Graphic Media Alliance

05/24/2017

Also in the News...

Think Patented Introduces Technology-Based Division Called "Bitstorm Connect"

Press Release May 10, 2017 

Miamisburg,Ohio - - Think Patented announced today, that it has established a new division called Bitstorm Connect, which will focus on the company's information systems business that includes marketing automation, print-on-demand storefronts, website development and video.  Bitstorm Connect links marketing, printing and web-based technology to achieve effective growth results for clients' businesses.  This business unit of full stack design and development specialists, as well as experienced marketing automation, social media, and video professionals helps clients capitalize on business development opportunities with highly focused and targeted programs. This team will be located at Think Patented's state-of-the-art facility in Miamisburg,Ohio. 

The Bitstorm Connect division will be led by Tim Hull, Director.  A veteran in successful hew business start-ups, Mr. Hull has technology-driven business leadership experience and serves on the Board of Directors of Technology First, the regional IT trade association. 

"Bitstorm Connect was a long time in the making.  As we say in our tagline, Think Patented is "A Marketing Execution Company."  It's not just about print, mailing, websites, social media or any one channel. It's about making them work together, ultimately helping our clients execute their initiatives, regardless of channel," David McNerney, Vice President­ Sales & Marketing commented. 

Bitstorm Connect will drive business growth for its clients through technology innovations, enhanced efficiencies and multi-channel communications.  Its proprietary marketing automation programs (Connect 360) create a personalized experience across multiple channels and cultivate a positive relationship with prospective customers.  Bitstorm Connect helps find those who are most interested in clients' products or services, sending only sales-ready leads to the sales team.  Bitstorm Connect's integrated solutions include web,print, direct mail, social media, email, IP-targeting and SMS messaging that empower its clients to centralize and automate their marketing campaigns for more effective results.  

"Technology's impact on business today is unquestionable in terms of process efficiency improvements, speed-to-market, and more effective fines of communications with customers.  Bitstorm Connect will continuously develop "better ways" for our clients to attract prospective customers.  Think Patented has now expanded its capabilities to provide proprietary, technology-driven solutions in addressing the very issues our clients face every day," stated Tim Hull, Director. 

Think Patented, headquartered in Miamisburg, OH is redefining today's "Printing" company.  Offering extensive services to clients worldwide with printing,One20ne marketing, purl's, web-to-print solutions, fulfillment services, direct mail, wide-format printing, design services and promotional products, all under one roof. Please visit: www.thinkpatented.com. 

Bitstorm Connect, a division of Think Patented, is a creative resource of marketing energy and technology. Offering extensive services that include: responsive website development, storefront/ecommerce development, database development and management, web hosting and database storage, video, web-to-print portals, marketing automation, inbound marketing programs, and more. Please visit: www.bitstormconnect.com.

Tap’s “Sweet” Digital Chocolate Bar Packaging Featured on the Cover of DPS Magazine

Press Release May 25, 2017

CLEVELAND – Cleveland-based packaging manufacturer Tap Packaging Solutions was featured on the cover of May’s DPS Magazine, which highlights leaders in digital print technology. 

“Sweet Treats with Digital, short runs of folding cartons,” written by DPS Magazine executive editor Melissa Donovan, focuses on Tap’s recent digital endeavor to help re-brand and launch a new line of chocolate bar packaging for Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate Company of St. Louis, Missouri. Donovan gets right to the heart of the matter – consumers are looking for more personalization, and digital print technology can deliver with shorter runs and printing multiple versions of SKUs all together. 

Tap is distinguished in the packaging world and praised by its customers because the employee-owned, ISO 9001:2008 certified company is one of only a few packaging manufacturers in the United States with HP Indigo 30000 digital print capabilities, plus in-house designers, structural engineers, traditional printing, converting and finishing capabilities, warehousing, inventory management, and more. 

“Variable printing with a digital press allows our clients to leverage powerful marketing tools, like segmentation and target marketing, so these companies meet consumer demands,” says Jordana Revella, VP marketing & sales at Tap. “Our clients now speak directly to the specific consumer they are trying to access, and make their way into their hearts.” 

Read the full story from DPS Magazine here.

