The 2009 Convention Exhibit Selection is Tomorrow!

Space commitments for the IRgA’s 2009 Trade Show in Pittsburgh, Pa., are ahead of schedule, largely due to a point system being implemented this year. The space selection is being held tomorrow with more than half of the exhibitors from 2008 having already secured space. This puts us well ahead of where we stood in Decembers past. Industry suppliers can find details located in the online Exhibitor Resource Center.

Send Your Referrals. Pittsburgh offers a unique opportunity for the IRgA and its guests. The convention center allows for more exhibit space than the IRgA has had in the past. This is a good opportunity to grow the show. Please forward suggestions of any potential vendors to me and I will ensure that the sales team follows up with them.

Affordable Location. Registration for the Convention will go live in January. There are two hotels in the IRgA Block: The Westin, which is attached to the convention center, is $179 per night for IRgA attendees; the Omni, which is about two blocks from the center, is $175 per night.

Holding the Convention in Pittsburgh offers an affordable option for IRgA guests, and it is easily accessible, whether by car or by plane. ARC, ReproMAX and RSA will be holding meetings in conjunction with the IRgA’s Convention, and we’re looking forward to another year with strong participation. Plan on attending April 29-May 1, 2009.

The IRgA staff joins me in wishing all of you a safe and healthy holiday season!

Feel free to contact me at sbova@irga.com or 800.833.4742.

IRgA Releases Several Updates for its 2009 IRgA Convention & Trade Show

This April 29-May 1, the 2009 IRgA Convention & Trade Show heads to the world-class David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, Pa. Join nearly 1,000 reprographers and vendors to access an educational program presented by industry experts, a trade show displaying the most innovative products and dedicated time to connect with those who drive your business.

Online registration and housing opens in early January 2009 – visit the quick links below and watch your inbox for the Advance Program in the coming month.

• Attendee Resource Center
• Exhibitor Resource Center
• Schedule of Events
• Convention Preview Video
• Add Event to Outlook Calendar

Visit the convention Web site to access full event details as they become available. Contact the IRgA at 800.833.4742.

On May 1, Garrison Wynn will present “Making the Most of Difficult Situations: Changing Markets, Changing Times,” during the 2009 IRgA Convention & Trade Show.

This entertaining, insightful keynote combines relationship building with no-fluff motivation and change to deliver real solutions in uncertain times. Business relationship expert Garrison Wynn examines the challenges we face and shows how we can laugh at our problems while using them as catalysts for success.

Wynn is a corporate advisor and former professional stand-up comedian. In his teens, Wynn worked with Magnavox and Hank Aaron to promote the world's first video gaming system. By age 27, he became the youngest department head in a Fortune 500 company's history when, in just three years, he rose from an entry-level marketing position in a satellite office to department head at corporate headquarters over 38 states. He has developed and marketed products still being sold in 30 countries.

Visit the convention Web site to access full event details as they become available. Contact the IRgA at 800.833.4742.

Situated on the banks of the Allegheny River in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, Pa., the David L. Lawrence Convention Center is the first and largest “green” convention center in the world. It is also the location of the 2009 IRgA Convention & Trade Show.

The state-of-the-art facility is Gold LEED certified, a designation awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC) through its Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED). The eco-friendly convention center boasts it’s commitment to three R’s – Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.
 
Visit www.pittsburghcc.com to learn more.

Now is the time to submit your entries for the 2008 Bukovsky Award, our industry's highest honor.

The Bukovsky Award honors the memory of George K. Bukovsky, who worked in the reprographics industry for more than 30 years. During his long career, he was actively involved in the IRgA and worked to further the industry. The award was established after his death in 1990 to honor his outstanding contributions, and in 2007, the IRgA will celebrate 16 years of recognizing individuals, reprographers and vendors who have also made a lasting impact on the industry. There are several well-deserving candidates, so don't be shy.

Award criteria and the nomination form are available at the IRgA Web site. All nominations must be received at the IRgA headquarters by Jan. 31, 2009.

