Karen Gregg

Checks won't be bounced out of the forms business anytime soon. Talk to anyone in the forms industry about the fate of the check business and two main issues will undoubtedly dominate the conversation: online banking and Check 21. Ever since the dawn of online transactions, the demand for personal check orders has been declining. And, ever since the passage of last fall's Check 21 regulations, there has been some conflict as to whether a manufacturer's security features pass muster. Despite these looming issues, there is a silver lining. "The real story about checks is that the paper document is going to be around

From the whimsical to the practical, there is a profitable promotion for every marketing need. Recovering from a 12 percent drop in revenues from 2000 to 2002, the promotional products industry posted a gain of 4.5 percent in 2003 with sales of $16.34 billion, according to the PPAI. The high-water mark in 2000 saw sales of $17.85 billion, which dwindled to $16.55 billion in 2001 and shrank further to $15.63 billion in 2002. Figures from the ASI show more modest swings, but essentially tell the same story. ASI pegged the height of industry sales at $16.5 billion in 2001, dropping 5.5 percent to $15.6

The demand for digital imaging is rising--are you ready? By Carol Katarsky Demand for digital printing has been growing steadily, and shows no signs of slowing down. Its advantages--inexpensive, high-quality color with quick turnaround--is winning over converts throughout the industry. "I see the market continuing to grow," said Karen Gregg, vice president, sales and marketing, In-dependent Printing, De Pere, Wis. "Digital printing is still new to many people. Companies are just starting to realize the potential savings, fast turnaround and increased sales results that are possible if they customize their communications. "Within the next five years, the digital short-run, color market will increase dramatically. As with many new