ICYMI: The Top 5 Printing-Related Stories in August

As the dog days of summer wane, kids in most communities are already back in school or, for some, ready to start right after the Labor Day holiday. And, with the month of August also being a heavy vacation period, we thought you'd appreciate a recap of the Top 5 articles ranked by number of visitors that appeared in "Today on Printing Impressions" last month (including the links to access the actual content for each one). Several are must-read, so here's your second chance to check them out. Here goes:

1.  10 Things Printers Can Teach Designers 
   A former Los Angeles-area print shop owner and graphic designer, Marina Poropat Joyce has a unique perspective on the disconnects that often exist between what graphic designers know about the print production process, and how their graphic designs should be maximized for print. She has even written a book about it called "Designing For Print." In this highly read post, Joyce discusses 10 ways that printers can use their smartphones to reach out to designer clients with valuable educational information, can add value to their company websites and, in general, can make life easier for themselves. Click here to access.
2. Exclusive Research: Top 100 Print Buyers Ranked by Projected 2018 Procurement Spends 
   For any printing industry sales-oriented owner/manager, sales manager or sales rep, our annual Printing Impressions Top 100 print buyers list is a must-read analysis and accompanying Top 100 chart of the largest print buying entities in the U.S. ranked by their projected 2018 print procurement spends. In total, these 100 companies are expected to procure $50 billion (that's a "b") worth of printing next year. And, don't assume they only award jobs to a primary vendor; most use multiple print and related services providers. If you haven't already done so, please make sure you access this list as part of your pre-Labor Day to-do list! Click here to access.
3. Here's a Rundown of Some of the Hot New Products to See at PRINT 17 
   Whether or not you plan to attend the PRINT 17  trade show in Chicago Sept. 10-14, be sure to check out several of the new technologies that will be shown there by a multitude of exhibitors. These include both hardware and software advancements that maximize productivity and enable you to enter new, more profitable markets. Even if you're not in the market to buy anything now, it's critical to stay informed on what new technologies are available — ones that might also be on the purchasing radar screen of your biggest competitor across town! Click here to access.
4. Corporate Press Signs Agreement to Acquire McArdle Printing Assets; Will Relocate There 
   Corporate Press is a Washington, D.C.-area printer that's on the fast track. On the heels of its acquisition of ColorCraft of Virginia in 2012 that was formerly owned by the late James Mayes, Corporate Press President Michael Marcian and his management team recently pulled the trigger to purchase select assets of McArdle Printing and consolidate Corporate Press' Lanham, Md., and Sterling, Va., facilities into McArdle's existing 131,000-sq.-ft. plant by the end of the year. Corporate Press will also be on a region-wide recruiting effort to expand its team. Job-seekers take note. Click here to access.
5. RR Donnelley's Q2 Financials in Range with Expectations
   Perhaps no printing company draws more interest than powerhouse RR Donnelley (RRD). Although not the industry behemoth it once was following its spinoff into three separate, publicly held companies (read our analysis here), Chicago-based RRD still generates almost $7 billion in sales and is ranked No. 1 on the most recent Printing Impressions 400 annual list (view here) of the largest printing companies in the U.S. and Canada, as ranked by annual sales. Click here to access.

From all of us at Printing Impressions, we sincerely hope you all enjoy and remain safe during the Labor Day holiday. Also take a moment to consider all of our many blessings, especially when you think about the devastation from Hurricane Harvey to those living in parts of Texas and Louisiana.