Snapshot for Tomorrow

The United States' financial situation has gotten so dire, President Obama recently called for the freezing of all federal salaries in an attempt to get a hold on the country's debt, which is expected to rise to $2.3 trillion by 2012.

The U.S. economy hasn't been pretty for a while and most expect it to stay rather ugly through the upcoming year. Fortunately, most professionals in the printing industry recognize the ride will likely be bumpy and are planning ahead.

Here, leading manufacturers offer their predictions for the new year.

Ed Glaser, chief marketing officer, Colortree Marketing Resources, Richmond, Va.

The outlook for 2011 is cloudy with rain. Many print distributors are focusing on print, when they should be participating in the cross media marketing explosion. While cross media marketing is evolving, those who ignore it do so at their own peril. To remain relevant, they must learn about and evangelize social media, pURLs (personalized URLs), QR codes and text messaging combined with online, print and mobile marketing. Clients are looking for ways to reach customers in the format customers want to be communicated to with, and that means a combination of digital and print media.

Gene Toepfer, vice president of sales, 
Foster Printing Service, Michigan City, Ind.

We do see growth from our trade partners, especially in direct mail products and services. We also see many distributors 
expanding from their core products and services into commercial print and direct mail.

Paul Willard, sales manager, Broker Forms, Grand 
Rapids, Mich.

The next year will be full of changes that lead to opportunities in the 1099 and W-2 market. There are major changes to 1099-MISC reporting requirements starting in 2012 and we've got our eye on them. Businesses now will need to file 1099-MISC forms to individuals and business for services and goods over $600. These new rules are expected to increase the number of forms filed by 10 times. Our goal is to deliver products that will help distributors to not only make 1099-MISC reporting easier for clients and themselves, but to increase their own success and profitability. Look for more information from us in the coming months; we're monitoring the Internal Revenue Service and Congress as they further define the requirements and how they should be implemented.