Looking forward to 2008 As 2007 approaches its final days, there are a few things to look out for in 2008:
Quebecor World is hoping a new man at the top will be able to right the ship, while some financial analysts are concerned the ship may be sinking. It will be hard to sell off the printing giant; maybe we'll see a piece-by-piece dismantling.
Good luck to Grafikom CEO Gord Griffiths and new vice president of sales Rael Fisher as they try to find synergies and drive growth across that multi-plant sheetfed commercial printing platform.
We all look forward to more deliverables from the Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council (CPISC), as the government-funded project works to improve the state of print education and training in Canada.
drupa 08 promises to cover more area than ever before, and we look forward to seeing the innovations and surprises first-hand in late May. If you haven't booked your travel to Germany yet (you have to see it at least once in your lifetime), get on it. (packages available at 888-DRUPA08)
If you get your hands on a December 2007 issue of Canadian Printer check out the cover. It was digitally printed on a Kodak Nexpress. Variable data was used on the front cover and inside and outside back cover as well. If you're not a subscriber, call a friend who is and ask for their reaction.
I'd like to hear what people think as well, so drop me a line.
As expected, the majority (60%) of our readers spend over four hours a day in front of a computer. The fact that this newsletter is distributed online led us to believe that would be the case. We also assume this means that time is spent at work. We hope our regular interruption to your work time is considered valuable.
******************
ADVERTISEMENT
HELP WANTED
Regional Technical Service Manager (Ontario region)
Do you have the drive and energy to be manage part of Canada 's largest technical & professional services team? You will manage a team of 19 supporting Fujifilm solutions in digital workflow, computer-to-plate, display graphics (wide format inkjet), digital printing, a professional services consulting group and consumable products (plates, ink and chemistries). Fujifilm is focussed on relentless customer service and needs a high performance individual who possessing vision and leadership to manage a strong team of application specialists, field engineers and consumable technical representatives.
With Sadness The IAPHC (the International Craftsmen Association) has relayed with sadness the untimely passing of the IAPHC 2007-08 Chairman of the Board, Arthur Mole (54) of Vancouver and former IAPHC Chairman of the Board, 2004-05, Norm Belanger (56) of Calgary . Mole passed away suddenly at home, in his sleep the evening of December 7th, leaving behind his wife Valerie and sons Craig and Simon.
Mole was a staunch supporter of his Vancouver Chapter and the many friends and extended family he shared in England, Canada and the United States.
The IAPHC has set up a Mole Family Memorial Fund to assist the family and in the interim. Donations may be sent to IAPHC Headquarters, 7042 Brooklyn Blvd., Minneapolis, MN 55429, USA, until January 31, 2008 . The funds will be forwarded directly to the family.
Norm Belanger passed away Sunday, December 9 of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Louise of 34 years, his daughters Michelle (Robert Gossen) and Diane (Landon Fabbricino) and grandchildren Caden and Kayla.
By request of the family, those wishing Memorial tributes for the Belanger family may be made directly to the charity of choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com.
Lucas Out, Mallette In, at Quebecor World Following a tumultuous month, where the sale of its European division was on then off, and other refinancing deals also fell through, troubled Quebecor World has now undergone a leadership change, as Harvard-educated Wes Lucas (Amercian born and previously president and CEO of Sun Chemical) is gone as president/CEO after a whirlwind year-and-a-half, replaced with Jacques Mallette, a University of Montreal grad and a member of the Quebecor family since March 2003.
Lucas was inserted into the leadership role at QW in May 2006 when Pierre Karl Péladeau moved over to run the family's media division, Quebecor Media (while also retaining the top job at Quebecor Inc. the parent holding company). Lucas had no previous experience running a printing company. Mallette comes in having been exec vp and CFO of Quebecor World since September 2005, and previously CFO of Quebecor Inc, and Quebecor Media from March 2003. A chartered accountant, Mallette has a stiff challenge ahead.
Shareholders of the Dutch-based Roto Smeets de Boer (RSDB NV) turned down the proposed $341 million acquisition/merger of Quebecor World's European operations, forcing the Montreal-based printing giant to search for other options to gain value from its European business, including possible consolidation.
This news, in conjunction with earlier unsuccessful refinancing attempts, dropped share prices of Quebecor World to all time lows, at one point sinking to below $1.20 on the TSX.
The company is in desperate need of strengthening its balance sheet and liquidity.
HP has agreed to acquire Israel-based NUR Macroprinters Ltd ., manufacturer of industrial super wide-format digital inkjet printers ( UV-curable and solvent), for $117.5 million.
SPICERS Canada (a division of PaperlinX Canada Ltd.) has relocated to a new expanded facility: 200 Galcat Drive, Vaughan, Ontario L4L 0B9, 905-265-6060.
