Champion Industries

Champion Industries announced a reduced second quarter 2013 net loss from continuing operations of $700,000, compared to a net loss from continuing operations of $21.0 million for the quarter that ended April 30, 2012.

Champion reported a net loss from discontinued operations for the fiscal second quarter of $101,000 compared with net income of $25,000 last year.

In the earnings release, the company attributed its sales compression to softness in the West Virginia market and certain customer-specific attrition.

Commercial printer Champion Industries Inc. has defaulted on its debt after failing to comply with a cash flow covenant and is now working with an investment bank and crisis manager to assess it restructuring options.

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis has once again clinched the number-one spot in Print Professional's Top 100 Suppliers list. But despite years of success, the company is far from complacent. In 2011, Ennis managed to outdo itself with annual sales totaling $550 million, compared to last year's showing of $517.7 million.

1. Leader of the Pack

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis continues to defend its title by clinching the top spot in Print Professional's latest top 100 manufacturers list.

1. Still the One

Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis has definitely found its lucky number. Another year brings another victory for the company that refuses to relinquish its number one-position on Print Professional's big list.

1 Ennis Headquarters: Midlothian, Texas Annual Sales $(000): 584,713 Principal Officer(s): Keith Walters, Chairman, President, CEO Employees: 6,200 Locations: 44 2 Champion Industries Headquarters: Huntington, W. Va. Annual Sales $(000): 145,188 Principal Officer(s): Marshall T. Reynolds, CEO Employees: 740 Locations: 22 3 Western States Envelope & Label Headquarters: Butler, Wis. Annual Sales $(000): 117,900 Principal Officer(s): Mark S. Lemberger, President Employees: 731 Locations: 5 4 Printegra Headquarters: Peachtree City, Ga. Annual

Margins are high and the future is bright for this market niche MOST DISTRIBUTORS KNOW commercial printing is not the typical sale. It involves greater interaction with manufacturers and end-users. Most orders are not simple reorders of the exact same product. There are a lot of colors and shapes and innovative designs and, for some distributors, that is a lot of work compared to a basic form sale. But, for those wondering whether or not commercial printing is worth the effort, a pep talk from John Andersen, sales manager for Admore, a division of Ennis, Macomb, Mich., just might change things. To him, commercial

A proactive approach to marketplace changes proves profitable for suppliers There are no big surprises at the top of the BFL&S Top 100 Supplier listing this year. Except for a bit of order shuffling, the five companies tßhat have dominated the rankings for the past few years—Ennis, Quality Park, TST/Impreso, Western States Envelopes & Labels and Champion Industries—continue to do so. And, it is traditional products, including envelopes, forms, tags/labels, commercial printing and direct mail, that account for the bulk of the sales that these powerhouses are posting. Principle officers for the companies, however, stressed that it is product line diversification, acquisitions, ongoing

The Top 5 Suppliers combined for more than $1 billion in sales for 2004. Quality Park Consolidates Brands It's been a busy year for Quality Park, formerly the PrintXcel brands. The company has changed its name, experienced major growth by realignment and secured the top position on BFL&S' Top 100 Suppliers list. "Our sales and marketing teams were able to secure large pieces of business from existing and new customers this past year," said Allen Conway, president. "These efforts were being driven in 2002 and 2003, and came to fruition in 2004. We're already off and running for 2005." Off and running,

Quality, service and sound strategic planning put these suppliers on top. Rising from third place in last year's BFL&S Top 100 Manufacturers list, Ennis Business Forms, DeSoto, Texas, has achieved top honors this year. The successful company reported $240.8 million in sales for the latest fiscal year completed. When asked about the company's formula for success, Keith Walters, president and CEO, said that a combination of tried-and-true principles coupled with new ideas and acquisitions have proven to be the winning ticket. "Ennis continues to concentrate on basics, including customer service, cost control and e-commerce developments," Walters said. He also identified the integration of