Print Solutions Magazine, September 2003 -- 433 E. Monroe

Industry's Driving Force is You

The most important and exciting component of the document industry isn't e-commerce, promotional products or new printing equipment. It's people, the driven men and women who are smart enough to explain and implement new technologies, savvy enough to brainstorm and suggest creative marketing concepts, and bold enough to find answers that best suit end users.

The industry is awash with interesting ideas. That's why it's fun to read trade publications or walk down trade-show halls and say to someone, "Hey, have you seen this?" But every once in a while, it's fair (and I'd argue healthy) to get excited from a different perspective: "Hey, have you seen you?"

We have, and we're impressed.

At a time when it's vogue to criticize paper-based solutions (the foundation of the industry), and difficult to change directions to meet increased customer demands, many document pros are flourishing. Every day, distributorships win sizeable accounts, manufacturers come through in the clutch and suppliers produce timesaving equipment.

If we featured all of those individuals in this issue of Print Solutions, it would take a bodybuilder--well, at least a candidate for California governor--to pick it up. "The Energetic Elite," our cover story beginning on page 54, highlights just a sample: eight people who embody the future of the industry. They matter because they care deeply about its future and have taken unique approaches to improve their companies.

Good leaders know how to motivate without being domineering, and good people understand the value of lending a hand instead of being heavy-handed. It's fun to talk with people who are influential and compassionate, and both traits are alive in Phil Schmidt, DMIA's incoming president and president of Advanced Systems & Forms Inc., a distributorship in Livonia, Mich. "This Life is One Cool Gig," a profile of the fun-loving family man, begins on page 30.

This issue also includes "Battling Fraud with Security," an interesting story about distributors who deter criminals and protect customers from fraud. As the piece beginning on page 46 mentions, check fraud alone costs firms $10 billion annually, and attempted check fraud surpassed $4.3 billion in 2001. It includes a well-reported update on a distributorship that was victimized by check fraud, and literally shows the new face fighting crime. (A new and improved President Andrew Jackson is coming to a wallet near you).

Find a mirror near you, and send yourself a compliment. People are the driving force behind the industry's products and services. It's important to recognize energy and ideas, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to do so.

Darin Painter

Managing Editor

dpainter@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 Managing Editor
Kara Carpenter

Assistant Editor

Preeti Vasishtha

Art Director/
Production Manager

Roxanne Rash

Contributing Editors

Dennis McGarry, CDC

Gail O'Roke, CDC

Publications Committee

Steve Visio, Chairperson
Ross Barker
Bob Bell
Cory Blatz
Chuck Calman
Skip Dragoiu
Carrie Fireoved
Charlie Graham
Jeff Hayzlett
Bob McAleavey
Mike Nawn
Tom Nelson
Gail O'Roke, CDC
John Smilko
Dan Swagler
Dave Tobik
Dave Wandling, CDC
Jerry Weidner
Bob Wilson, CFC

Advertising Sales

Jack Burris

The Townsend Group Inc.

4920 Elm St., Ste. 325

Bethesda, MD 20814

Phone: (301) 215-6710

Fax: (301) 215-7704

jburris@townsend-group.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 41, Number 9, September 2003. 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.

Printed in the USA.