Industry News

In a nod to the city’s motor sports and racing heritage, Indianapolis-based International Business Solutions Alliance (IBSA) has chosen “Setting the Pace: 2006” as the theme for its annual conference and trade show. The event will occur Aug. 13-16 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Indianapolis. Conference sessions will include dynamic speaking events, as well as seminars covering emerging products and cutting-edge technologies. The IBSA Supplier trade show, featuring printing companies, technology providers and promotional products suppliers, will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 15. The annual IBSA awards banquet will also occur during the conference and will be held at the historic Indiana Roof

Rayven, a specialist in laminating, coating and converting services headquartered in St. Paul, Minn., introduced the versatile Any-Pak release liner as a stock item that can be shipped in less than 24 hours. The product was created with the packaging industry in mind for applications involving plastic bags, mailing envelopes, pouches, security bags and more. Constructed using a 2 mil polypropylene as the substrate and a release coating, the release liners work well with hot-melt and pressure-sensitive adhesives. A printed message on one side of the liner instructs users to remove it to expose the adhesive. It can be used for anything requiring a

Independent Printing Company, De Pere, Wis., announced the promotion of John Nagel to national sales manager. Nagel brings 20 years of commercial print experience to the position including the past 13 years as a national sales representative with Independent. In his new role, he will work with the sales reps in developing existing accounts by providing cost-saving ideas in selling presentation folders, and also prospecting new customers. For more information, visit www.independentprinting.com.

On April 30, St. Louis-based Mark Andy, a manufacturer of narrow web printing equipment, was awarded the 2006 FTA Technical Innovation Award for its innovation and solutions supporting RFID. The company has invested numerous hours and capital in pursuing the solutions a converter will need in order to be successful and highly competitive in the RFID market. Mark Andy offers successful options by incorporating RFID manufacturing, insertion and verification technologies inline on its narrow web printing and converting equipment. Areas of expertise include RFID tag and transponder technology, reading and writing devices, antenna and radio-wave technologies, quality and damage control, precision transponder placement

Headquartered in Mechanicsburg, Pa., Zentmeyer Paper Sales Company welcomed Renae K. Calhoun as its new executive assistant. Calhoun brings more than 20 years of experience in the fine paper industry to her latest position. She previously worked at Alling & Cory, Xpedex, Frank Parsons Paper and Andrews Paper House. For more information, call (866) 697-7838.

Unisource Worldwide, Norcross, Ga., named Garth Geist vice president, marketing–uncoated papers. In this position, Geist is responsible for the marketing and sourcing of all uncoated and specialty papers for Unisource. “Garth’s dedication, as well as his knowledge of our products and customer segments, will serve him well in his new role,” said Newell Holt, president. “During Garth’s 17 years in the paper industry, he has been actively involved with many trade associations and has led the introduction of many new products in the marketplace. His experience working with various customer segments will help Unisource take our marketing strategy to the next level.” Geist joined Unisource in 2004,

Harry (Toby) Potter joined Printegra, Peachtree City, Ga., as southeastern regional sales manager. Potter brings 24 years of industry experience to Printegra. Previously, he worked in sales and marketing for a business forms manufacturer and served as general manager of a short-run, pack-to-pack operation. For more information, visit www.printegra.com.

Aspatore Books selected Greg Muzzillo, founder and co-CEO of Proforma, Cleveland, to author a chapter in its recently released work, Inside the Minds: The Franchise Business. Muzzillo is a 20-year industry veteran who pioneered the first ever franchise distributorship in the printing industry. His chapter, titled “Make Sure You’re Getting into the Right Business,” gives expert advice on how readers can evaluate and choose the right option. “Owning a franchise is a viable option for many individuals who want to own their own business but do not want to establish a brand or start their business from scratch,” said Muzzillo. Inside the Minds:

Eagan, Minnesota-based Plastic Products has changed its name to CARDSource, and has redesigned its logo and Web site. The new name reflects the 30-year-old company’s core business of providing high-end plastic cards for loyalty, gift card, direct mail, health-care and private-label credit card programs. The company’s growth has enabled it to continue offering leading-edge technology with high-end personalization and high-speed affixing equipment for plastic-card fulfillment. New software tools allow collaboration between customers and CARDSource staff at all phases of their project development, enabling customers to proof and update information on one virtual site for improved flow and control. The company also established a creative

Peachtree City, Georgia-based Printegra upgraded its digital color and black-and-white capabilities by adding a six-color HP Indigo 5000 press to its Smyrna, Ga., facility, as well as Kodak E125 Digimaster presses in its Smyrna and Montgomeryville, Pa., locations. The HP Indigo 5000 press offers high-quality printing and variable imaging. It uses liquid ink technology for superior quality, while the color matching capabilities can match PMS colors and equal the quality and color range of commercial offset printing. With 812x812 dpi resolution and up to 230 lines per inch, the press provides vibrant color and sharp text. The Digimaster E125 System can produce high-quality, short-run black-and-white,