PGAMA
Launches New Survey
PGAMA has launched a Quarterly Business Index Survey to
gain a more nuanced and detailed understanding of business conditions across
the industry in our region. The confidential quarterly survey will establish
a baseline snapshot of current business conditions for the region's printing
and allied industry firms, and allow PGAMA to track changes and developments
specific to our area. There will also be a changing topical segment in which
issues of importance can be assessed by our membership. This quarter's topic
is national health reform, and responses are sure to be interesting!
The survey will be distributed during
the first week of each quarter (January, April, July, & October) on
an ongoing basis. Results of the survey will be published in the PGAMA
Management Bulletin and made available on-line to participants. The initial
survey was distributed via e-mail on October 1, and will be followed by
two reminders. Look for survey results to be published in Management Bulletin. (Participants will
receive results first.)
Learn
to Use Social Media in Webinar Series
Explore today’s most popular social media marketing tools
in-depth, and learn how your company can benefit by using them! The series,
led by award-winning marketing consultant
Bob Cargill, will cover practices
to follow, tips and tricks, and more. Cost is $55 per connection for
each broadcast, or $250 for the entire 5-part series. Scheduled sessions
include:
Nov. 3 - Principles of Social Media Marketing
Nov. 10 - Blogs
Nov. 17 - Twitter
Nov. 24 - LinkedIn
Dec. 1 - Facebook
All webinars will be held from Noon–1:00pm. Prior to the webinar date,
you’ll receive an e-mail containing the
Internet link and conference call information. A few minutes prior to the
start of the program, you’ll access the
Internet link and dial into the conference call. To register, go to http://www.pine.org/Education/webinar_social_series.html#principles.
Expect
More Bans on Texting & Driving
The federal government has just banned
all federal employees from texting while driving government
vehicles, AND texting while driving their own vehicles
for government work. Distracted driving has become a major
safety issue according to federal transportation officials.
There has been rumbling in state legislatures about bans
on the use of cellphones and other devices while driving.
New York state already prohibits the use of hand-held cell
phones while driving, so look for more regulations to pop
up around the country.
Training
Grants for MD Businesses
Maryland Business Works has $1 million of federal grant
funds earmarked to train incumbent workers. This state program
is targeted for small businesses, with a focus on businesses
with 50 employees or less. It supports existing Maryland
businesses in the retention and growth of their workforce,
and matches employer funds for training projects. To participate,
the company must be located in Maryland and operate under
the provision of Maryland law. The training must:
* Increase the occupational skills level of existing workers.
* Be specific to the job of the worker.
* Relate to the strategic goals and objectives of the company.
Invest in YOUR workforce! Learn more about the program at
the Maryland Department of Labor website, http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/mbw.shtml.
Benefit
Spotlight: 401(k) Plan
Did you know PGAMA has a 401(k) plan
for members? This
specially designed program offers a broad choice of investments
as well as discounted plan administration that you will only
find with very large employer groups. Unlike plans sponsored
by insurance carriers or investment firms, our plan (supported
by 10 Printing Industries of America affiliates) provides
an open architecture which allows the Trustees the options
to choose the best investments rather than the ones providing
the most income to the insurance or investment firm. If you
are the company's 401(k) administrator, this structure also
helps to minimize your fiduciary liability - if not eliminate
it.
As with any 401(k) Plan, self direction is a critical aspect;
thus, a key element is the alignment with Diversified Financial,
a retirement planning specialist. Diversified will facilitate
plan setup and conversion as well as assist with education,
investment selection, investment advice and any necessary
retirement planning services. If you offer an existing plan,
or if you are just thinking about providing this benefit,
consider using this innovative and extremely affordable retirement
solution. For more detailed information contact John Moynihan
with Diversified Financial at (800) 307-0376.
Green
Tip of the Week
Environmentalists say an easy way to be
"green" is to buy local. Sourcing locally eliminates
the carbon footprint of long distance transportation and
is a green practice to use whenever possible. Finding a printer
or supplier is easy thanks to your PGAMA membership! Log
on to the Member List at pgama.com to
find the products and services you need. You'll not only
be amazed at what's available close by, without shipping
fees you will also frequently enjoy significant savings!
Member
News
Jarboe Printing has been acquired
by
Mount Royal Printing. All manufacturing
will be performed in the Baltimore location while a sales
office will remain in Washington under the direction of Jarboe's
President, Ted Eby. Mount Royal has already hired many of
the Jarboe employees to work in the Baltimore location. For
more information, contact Ted Eby at 202-291-3800 or Gary
Cayce at 410-296-1117.
