple to use and can help mailers save on production and postage costs by reducing undeliverable-as-addressed (UAA) mail. If an address is flagged as vacant, the recommended course of action is to remove that address from the mailing until it becomes occupied again. Full story.

Standard Register Expands California Facility 03/21/08
Standard Register added a warehouse and distribution facility at its Modesto, Calif., location. The facility specializes in small order and less-than-carton quantities of such things as labels and technical literature. The Modesto facility will complement the company's Columbus, Ohio, manufacturing distribution center as well as its manufacturing and service center in Monterrey, Mexico, which provides quick-turn label production, limited variable imaging, warehousing and kitting capabilities.

Small Distributor Summit Draws Record Turnout 03/21/08
"Thanks for the referrals. We landed that job."

"How did you design that?"

"What is your e-commerce strategy?"

These were typical conversation starters as the 2008 Small Distributor Summit (SDS) opened March 7 in snowy Nashville, Tenn. SDS is a conference where print sellers with annual volumes of $2.5 million or less gather to trade solutions, solve problems, and share jokes and beer.

"It's our version of the band of brothers," said Ross Barker, president of e-Quantum, one of the SDS co-sponsors and a former president of PSDA. Of course, this band includes sisters, wives and woman-owned businesses, too.

It was the largest SDS ever, with 108 attendees. Mark Rockefeller, Carolina Print Consultants, and Joe Walkup, Innovative Business Products LLC, teamed up to organize the fifth annual conference in conjunction with PSDA. This year's meeting included a small, three-hour tabletop show where distributors could visit with select trade printers before dinner.

Pat Cook, vice president of marketing and sales at Ennis Inc., called it "the best trade show I have ever been to." Joe Hume, Keystone Data Systems, agreed. "It was good to have some time to spend with exhibitors one-on-one and I think it was a good addition to the SDS mix." MORE | PICTURES

Staples Plans Hostile Bid for Corporate Express 03/21/08
Staples Inc. left the price of its offer for Corporate Express NV unchanged and said it plans to launch a hostile bid, according to a Reuters story. Netherlands-based Corporate Express, in turn, again rejected the unsolicited $3.7 billion offer, saying the price "significantly undervalued" the company. The proposal is not in the best interests of its shareholders and other stakeholders, Corporate Express said. Staples said it was disappointed that Corporate Express would not negotiate, adding it planned to submit a request for approval of its planned offer to the appropriate Netherlands authority before May 13.

Patented Process for Customized Catalog Production 03/21/08
Stochastic Marketing adopted Catalogixx LLC's patented technology for producing customized catalogs and marketing materials as the final piece in its solution that can increase response rates as much as 300 percent, the company said. The patented process combines customer purchase history, graphics and data to create customized catalogs. The Stochastic Marketing/Catalogixx solution allows customers to deliver offset quality productivity and cost in catalog applications.

Conformer Media Mailer Passes USPS Automation Standards 03/21/08
Conformer Expansion Products said its Conformer media mailer has passed the USPS automation tests. The mailers slash postage in half and can be run on industry-standard fulfillment equipment, the company said. Objects such as CDs, DVDs, software and games packaged in a box or padded mailer don't pass the requirements demanded by the USPS automation processing equipment, and will cost $1.36 to send by standard mail as a parcel starting May. The Conformer media mailer brings postage costs down to 52 cents, saving 62 percent, because the package now passes as an automated flat, the company said.

All Barcode Systems Announces Partnership with Niceware 03/21/08
All Barcode Systems was accepted as a value added reseller for Niceware, the manufacturer of the NiceLabel label printing solutions. NiceLabel offers a full suite of products to address all label printing areas. It works with thermal printers and also prints to most laser and inkjet printers, the company said.

USPS Launches Free Recycling Mail Plan 03/21/08
The USPS launched a pilot program that allows customers to recycle small electronics and inkjet cartridges by mailing them free of charge. The "Mail Back" program allows customers to use free envelopes found in 1,500 post offices to mail back inkjet cartridges, PDAs, Blackberries, digital cameras, iPods and MP3 players, without having to pay for postage. Postage is paid for by Clover Technologies Group, a company that recycles, remanufactures and remarkets inkjet cartridges, laser cartridges and small electronics. There is no limit to the number of Mail Back envelopes customers may take. The pilot is set for 10 areas across the country, including Washington, D.C., Chicago, Los Angeles and San Diego, but can become a national program this fall if the pilot program proves successful. Full story.

