TST/Impreso

It's not just famous for its inner harbor and crab cakes. It's not just the backdrop of HBO's now defunct The Wire. Many know it as "Charm City," but for the printing industry it's the site of PSDA's annual Print Solutions Conference and Expo from May 24 to 26 at the Baltimore Convention Center.

A little change never hurt anyone. With that in mind, this year’s big show promises a change of pace, a change of scenery and a change in demand. The newly revamped PSDA (formerly DMIA) will host its annual Print Solutions Conference and Exposition on Oct. 23-25 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore. This year’s featured general session keynote speaker will be Charlie Pesko, founder and president of InfoTrends, a leading market research and consulting firm in the digital imaging and document solutions industries. Technological advances and refined marketing strategies are just some of the issues gaining momentum in a slowing economy. To encourage print

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

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

Acquisitions and consolidations make a shaky year in the print industry remain profitable. Transcontinental Printing Once again Transcontinental Printing, Warminster, Pa., has achieved the top ranking on the BFL&S Top 100 Manufacturers list. Reporting $2 billion in development within the United States for its latest fiscal year completed—$200 million more than last year's figures—the company thrives on nothing less than offering the best. According to Tracy Dennis, director of business, this year the best has meant concentrating on strategic relocation maneuvers and internal growth. "We've undergone consolidation, as well as staff, procedural, manufacturing and program changes that all contribute to Transcontinental's continued success," said