Upcoming Events
| October 14 |
Dinner
Meeting: Social
Butterflies in Your Stomach,
5:30-8:30pm at the Admiral Fell Inn (888 S. Broadway,
Fells Point in Baltimore, MD.) Speaker Marci De
Vries will answer your questions about using social
media to support your sales efforts. Sponsored
by the Production Club of Baltimore. Cost is $20
for PGAMA members (PCB members free) and includes
dinner and drinks. RSVP to events@productionclubofbaltimore.org. |
| October 14 |
FREE Seminar: Employers'
Rights in the Age of Social Networking &
Blogging, 6:00-7:00pm at Intelligent
Office (300 E. Lombard Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.)
This seminar will give employers timely information
about their rights concerning employees online behavior,
policies related to social networking, and more. RSVP
to: coordinator@intelligentoffice.com.
Be sure to mention that you are a PGAMA member and
the $20 attendance fee will be waived. Light refreshments
and parking included. |
| October 21 |
FREE USPS
Webinar: Customizing
Your Mail Pieces, 1:00–2:00 PM
EST. Get information about personalized marketing
strategies and how timely, relevant, and personalized
marketing can increase response rates. Register online
at https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/801056931. |
| October 22 |
FREE Seminar: Design
Your Pants Off, 8:30am-Noon at
PGAMA (9685 Gerwig Lane/Columbia, MD 21046.) Attend
this educational workshop, presented by Adobe
Certified trainers, to learn about benefits for
creatives and printers of Adobe Creative Suite
4 Design Premium. Speakers will go over enhancements
to their traditional print production tools as
well as their web and interactive design products. *Attend
for a chance to win a copy of Adobe 4 Design Premium!* FREE for
members! $50 for non-members. Limited Seating-sign
up by October 15, 410-319-0900 or online at www.pgama.com. |
| October 30 |
Special Event: ASI Advantages
Roadshow, 9:00am-1:00pm at BWI Marriott
(1743 W. Nursery Road, Baltimore, MD 21090.) The
Advantages Roadshow is a sales-building experience
like no other. Enjoy one-on-one conversations with
leading companies, attend FREE educational seminars,
and find hot new items to show your clients. *BONUS*
PGAMA members are invited to a special briefing
on ASI services! Call Paul at PGAMA for info. To
learn more about the Roadshow, visit www.advantagesroadshow.com. |
| November 3 |
Special Event: Cocktails
& Connections Happy Hour 5:30-7:30pm
at Franklin's Restaurant in Hyattsville, MD (5123 Baltimore
Avenue, 20781.) Join us for
another strictly social gathering! No speakers.
No agenda. Just the chance to get to know others
in our industry. You never know who you’ll
meet...and how they could benefit your business!
FREE for PGAMA Members, $20
for Non-Members (Includes drinks & hors d’oeuvres.)
You Must RSVP to Attend! Call PGAMA by October
28th, 410-319-0900/877-319-0906 Or online at www.pgama.com.
Space Limited to 100 so RSVP EARLY! Sponsored by
Hewlett-Packard and Coleman One. |
| November 3 |
Webinar: The Principles
of Social Media,
Noon-1:00pm. Tune in to the first of five broadcasts
(Tuesdays, Nov 3-Dec 1) which will cover one
of the hottest topics in marketing today: using
social media. Many businesses and brands use them
to communicate, but many are unaware of
the unwritten rules of engagement. Authenticity,
transparency, generosity are just a few of the
many principles of social media you need to be
mindful of to succeed, but all will be covered
in this session. Cost is $55 per webinar per connection
or $250 for the entire series. Register online
at http://www.pine.org/Education/webinar_social_series.html#principles |
| November 8-10 |
Special Event: 2009
Converge Conference, at
the spectacular new Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando.
This event is a must-attend for any service provider
looking to grow and prosper in these challenged economic
times of the new information age. Learn more about
the conference, resort and transportation deals, plus
register to attend at http://converge.printing.org/Default.aspx. |
| November 18 |
Member Seminar & Vendor
Expo: Its OK to Print, 9:00am-4:00pm
at PGAMA (9685 Gerwig Lane, Columbia, MD 21046).
Attend
this seminar and learn how to affordably promote
and expand your sustainable efforts. Attendees
will walk away better prepared to market their “green” processes
and practices—including getting listed on
the Maryland Green Registry—and informed
about other fast, easy, and budget-conscious things
that can be done to protect the planet AND boost
a bottom line. Cost is $30 per person and includes
lunch. Call PGAMA to register, 410-319-0900 or
sign up online at www.pgama.com. |
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