Staples Makes FSC-Certified Recycled Paper a Standard Offering 03/21/08
Staples Inc. said that all its 1,400 copy & print centers nationwide are now using recycled paper certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) as the standard offering for black-and-white high-speed copy and print jobs. This ensures that trees used to make the Staples brand recycled paper are sourced responsibly from well-managed forests that protect rainforests and wildlife. The papers use at least 50 percent post-consumer recycled waste content, although Staples offers both 100 percent and 50 percent post-consumer waste recycled content choices for retail, delivery and contract customers, including copy and print projects placed through contract digital production facilities. It has set a goal of moving the majority of paper products it offers to FSC-certified paper by the end of 2010.

Consolidated Graphics Acquires N.C. Commercial Printer 03/21/08
Consolidated Graphics Inc. acquired PBM Graphics Inc. (PBM), Durham, N.C. PBM is a commercial printing and packaging company that produces trading card games, collectible trading cards associated with the film and entertainment industry, and educational products and materials, marketing materials and other general commercial print. PBM had 2007 revenues of approximately $135 million. The acquisition is expected to be accretive to fiscal year 2009 earnings per share. PBM Founder Terry Pegram, along with his current management team, will continue to lead PBM following the acquisition.

International Paper to Purchase Weyerhaeuser's Packaging Business 03/21/08
International Paper signed an agreement with Weyerhaeuser to purchase its containerboard, packaging and recycling (CBPR) business for $6 billion in cash, subject to post-closing adjustments. International Paper expects to close the deal in the third quarter of 2008. Full story.

Standard Register to Provide Prescription Pads to Medical Association 03/14/08
The South Carolina Medical Association (SCMA) selected Standard Register to provide its members with tamper-resistant prescription pads that will meet both federal and state security prescription requirements. SCMA members will receive a discount on its prescription pads and paper from the Dayton-based firm.

Record Turnout at the 5th Small Distributor Summit 03/14/08
Despite uncooperative weather that seems to be a tradition for PSDA’s Small Distributor Summit (SDS), a record-setting 108 attendees spent the weekend in snowy Nashville, Tenn., sharing business tips and best practices. The meeting, attendees said, was an unqualified hit.

“The camaraderie here is fantastic,” said first-time attendee Tony Mendes, Enterprise Business Solutions, Warwick, R.I. “Everyone tells it like it is, whether good or bad. We are all equals here; all business owners with similar goals. You can really let your hair down.”

Mark Rockefeller, Carolina Print Consultants, and Joe Walkup, Innovative Business Products, organized the meeting. This year’s agenda included a small, three-hour tabletop show where distributors could visit with select trade printers before dinner. Pat Cook, vice president of marketing and sales at Ennis Inc., called it “the best trade show I have ever been to.”

To many, the most important aspect of SDS is the honesty in sharing business stories. Sessions included “How I landed that big account” as well as a revealing and popular husbands-and-wives-who-work-together panel discussion on issues that arise when couples’ work lives are tightly intertwined.

MaverickLabel.Com Launches Value Stickers Product Line 03/14/08
MaverickLabel.Com launched a new line of labels that combines label production and e-commerce solutions. This combination of solutions provides web label buyers with pricing that is lower than what wholesale label printing companies offer to their dealers, the company said.

“For less than one-third the cost of current wholesale label industry pricing, we can now offer label buyers one- to three-color printed labels, in dozens of popular sizes,” said Mark Trumper, CEO of MaverickLabel.Com. “Yesterday an order for 100 1/2 inch circle labels retailed for around $100 and took 5 days to produce. Today, we can sell that same order for far less and have it shipped 24 hours later,” he said.

To order, customers pick the sticker shape and size, choose the label material, and select their ink colors. The product line consists of dozens of label sizes, available in the most popular shapes. Customers choose from gloss, matte, fluorescents, polyester, vinyl, mylar, and static cling materials. The stickers are printed in up to three-colors from a selection of 16 different ink colors. Free online web proofs are available within 24 hours. The minimum order is 1 roll of 100 custom printed stickers.

Paris Business Products Meet Medicaid Requirements 03/14/08
Paris Business Products offers several security paper choices that meet or exceed Medicaid's security feature requirements, the company said. The Centers for Medicine & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance last August on the provision that's included in section 7002(b) of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007.

