Print Solutions Magazine, March 2004 -- 433 E. Monroe

Winners Show Resolve

The companies included in Print Solutions' seventh annual Top 100 Manufacturers list displayed two winning traits: perseverance and forward thinking. Congratulations to the companies who delivered their best in a tough fiscal 2003.

Industry manufacturers are determined to maintain steady growth in a difficult economy. On average, the top 100 manufacturers increased their 2003 sales by 1.5 percent compared with their 2002 sales. This certainly isn't record-breaking, but our cover story does reveal some impressive statistics: Average sales per employee in 2003 for the top 100 companies on the list was $150,589 in 2003, showing that manufacturers are making the most out of their human resources. The average sales per employee for the top 20 companies was $174,473.

Top companies recognize the importance of growth markets such as commercial printing and labels. The list reveals that top sellers of commercial printing are growing faster than average. The 10 companies that reported the highest commercial printing sales in 2003 enjoyed an average growth rate of 7.8 percent, and the top 10 labels and tags sellers enjoyed a 2 percent average growth rate. Most manufacturers listed in our cover story showed an awareness of distributors' needs and quickly expanded their product bases to offer more than paper-based forms.

The feature "Evoking the 'Wow' Factor," beginning on page 28, points out that there's no time like the present for distributors to offer commercial printing. Do-not-call laws are bringing the telemarketing industry to a halt, and clients increasingly need exceptional, cutting-edge marketing pieces such as the ones featured in this story.

This issue also includes "Where's Your Next Order Coming From?" on page 84. Industry experts reflect on the rapidly changing printing industry and discuss ways for manufacturers and distributors to grow. One way is for companies to invest in internet technologies, which bring unsurpassed opportunities to gain clients and make profits. Beginning on page 37, "Selecting a Search Engine Optimization Company" reveals what firms should consider before selecting an internet marketing provider. The story also includes a sidebar about five search-engine myths.

Also, turn to "Pass the Test, Earn High Marks" on page 64. The feature shows how three distributorships have successfully sold cost-efficient, problem-solving solutions to the education market.

Opportunities in the industry are abundant. The Top 100 Manufacturers list is a collection of companies determined to succeed. We congratulate all of them.

Preeti Vasishtha

Assistant Editor

pvasishtha@PSDA.org

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Table of Contents

Editor in Chief

Peter L. Colaianni, CAE

Vice President,
Publications & New Media

Brad Holt

Managing Editor

Darin Painter
Assistant Editors
Preeti Vasishtha
Andrew Brown

Art Director/
Production Manager

Roxanne Rash

Advertising Coordinator

Curtessa Pennington

Contributing Editors

Dick Gorelick

Dennis McGarry, CDC

Phil Schmidt

Publications Committee

Dan Swagler, Chairperson
Bob Bell
Jeff Long
Geoffrey Nelson
Tom Nelson
Gail O'Roke, CDC
Geo Plumberg
Ivars Sarkans
Louann Siebert
George Smith, CDC
Bob Talion
Steve Wakefield
Dave Wandling, CDC

Advertising Sales

Print Solutions Magazine
Advertising Department

433 E. Monroe Ave.

Alexandria, VA 22301-1693

(800) 336-4641

Fax: (703) 549-4966

bholt@printsolutionsmag.com

Print Solutions Online

Print Solutions, the only industry magazine to win awards for writing and design excellence, is available online at www.printsolutionsmag.com. The site includes daily news, a comprehensive archive of Print Solutions articles, a complete media kit, links to industry companies and other features not included in the magazine.

Print Solutions is the official publication of the Print Services & Distribution Association (PSDA), the Association for Business Printing Independents. Unsolicited manuscripts are welcome. Please address all submissions to: The Editor, Print Solutions Magazine, 433 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301-1693. Phone (703) 836-6232, fax (703) 549-4966. You can reach us via email at bholt@printsolutionsmag.com. Visit our World Wide Web site at www.printsolutionsmag.com.

Volume 42, Number 4, April 2004. Print Solutions (USPS 205-400, ISSN 1535-9727) is published monthly by DMIA, 433 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301-1693, (703) 836-6232. Subscriptions: $29 per year for DMIA members included in dues, $49 for non-members (plus postage for Canada and foreign). Periodicals postage paid at Alexandria, VA, and additional mailing offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Print Solutions, 433 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301-1693.

Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply approval on the part of the Publications Committee, Officers or Membership of DMIA.

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