Star Transitions is a new Toronto-based company launched to provide recruitment, selection and placement of printing and graphic arts professionals. http://www.startransitions.com
Royale Print & Packaging in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia was the site for the 1,000th installation of Agfa's:ApogeeX automated workflow software.
Sun Chemical is set to increase North American packaging ink prices in 2008.
xpedx has announced separate agreements with Avanti and Pace Systems Group, developers of MIS solutions for the printing industry, allowing MIS customers to connect to real-time availability and pricing information about printing papers supplied by xpedx.
Alder Technology, Inc. has released SpotOn! Software to evaluate and generate reports showing the consistency on press. Using information from a scanning spectrophotometer the software generates reports including solid ink density, ink accuracy to ISO standards, G7? neutral print density deviation, trapping, TVI (dot gain), gray balance deviation and gamut.
Enfocus has released updates to PitStop Professional, PitStop Server and Neo.
Domino Printing Sciences has introduced new thermal transfer overprinting products for the flexible packaging market.
Fujifilm Canada is now distributing Metrix workflow integration and automation software from LithoTechnics Inc.
Heidelberg will be presenting a new, globally standardized Saphira range of consumable products at drupa 2008.
Punch Graphix, manufacturers of Xeikon and basysprint products, has announced a new share offering to raise up to 69 million Euro.
Australia-based Serendipity Software has released Blackmagic version 3.5 featuring enhanced softproofing capabilities.
Integrated Color Solutions (ICS), developer of the soft proofing solution Remote Director, is partnering with The Arbor Day Foundation and in 2008 will donate a tree in the name of each of its new and renewing customers.
Students at Ryerson University in Toronto were the major contributors to a new EDSF report, titled "Trends and Innovations in Packaging including Links to JDF-compliant Hardware and Software Applications". The report, based on surveys and independent research, is the result of an EDSF research grant awarded to Ryerson's School of Graphic Communications Management. The study looks at the effect of the JDF standard on the packaging industry and identifies new developments including RFID and temperature sensitive inks.
The full report is available free at www.edsf.org listed under EDSF White Papers.
Best Practices in the Printing Workplace
Based on the successful human resource, benefits, and safety practices compiled from the winners of the 2006 Best Workplace in the Americas awards, the Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) has released a book, Best Practices of the 2006 Best Workplaces in the Americas. Key to successful recruiting and retaining of qualified employees, great workplaces can be hard to find.
This book gathers innovative and effective programs the award winners agreed to share with other companies. It's available online at http://www.gain.net at PIA/GATFPress (Item No. 1827) for US$160 (US$80 for PIA/GATF members).
CIPPI Awards Expanded The International Cooperation for the Integration of the Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization is adding four categories to its annual Jürgen Schönhut Memorial CIP4 International Print Production Innovation (CIPPI) Awards program, incorporating regional awards along with the original three categories.
The deadline for the 2008 CIPPI award applications is March 20, 2008 . 2008 CIPPI award winners will be acknowledged at drupa 2008
Applications can be downloaded at www.cip4.org/cippi/
Web Offset Prestige The Web Offset Association (WOA) is now accepting entries for the 2008 WOA Annual Print Awards Competition. The entry fee is $25 per entry for U.S. and Canadian companies; $100 per entry for international companies. Deadline is January 11, 2008. http://www.woaprintcompetition.org
Searching For Binding Excellence The Binding Industries Association (BIA) is accepting entries for its 2008 Product of Excellence Awards. Any pieces produced between May 1, 2007 to April 1, 2008 are eligible. The deadline for submission is May 1, 2008 . For details visit http://www.bindingawards.com
Macworld Conference and Expo will be held January 14-18 in San Francisco. For more info visit http://www.macworldexpo.com
The 2008 IPA Business Development Conference will centre around the theme, Are We Selling What Our Clients are Buying? The conference will be held January 24 to 26 at the Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, Arizona. The full program is online http://www.ipa.org/busdev
The PODi Application Forum, featuring significant accomplishments in the field of digital printing, will be held January 28-30 at The Rio in Las Vegas. Discover successful variable data, personalization and solution sales techniques, along with new markets for digital print.
Visit http://www.podi.org/2008AppForum
Ryerson University's Graphic Communication Management school is holding its annual Industry Colloquium on Wednesday February 6 at the Ryerson Student Campus Centre in Toronto. This year's event is entitled Unwrapping Innovations and will look at innovative packaging techniques and discover where this market is heading. The free event opens at 6 pm. For information visit http://www.ui08.com
Print Oasis 2008 Print Buyers Conference will be held February 9-12 at the Amelia Island Plantation in Amelia Island, Florida (near Jacksonville). For details visit http://www.printbuyersonline.com
The Toronto Chapter of the IAPHC (Craftsmen) is holding its annual Craftsmen Dinner/Dance Awards Gala on Saturday February 16 at the Ontario Science Centre. The theme for this year's event is Fantasy Island.