CMS outlined three characteristics of tamper-resistant prescription pads. The characteristics must prevent unauthorized copying of a completed or blank prescription form; prevent the erasure or modification of information written on the prescription by the prescriber; or prevent the use of counterfeit prescription forms. By April 1, the states must meet one of the three requirements; by Oct. 1, they should implement all three requirements.

Paris offers its Premier Prescription Paper and other security paper products in different sizes, colors and formats, including 2-part carbonless security paper. The papers include blue and green-screened backgrounds that provide full ink coverage of the sheet, heat-sensitive thermochromatic ink that disappears when subjected to touch or heat of a copier, artificial watermarks that print “DocuGard Security” in white opaque ink on the backside of the paper, coin-reactive ink that displays tampering by scratching, and more.

Dupli-Systems Announces New Capabilities 03/14/08
Dupli-Systems Inc. added a black-and-white digital press configured with inline capabilities, including saddle-stitching, folding and drilling. The company can now offer quick turns on short run black-and-white products such as booklets, NCR forms, cut sheets, loose collated sets with tabs, and more.

All Barcode Systems Announces Partnerships 03/14/08
All Barcode Systems announced partnerships with several data collection equipment manufacturers and providers. The company is an authorized distributor for Unitech, a reseller partner for Cisco, an authorized reseller for Datalogic and Honeywell (formerly HandHeld Products), a solution provider for Ingram Micro, a vertical partner for Unitech, and partner select reseller for Motorola (formerly Symbol Technologies).

Ken May Resigns as CEO of FedEx Kinko's 03/14/08
FedEx Corp. announced that Ken May has resigned as president and CEO of FedEx Kinko’s to “pursue personal interests.” Brian Philips, COO of FedEx Kinko’s, will become acting CEO. May assumed leadership of Dallas-based FedEx Kinko’s in January 2006, and his resignation is effective March 31.

Prograde Receives FSC Certification 03/14/08
Prograde recently received the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) chain-of-custody certification through Scientific Certification Systems, an FSC-accredited certifier based in Emeryville, Calif. Prograde received the certification after a complete audit and inspection of its facilities. The certification is valid through Dec. 20, 2012.

Datatel Resources Achieves SFI Certification 03/14/08
Datatel Resources Corporation said that its production facility in Monaca, Pa., has received chain-of-custody certification from the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI). Datatel Resources can now label its products as SFI-certified.

Digital Technology Creates New Opportunities 03/14/08
As digital technology advances, it continues to create new market opportunities for printers. Three areas poised for rapid growth are photo publishing, books on demand and customized newspaper inserts.

Photo books and publishing are rapidly growing and offer high profit margins, said Charles Pesko, executive vice president of Questex Media Group, in his keynote, “State of the Industry Address: From Megatrends to Microtrends,” at the On Demand Conference and Expo held March 3- 6 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. Online companies such as Lulu and Blurb “are making publishers out of everybody. Customized newspaper inserts are just about taking off.” Instead of producing ads for the mass market, companies are now creating specialized inserts for specific geographic areas by taking advantage of short run lengths on digital color printing presses.

Marketing efforts are now increasingly moving toward personalization as end users demand highly personalized mail, Pesko said. This is creating new opportunities, and printers need to offer customized solutions to gain clients in niche markets. | MORE

GPO Continues Eco-Friendly Efforts 03/07/08
The Environmental Protection Agency has downgraded the Government Printing Office from a large quantity generator of hazardous wastes to a small quantity generator after the GPO changed the solvents it uses to clean its presses, Public Printer Robert C. Tapella said. In fiscal 2007, GPO recycled more than 5 million pounds of paper, 99,000 pounds of non-ferrous metals, and 108,000 pounds of ferrous metals, Tapella said at a Jan. 24 keynote “The Business of Green Media Conference” at Cal Poly State University in San Luis Obispo, Calif. “Last year we recycled 1.5 million pounds of corrugated material. Other materials we recycle today include aluminum, silver, photographic film, phototypesetting paper, empty paint cans, 55-gallon metal drums, plastic drums, wooden pallets, CDs, floppy disks, and video cassettes.” Recently, GPO started a fluorescent light recycling program. The organization is the largest industrial manufacturer in the District of Columbia, but tries to be “green” in its printing processes. For instance, nearly all of GPO’s printing--both produced in-plant and procured--uses recycled paper. The majority of inks are vegetable-oil based.

