VT

IT’S STRIKING what a difference a year has made in the outlook for paper and ink. Both are being buffeted by economic and market forces. Paper companies started 2008 by continuing their string of price increases, but ended the year scrambling to make production cuts fast enough to bring supplies in line with sinking demand. Throughout the year, they also had to contend with the snowballing of interest in chain-of-custody certified stocks.

Leadership Award Bestowed at Show MIAMI BEACH—Warren Wilkins, president of Webcom Limited, was named Graphic Arts Leader of the Americas, North America for 2005 by the Printing Association of Florida (PAF) during Graphics of the Americas. Associates Graphic Services (AGS), Wilmington, DE, a provider of digital and traditional printing, has announced the acquisition of DocuSource, a producer of digital printing and variable data personalization. Cary Printing, Cary, NC, has hired Brant Chesner to fill the new position of operations manager. He formerly worked at Quebecor World Kingsport. Also, Sidney Copeland is the new vice president of digital printing. Copeland is the former co-owner of digital printing facility

WESTAMPTON, NJ—With an assortment of traditional German Octoberfest foods and beer, as well as a showroom full of various finishing equipment available from the Germany-based folder and accessory manufacturer, the only thing missing from MBO America's recent customer open house held here was a German oompah band wearing lederhosen. According to MBO America President and CEO Hans Max, more than 150 existing clients and prospects—representing both commercial printers and trade binderies—attended the event. It was held over three days in MBO's U.S. headquarters facility. The modern site houses sales, service and parts operations; an extensive equipment showroom, which is used for MBO America's folding schools, training