Given the economic downturn, it is now more important than ever to share industry knowledge on ways to get ahead during leaner times. Don’t miss IRgA’s free, members-only Webinar, “Right Sizing Your Company in a Downturn,” will provide a panel of industry experts who will give insight on ways to right size your company. The Webinar is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 14, 11 a.m. – noon, Central Time. 

The panel will include Ross Banks, president, Ford Group; Roger Gremillion, regional vice president, A&E – The Graphics Complex, a division of Thomas Reprographics; and Myles Cowherd, president, San Jose Blue.

The following areas will be discussed by the panel:

What is the “right size” for your company in this market?

• Why it's so important to do this now - rather than later
• Sales per employee benchmarks - industry standards
• Balancing employees to the work load
• Sale per employee benchmarks

Making those painful downsizing decisions:

• What kind of 'rule of thumb' could you use 
• Pulling the trigger
• HR issues when downsizing
• Dealing with the folks who stay

Creative ways to keep your people while reducing costs:

• Less than 40 hours
• Taking days off without pay
• "Demotions"

For more information and a full archive list, visit www.IRgA.com.

Drytac® is a worldwide manufacturer and distributor of mounting and finishing equipment and products. This year Drytac® debuts its line of UV curable and aqueous liquid laminators with models ranging from the wide-format VersaCoaterTM XL to the ultra-small VersaCoaterTM. DocuMate. Visit the Drytac website at www.drytac.com to learn more. Drytac.com

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Roland Introduces Roland Financial Services, 
Providing Equipment Lease Options Powered by U.S. Bank

Roland DGA Corp. has introduced Roland Financial Services, powered by U.S. Bank, enabling customers to lease any Roland product priced over $5,000.

Roland Financial Services offers a range of lease options to meet varying business demands including additional financing for media, ink and training through Roland University. The program is offered in partnership with U.S. Bank, the 6th largest commercial bank in the United States with assets of $238 billion. READ MORE

Academy Reprographics Chosen one of New Mexico’s 'Best Places to Work'

Academy Reprographics recently announced that The New Mexico Business Weekly Magazine has selected Academy as a “Best Place to Work” in the State of New Mexico for 2008.

Out of thousands of applications across all industries, Academy ranked No. 7 in its category, scoring a 93.79 out of possible 100 points. The Best Places to Work award recognizes Academy for its outstanding culture, employee recognition and benefits. Academy has 16 employees in its two Albuquerque stores. READ MORE

In Other News...
Misischia Appointed President FLM Reprographics
Roland Expands Organization with New Hires and Promotions
Mutoh America Welcomes Missy Hino to Inside Sales 
Roland Celebrates Eco Journey South America 2008
Mutoh America’s Valuejet 1608 Hybrid Printer Wins the DPI Product of the Year Award
Ricoh Americas Corporation Names Mark Minshull Chief Technologist
Drupa Announces New President
ReproMAX Members Recognize Canon as Integrated Vendor of the Year

Maximize Uptime with Extra Process Cartridge Each Teriostar printer includes an extra process cartridge so you can replace it without waiting. No other company in this industry offers this option. At 6.2 D-size PPM, Teriostar LED printers are the perfect solution in the CAD/AEC/GIS marketplace. Learn more at www.seiko-i.com (Seiko I Infotech (SIIT) is a division of Seiko Instruments USA, Inc).

Expanded, Varied Service Offerings are Helping Repro Shops 
Capture More Business from AEC Clients

By Scott Cullen

For years, architects and engineers have been a critical part of a repro shop’s customer base, but business models are changing and more repro shops are honing in on a slightly different customer base — general contractors, project managers, construction managers and owners. Although those in the reprographics world contend this portion of their business is growing, most have a difficult time quantifying that growth.

This article originally appeared in the November/December issue of Repro Report, which is available for download at the IRgA Web site. Your IRgA Web site username and password is required to enter the archive area. If you know your login but can't remember your password, click on “Reset my password.” If you do not know your login or password, please call the IRgA Headquarters toll-free at 800.833.4742.