Flint Announces Price Increase for Plates 03/07/08
Flint Group announced price increases this week for photopolymer plates and solvents, effective May 1, ranging from four to six percent, and will impact all nyloflex and nyloprint printing plates, and nylosolv processing solvents. Printing plates and solvents are highly dependent on oil based raw materials and energy which have increased significantly in price.

All Barcode Systems Announces Partnerships 03/07/08
All Barcode Systems, Garden Grove, Calif., a label manufacturer and automated data collection equipment distributor, has been accepted by the following equipment manufacturers and providers: Unitech, Cisco, Datalogic, Honeywell (formerly HandHeld Products, Ingram Micro and Motorola (formerly Symbol Technologies). For more information call (714) 893-7032.

Pitney Bowes Launches Consulting Service 03/07/08
Pitney Bowes Management Services Inc. this week launched its Records and Information Management (RIM) Consulting Service to help organizations address concerns about records systems controls, risk mitigation, storage management and cost reduction. Details.

Printable and Canon Announce Reseller Deal 03/07/08
Printable Technologies Inc., and Canon this week announced an agreement through which Canon will offer web to print solutions from Printable through its imagePRESS Workflow Solutions program. Canon will sell Printable’s web-to-print solution with imagePRESS digital presses as a turnkey solution for digital printing. Printable also announced the availability of FusionPro Links version 2.5., which features a new campaign-centric workflow for marketers using pURLs, microsites and VDP, as well as enhanced reporting features.

VersaSeal Announces New Canadian Stock Check 02/29/08
VersaSeal introduced a new stock check that meets the imageability requirements outlined by the Canadian Payments Association. The 11-inch Z-fold check features a blue/green prismatic pantograph, microprint border, padlock icon and Canadian endorsement backer. Bilingual opening instructions are included on the check. This open-format check product is available for immediate shipment. Call (866) 367-9235 for more information.

Office Depot Q4 Profit Drops 02/29/08
Office Depot Inc. said its fourth-quarter profit slid 85 percent as sales slumped in Florida and California largely due to the weak housing market. The company said earnings fell to $18.8 million in the three months ended Dec. 29, compared with $126.6 million a year earlier. Full story.

R.R. Donnelley Reports Q4 Loss, To Buy Insert Maker 02/29/08
R.R. Donnelley & Sons Co. reported a fourth-quarter net loss of $293.3 million, compared with a year-earlier net loss of $1.2 million. For the full year, the company reported a loss of $48.9 million, compared with income of $400.6 million in 2006. Full story.

Earlier this week, R.R. Donnelley was awarded an $800 million contract by McGraw-Hill Education, a company that addresses almost all aspects of the education market from pre-K to professional learning. The 7-year agreement includes a wide range of products such as textbooks, workbooks, testing materials, teachers' editions and ancillary products.

Additionally, R.R. Donnelley said it will buy Pro Line Printing Inc., a multi-facility, privately held producer of newspaper inserts in Irving, Texas, for $122 million in cash. The company expects the acquisition to strengthen its position to serve national advertising programs. Pro Line Printing products are inserted into newspapers, distributed via direct mail and used for in-store circulation.

Standard Register Reports Q4 Loss 02/29/08
Standard Register reported a fourth-quarter loss of $4 million, compared with a profit of $1.1 million a year ago. The results were hurt by pension loss amortization and pension settlement charges of $24.1 million. The charges come as the company is cutting costs and streamlining operations as part of a restructuring program. Revenue for the period ended Dec. 30 dipped 4 percent to $218.6 million from $228 million in the prior year. Annual sales declined 3 percent to $865.4 million from $894.3 million a year earlier. Full story.

Glatfelter Achieves 3 Certifications, Launches Website 02/29/08
Glatfelter said that its carbonless manufacturing facility in Chillicothe, Ohio, has achieved certifications from the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC), Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC). The new triple certification assures customers that Glatfelter has implemented responsible forest management, and that chain-of-custody procedures exist to pass certified fiber from the forest, through the manufacturing processes and onto customers. Additionally, Glatfelter launched a website for its NatureSolv environmentally responsible carbonless capsule technology.

Colorado Facilities to Operate Under Ennis Brand Name 02/29/08
Ennis Inc. said that Block Graphics-Denver and Skyline Business Forms will now operate under the Ennis brand name. Ennis acquired Skyline Business Forms, one of the largest manufacturers of business forms in the Rocky Mountain market, in October 2007. The acquisition of Block Graphics-Denver, a manufacturer of short-run print products and envelopes, was completed in August 2006. Block Graphics-Denver and Skyline Business Forms combined their manufacturing operations on Dec. 4, 2007. The name change became effective Feb. 5, 2008.

