In-plant Meetings a Success, More on the Way

On Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, dozens of West Coast in-plant managers got together for the first two of six regional meetings organized by the In-plant Printing and Mailing Association. Oregon State University and Moorpark Community College were the venues for the Ricoh-sponsored events, which featured presentations, in-plant tours, food and plenty of networking time. The OSU event drew more than a dozen managers, while 18 visited Moorpark on Wednesday.

The inaugural event in Corvallis kicked off with an informative presentation by Tim Hendrix, of the State of Oregon’s Publishing & Distribution Center. His presentation centered on how to create a performance matrix for your department. He gave an inside look what he sees when he’s looking at his budget, overall performance and customer service.

After him, Richard Silver, Print Services coordinator at George Fox University in Newberg, Ore., dove into the heart of what it means to be the “whole package” in customer service, a strong passion with him. After lunch and lots of networking, Gail Udell, OSU project manager, did a demo on how her department uses Avanti’s Web-to-print process for job processing.

Then Associate Director Ari Grossman-Naples took the group on a tour of OSU’s printing facility. In addition to the main shop, OSU just opened an Express Service, located right on campus where it is easily accessible for students and staff.

The in-plant meetings will continue a week from today, on Friday, October 18, at the University of California-Davis. Director Brian Wadell will show off his Repro Graphics operation, joined by California State Printer Jerry Hill. Konica Minolta will sponsor this event, which is expected to draw a crowd.

The meeting will kick off at 10:00, when Barbara Stainbrook, senior vice president of Production Print Sales and Partnership Alliances at Konica Minolta Business Solutions USA, will give a keynote on how to expand your in-plant's services and value. Then Richard Silver will reprise his lively presentation on the importance of customer service, which he calls his top priority.

Lunch will be followed by a presentation by Hill on writing a successful capital justification proposal, and then a tour of UC Davis Repro Graphics. There will also be gifts and a grand prize drawing for two $50 gift cards. Find out more and register here.

Managers in Texas, Missouri and North Carolina take note. Regional meetings are coming your way:

• Friday October 25, 10:00 - 3:00 pm, Freese and Nichols, Inc., Fort Worth, Texas. Hosted by Staci Hill, John Sarantakos and event sponsor Ricoh.
• Friday October 25, 10:00 - 3:00 pm, Nestle Purina Petcare, St. Louis. Hosted by Tammy Dunham, Debbie Pavletich and event sponsor Konica Minolta.
• Thursday Oct. 31, 10:00 - 3:00 pm, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Charlotte, N.C., Hosted by IPMA President Elect Alvin Griffin, along with event sponsor Konica Minolta.

In-plants may register for these free events here.