For printing company CEOs and senior managers, few production issues have greater potential to ruin an innocent night’s sleep than anxiety about money, specifically, how to save more of it by doing things faster and more efficiently. In a series of seminars scheduled to take place in five U.S. cities this summer, Heidelberg is out to show printers how to optimize production and raise all-around shop efficiency and competitiveness by working to standards, following procedures, and implementing appropriate training.
Pittsburgh, PA
PITTSBURGH, PA—October 6, 2008—Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is seeking to honor an individual who has unselfishly made significant contributions toward environmentally-sound practices in the printing industry. Nominations for the William D. Schaeffer Environmental Award are due November 3, 2008.
PITTSBURGH—October 5, 2007—Printing managers from companies across the country recently traveled to the Pittsburgh, PA headquarters of PIA/GATF to attend the inaugural presentation of Lean Manufacturing for Print Managers. This three-day program, one of the industry’s first on the topic, showed printers how to apply the fundamental concepts of Lean for faster turnaround, fewer defects, and lower costs. Attendees learned the eight sources of waste, the use of various Lean tools, strategies for overcoming barriers, and what “living Lean” means for management. It also gave attendees the unique opportunity to participate in a simulated printing plant and measure productivity increases from Lean tools such as
Pittsburgh, PA, June 1, 2007—PIA/GATF Presidents Conference Advisory Committee and the BIA Board of Directors has announced March 2–6, 2008 as the dates for the 2008 Presidents Conference and BIA Conference. The program will be held at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico.
Print and bindery executives are tackling more challenges than ever. Faced with competition, they must seek new ways to market. Faced with decreasing revenues, they must find new ways to reduce costs. Faced with the challenge of serving customers differently, printers and binders must respond.
The Presidents Conference is an annual three and a half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives in the industry. Held at a resort location, educational programs and networking are key benefits. It features highly acclaimed notable speakers and consultants from the industry who present working concepts and content that helps generate ideas and initiatives.
“We are delighted with the warm, sunny venue of Cancun—I am sure that after the winter Oklahoma is known for, this will be a great break for me. It’s not just the location though—I always come back with solid information that I can act over the next year. And probably just as important is the wonderful opportunity to network with my peers. This conference gives me ideas that help me make money and grow my business,” said PIA/GATF Chairman of the Board, David C. DeLana, Heritage Press, El Reno, OK.
The Binding Industries Association International (BIA) will again offer members an opportunity to join PIA/GATF at the 2008 Presidents Conference. According to BIA Board Chairman, Bob Windler, Diecrafters, Inc, Cicero, IL, “It is invaluable to bring together the two groups at one premier conference. The forum provides the BIA membership direct access to the key decision makers in the printing community. Combining that with top quality program content and access to network with peers, customers, and prospects makes this alliance a winning combination.”
The content is based on results of a member survey sent to past participants and a mixture of non-attendees. “We want to know what is keeping our members awake at night and their answers are usually right on target for content, where the industry focus is, and what the conference should concern itself with,” said PIA/GATF president and CEO, Michael Makin. “This year, the survey will be on the GAIN website for everyone to contribute to as the pulse on the industry.” The survey will be posted mid-June, and everyone is invited to participate.
New United States Homeland Security rules require passports for travel to Cancun, Mexico. If you need to renew or apply for a passport, please visit www.travel.state.gov. For more information on the 2008 Presidents Conference and BIA Conference, visit www.presidentsconference.com or call Diane Koch at (800) 910-4283, ext. 803 or send an email to dkoch@piagatf.org.
About PIA/GATF: PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information.
PITTSBURGH, PA—January 5, 2007—Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) proudly announces a new Employee Recognition Calendar for the printing industry. “Employee recognition comes in many forms, and management professionals agree that it is an important component to a thriving company and committed workforce,” says Jim Kyger, HR Director of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF). “It doesn’t matter if you have a formal or informal employee recognition program; the important thing is that you acknowledge good work by employees.” Some companies have a mix of informal and formal employee recognition programs, while others struggle with the implementation of formal programs.
PITTSBURGH, PA—November 13, 2006—PIA/GATF announced today that Kenneth Rizzo has rejoined the organization as director of consulting. Rizzo will be responsible for managing PIA/GATF’s consulting activities and its staff of full-time, auxiliary, and external consultants. As a consultant, his work will focus on helping PIA/GATF members through technical plant assessments, equipment analysis, and the use of Lean Manufacturing concepts and applications. Rizzo brings a substantial set of skills to the position. A certified green belt in the Six Sigma methodology and a Certified Quality Systems Auditor for ISO 9000, he has over 32 years of industry experience, including various production management positions. He is a
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