USPS Launches Larger Box With Flat Price for Shipping 02/29/08
The U.S. Postal Service launched a new box for larger shipments. The box is 50 percent larger than the current flat-rate boxes and regardless of weight, ships for $12.95 to any U.S. address beginning March 3. The new Priority Mail Large Flat-Rate Box (12 x 12 x 5 ½ inches) will be available at post offices March 3. Customers can order them now at usps.com/supplies or by calling (800) 610-8734.

InnerWorkings Q4 Profit Surges 02/29/08
InnerWorkings Inc. reported fourth-quarter net income of $12 million, compared with $3.4 million in the same period a year earlier. Revenue for the period ended Dec. 31 rose 47 percent to $90 million from last year's $61.2 million. Full story.

IWCO Direct To Manage HSBC Direct Mail Program 02/22/08
IWCO Direct, an integrated direct mail production services and marketing solutions provider, announced a multi-year agreement with HSBC for production of HSBC's direct mail marketing program. Under the agreement, IWCO Direct will provide printing, envelope conversion, personalization, and mailing for all components of this program.

Corporate Express Rejects Staples' Bid 02/22/08
Corporate Express NV quickly rejected an unsolicited $3.67 billion buyout offer from Staples Inc. as too low, but some analysts expect the strategic advantages of combining the two office products suppliers will yield an eventual agreement, according to an AP story. The acquisition would expand Staples' profitable segments serving business customers and overseas clientele after recent slow sales at Staples' U.S. stores. Staples said its offer came after it made repeated attempts to discuss a deal. After the rejection, Staples declined to comment on whether it may consider a bigger offer.

Wilmer Introduces New Line of Stock Integrated Products 02/22/08
Wilmer introduced a new line of pre-positioned integrated cards and labels available directly from its inventory. Stock integrated products eliminate lengthy lead times, and the blank format allows flexibility, the company said. The pre-positioned forms are available in eight popular formats, including PS Mailers and Fold-N-Seal construction.

Canadian Paper Mills Report Increase in Recycled Paper Sales 02/22/08
A new report shows a dramatic increase in recycled paper sales in 2007, despite difficult economic conditions for Canada's paper mills, according to a story in GLOBE-Net. Although many paper producers faced record losses and mill closures in 2007, green paper mills fared well with increased sales and market access, according to the report released by Markets Initiative, an environmental publishing organization. One mill, Cascades Fine Paper, saw a 235 percent jump in the sales of its 100 percent recycled paper. Sales for Domtar Inc.'s FSC paper doubled from 2006 to 2007.

Promotional Products Co. Launches Eco-Friendly Items 02/22/08
Corporate Accents Unlimited, a promotional products supplier, has launched Green Promotional Items, a new division that offers eco-friendly corporate gifts and environmentally safe promotional items made from post-industrial plastic, corn plastic, recycled, organic, biodegradable, and other earth-friendly materials, and a selection of solar-powered products. It now offers organic t-shirts, tote bags, and hats made from natural fibers. Its recycled key rings and lanyards are made from recycled plastic soda bottles. The recycled pens, pencils, and mugs are made from post-industrial and post-consumer materials. Solar-powered accessories include pen lights and calculators. Pens and coffee mugs are made from corn-based plastic and other petroleum alternatives.

Advanced Marketing Partners Acquires Ace Computer Essentials 02/22/08
Advanced Marketing Partners Inc., Livonia, Mich., recently acquired Ace Computer Essentials, St. Clair Shores, Mich. Two former Ace employees will bring an increased customer base, and the expertise and marketing skills required to sell computer peripherals, a company press release said.

HP Q1 Profit Rises 38% 02/22/08
HP reported first quarter profit of $2.1 billion from $1.5 billion in the same period last year. The company saw a 13 percent boost in revenue to $28.5 billion from the year-ago quarter's $25.1 billion. Mark Hurd, chairman and CEO, said HP added more than 2,000 sales positions in the past year through acquisitions and hiring, and expects to "focus on our numerous cost initiatives and improve our market coverage." Full story.