For more details contact gail@queenstone.org
The International Cooperation for the Integration of Processes in Prepress, Press and Postpress (CIP4) organization and Ryerson University are co-sponsoring a "JDF Education Event" to be held at Ryerson University in Toronto on Tuesday, February 19.
The day-long event, featuring high-level presenters, will include a nominal charge of $25 for the general public and $10 for students/educators. For registration and complete program details go to http://ryerson.eventbrite.com/.
PIA/GATF's 2008 Presidents Conference and Binding Industries Association (BIA) Conference will be held March 2¨- 6 at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The Presidents Conference is an annual three-and-a-half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives. http://www.presidentsconference.com
ON DEMAND Expo is co-locating with the Xplor International Conference and Expo in 2008, taking place March 3-6 at the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center. For more information visit http://www.xplor.org and http://www.ondemandexpo.com
NAPL TOP MANAGEMENT CONFERENCE '08 is being held March 9 to 12 at the Ritz-Carlton Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida. This top-level conference is designed for CEO's, company owners and executives, with a focus on strategic leadership issues. Conference Registration is $1,695. For more details http://www.napl.org/events/TMC/TMC%2008/TMC2008.htm
Western grafik Art Tradeshow, the first graphic arts show of its kind being held in Abbotsford, BC from April 11 to 13 at the TRADEX Exhibition Center. For details visit: http://www.westerngrafikart.ebems.com/
Offset & Beyond 2008 will be held April 27-30 at the Renaissance Hotel just outside of Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois. The event is a co-production of the Web Offset Association and the Printing Industries of America/GATF. For more information contact http://www.gain.net
Printing Industry Financial Executives (PIFE), a graphic arts industry network of financial decision makers, is holding its annual conference May 4 to 7 at the Hilton San Destin, Florida. This is a premier event for financial executives dealing with challenges being faced on a daily and global basis.
PIFE is a section of PIA/GATF. For more information visit http://www.pifegroup.com
Drupa 2008 will be held from May 29 to June 11 at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany. There will be over 2.4 million square feet of exhibition space with an expected attendance of over 300,000. www.drupa.com
It's never too early to start planning your trip. For information on travel packages to DRUPA offered exclusively through Canadian Printer call 1 888-DRUPA08 (378-7208)
The Print Sales & Marketing Executives (S&ME) Annual Sales & Marketing Conference will be held June 22-25 at Francis Marion, Charleston, SC www.smegroup.org
EFI will host its Ninth Annual Connect user conference July 29 to August 1 at the Wynn Las Vegas.
More information is available at http://www.efi.com/connect08/
2010
Ipex 2010 will take place from May 18 to 25, 2010 at The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, England. http://www.ipex.org
For more events in your area, here are links to regional associations:
Keep up to date on the big picture of the printing industry in Canada with a voice you can trust in Canadian Printer magazine. The national business publication for printers since 1892, Canadian Printer is recognized for leadership on business issues and editorial integrity.
For more information get in touch with editor Doug Picklyk (phone: (416) 764-1530, email: doug.picklyk@printer.rogers.com).
For advertising and marketing opportunities, contact Susan Ritcey (phone: (416) 764-1509, email: susan.ritcey@printer.rogers.com).
Looking forward to 2008
If you get your hands on a December 2007 issue of Canadian Printer check out the cover. It was digitally printed on a Kodak Nexpress. Variable data was used on the front cover and inside and outside back cover as well. If you're not a subscriber, call a friend who is and ask for their reaction.
The IAPHC (the International Craftsmen Association) has relayed with sadness the untimely passing of the IAPHC 2007-08 Chairman of the Board, Arthur Mole (54) of Vancouver and former IAPHC Chairman of the Board, 2004-05, Norm Belanger (56) of Calgary . Mole passed away suddenly at home, in his sleep the evening of December 7th, leaving behind his wife Valerie and sons Craig and Simon. 
Norm Belanger passed away Sunday, December 9 of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by his loving wife Louise of 34 years, his daughters Michelle (Robert Gossen) and Diane (Landon Fabbricino) and grandchildren Caden and Kayla. 
Industries Association (BIA) Conference will be held March 2¨- 6 at the Fiesta Americana Grand Coral Beach Hotel in Cancun, Mexico. The Presidents Conference is an annual three-and-a-half-day program focusing on management issues currently affecting owners, presidents, and senior executives. 
Drupa 2008 will be held from May 29 to June 11 at the fairgrounds in Dusseldorf, Germany. There will be over 2.4 million square feet of exhibition space with an expected attendance of over 300,000.