From Konica Minolta: MGI Lunch & Learn 

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 

Konica Minolta Office, Broadview Heights, OH 44147

Join Konica Minolta for lunch on Tuesday, June 13th, and discover how to grow your business with advanced finishing options from Konica Minolta & MGI.

We’re transforming what’s possible in production print with breakthrough technologies that let you create dimensional spot UV coating, 3D embossing and hot variable foil stamping & color effects in a 100% digital environment. And, with variable data and on-demand functionality, it doesn’t sacrifice digital functionality and flexibility. Register Here.

Our guest presenter, Steve Bruno, National Sales Manager, MGI, will be on hand to answer all of your questions about the MGI line-up and showcase production capabilities and samples from MGI’s JETvarnish 3DS with iFOIL, JETvarnish 3DW and Meteor Press.

Julie Shaffer to Join Idealliance Team as Vice President of Marketing & Events

Thursday, May 11, 2017

Press release from the issuing company

Alexandria, Va. - Idealliance, the association for the Visual Communications and Media Industry, is pleased to announce that Julie Shaffer will join our team as Vice President of Marketing and Events effective June 12, 2017.  David Steinhardt, President and CEO of Idealliance, said, “We are extremely pleased that Julie has agreed to join our team.  She has a solid reputation as an industry expert and thought leader. As we continue to grow, she will be an excellent addition, helping us move Idealliance and our industry into the future.” Steve Bonoff, current Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications is moving forward to a consultancy role as of June 1, 2017.

Julie Shaffer’s career in the industry spans thirty years.  After spending a dozen years honing her expertise in production and management for printing companies in several U.S. markets, Shaffer has devoted her career over the last 17 years as an association executive, building innovative business resources and educational programs serving the graphic and visual communications industry. She has been instrumental in bringing focus to new and disruptive technologies, including integrated media, mobile marketing, and rapid manufacturing, and is called to speak at industry events across the country. Shaffer is the author of several industry-focused books, including The PDF Print Production Guide, Web-to-Print Primer and Social Media Field Guide: A Resource for Graphic Communicators.

Shaffer said, “The way we communicate and deliver information and content of all kinds – and the way consumers want to receive this information and content – is in a state of dynamic change. Being cognizant of the trends and staying ahead of the curve presents exciting opportunities for the visual communications and media industries. I am thrilled to be joining Idealliance, where I will continue to encourage industry innovation and help in guiding service providers in the best ways to take advantage of disruptive technologies to drive business growth. This is an exciting time in the industry, and the global Idealliance platform offers a way for me to take my contributions to the next level.”

Steve Bonoff, current Senior Vice President of Marketing Communications, will continue to serve Idealliance over the next year. “Steve has brought significant value to the industry in his roles, including his time as President of the International Prepress Association, spearheading its merger with Idealliance, and as a senior member of our executive team,” responded Steinhardt. Bonoff stated, “I am grateful for the Idealliance Team, especially David Steinhardt for his leadership during my many years of service. I believe in the mission Idealliance embodies and look forward to supporting its continued innovations and impact in the visual communications and media industry, as I embark on the next phase of my professional career.” 

Lunch & Learn “Investing in Wide Format – things you need to know” presented by RICOH

What Makes the Printers401k Different?

When: June 13th, 2:00pm CST REGISTER HERE

Who Should Attend?

• Owners
• Plan Sponsors
• CFO's
• Human Resource Managers

Fiduciary Prudence For Plan Sponsors: Many Plan Sponsors are unaware of the many duties required of them as Plan Fiduciaries.   In this brief but informative webinar, find out considerations to take when working with the retirement plan industry.   We will also discuss 7 key essentials for Fiduciary Responsibility and what options you have as a Plan Sponsor.

Submitted by:

Joe Trybula, CFP^®, CPFA^® Accredited Investment Fiduciary^TM, Printers 401k

The Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky Employment Exchange Report

Just a reminder. If you’re looking for new employees for your firm, check out the Association's employment links, including the Job Bank.  Job seekers can post their resumes at no cost.  Employers can review resumes for free or list their job openings for a small fee. 

Check out the Association's Employment links.