Shamrock Acquires Promotional Products Distributorship 02/15/08
The Shamrock Companies Inc. acquired a Northeast Ohio promotional products and incentive awards distributorship. The acquisition of the $3 million company, the name of which wasn't disclosed, will allow Shamrock customers to associate their brands "with the likes of Bose, Rolex and Mont Blanc," a company press release said. Established in 1982, The Shamrock Companies is a $70 million marketing communications and project management firm headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, with 23 locations throughout the United States.

Staples Cuts Off Paper Supplier 02/15/08
Staples Inc. severed all contracts with Singapore-based Asia Pulp & Paper Co. Ltd. (APP), one of the world's largest paper companies, according to a Wall Street Journal story. Until recently, Staples sourced about 9 percent of its total paper supply from APP and used the paper for its own Staples-branded stock, mainly photocopy and office paper. Staples had stuck with the company even as other large paper sellers in the United States, Europe and Asia, including Office Depot Inc., stopped buying from APP in recent years because of alleged environmental misdeeds.

After Adobe, FedEx Enables Shipping Through Microsoft Outlook 02/15/08
FedEx Corp. will now provide users of Microsoft Office Outlook the ability to connect directly to FedEx shipping services. The application, FedEx QuickShip, is an add-in that utilizes web services to provide fast and easy access to FedEx shipping functions. After the QuickShip installation, Outlook users will be able to generate labels, track packages, check rates, schedule pickups and find FedEx drop-off locations while still inside their Outlook 2003 or 2007 email application. Users right-click on an existing contact and choose "ship" from the menu. Shipments are then stored in a task view allowing users to conveniently recall and sort previous shipments.

Last year, FedEx Kinko's and Adobe announced a collaboration that allowed users of Adobe Reader 8.1 and Adobe Acrobat (8.1) to access Print Online, a web-based print management tool from FedEx Kinko's, to digitally send documents to FedEx Kinko's Office and Print Centers for printing. Many printing companies and associations, including PSDA, raised concerns over the development. Adobe has been largely viewed as a neutral company that has vastly improved workflows within the industry. But after it's collaboration with FedEx Kinko's, Adobe was seen as funneling print business to FedEx Kinko's.

Electric City Printing to Provide Fitness Events Materials to Rodale 02/15/08
Electric City Printing, a Consolidated Graphics Company, will provide racing bib numbers, event collateral and fitness support materials for events sponsored by Rodale. Electric City produces bib numbers and related printing materials for road races and cycling events, including Walt Disney World Marathon, Lilac Bloomsday Road Race, Boston Marathon and ING Georgia Marathon. It uses digital technology to create individually numbered race bibs. Rodale publishes several fitness magazines and sponsors more than 7,000 events annually across the nation.

USPS to Increase Stamp Price May 12 02/15/08
The U.S. Postal Service will increase the price of a 1-oz. First-Class stamp from 41 to 42 cents on May 12. Prices for other mailing services, such as Standard Mail, Periodicals, Package Services (including single-piece Parcel Post), and Special Services will also change. The average increase by class of mail is at or below the rate of inflation as measured by the Consumer Price Index, USPS said. New prices for shipping services, including Express Mail and Priority Mail, will be announced in March. Click here to view prices for all postal products and services.

Pushing Paper Out the Door 02/15/08
Chris Uhlik, an engineering director at Google, and his family live a practically paper-free life. The children are home-schooled on computers. Other sources of household paper -- lists, letters, calendars -- have become entirely digital, according to a Feb. 10 story in The New York Times. [Readers are required to register before accessing the entire article.]

N.Y. Printing Company Closes 02/15/08
Tech Valley Printing, Watervliet, N.Y., closed due to unspecified economic difficulties as reported in a company filing last week with the state Department of Labor, according to a story in The Business Review. The firm closed on Friday, following a series of layoffs dating back to November 2007. The company had annual revenue of $17 million in 2005. In December 2005, it acquired Staffield Printing Co. of Clifton Park, adding 20 employees to its work force. It had previously purchased Baronet Litho Inc., a specialist heatset printer in Johnstown, and State Color, a printer in Schenectady.

Quebecor World Signs Agreements With New, Existing Customers 02/15/08
Quebecor World Inc. announced that during the last several weeks it has signed new and renewed multi-year agreements with customers across all its major business groups. The value of these agreements is estimated at more than $75 million annually. This includes major publishers, retailers and direct marketers. In January, the embattled commercial printer filed for creditor protection in Canada and the