PRINTER news

Vertis Receives Industry Honor

BALTIMORE—The Association for Graphic Arts Training (AGAT) recognized Vertis' contributions to graphic arts education and training with an AGAT Industry Award. AGAT Industry Awards are bestowed to companies that have given extraordinary support to the organization, the industry and the training field.

Printers' Gift Helps Fill Santa's Sleigh

BALTIMORE—More than $17,000 was raised by members of the Printing and Graphics Association MidAtlantic (PGAMA) for charity at the Santa Claus Anonymous Benefit Auction held at Sparrows Point Country Club in December.

Milwaukee-based Visual Systems Inc. (VSI), a manufacturer of overhead transparencies and ancillary products for textbook publishers, has hired Michelle Roloff as human resources manager.

Rapid Solutions Group (RSG) President and CEO Garet Hil has resigned to pursue an opportunity outside the industry. Senior Vice President and COO Robert Robichaud succeeds Hil as New York City-based RSG's leader.

In Highspire, PA, GANCOM continues to expand with the addition of Duncan Graham, account manager, and Bill Schiel, estimator. GANCOM specializes in graphic services, digital and offset printing, information technology and direct mail services.

Allegra Network, Northville, MI, has been chosen as a "Future 50 of Greater Detroit" honoree in recognition of the company's contribution to Southeast Michigan through growth in employment, investments, community enhancement, revenues and acquisitions. Despite the challenges of a sluggish economy, Allegra Network forecasted its 2005 system-wide sales to exceed $335 million—a 25 percent increase over the previous year, primarily due to its acquisition of Signs Now Corp. ($70 million in sales).

The Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF) elected new officers, as well as additional members, to its board of directors at its annual meeting. Elected to two-year terms of office were: Chairman John Berthelsen, Suttle-Straus Inc., Waunakee, WI; Vice-Chair Jeff White, Electronics For Imaging, Yorkville, IL; Secretary Bill Esler, Reed Business Information, Oak Brook, IL; and Treasurer Ron Mihills, Research and Engineering Council of NAPL, White Stone, VA. Elected to terms as directors are: Harris DeWese, Compass Capital Partners, Radnor, PA; Frank Cost, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY; and Jeanne Mowlds, The Electronic Document Systems Foundation, Torrance, CA.