Connected Summer 2015 by Visual Media Alliance

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

SUMMER 2015

2015 BEST OF SHOW PRINT GOES TO AMP PRINTING THE CONTENTS

Member News

Feature: Get the Story Out

Expert Column: Strategic Selling

Expert Column: Human Resources

VMA Quotes from Social Media

Paper Check Off provides ad funds

Ways to Make Sure You Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Have Enough Business

The Art of Separation and the Separation Agreement

Company birthdays galore

04 06 14 15

Showcase Recap VMA Events New Members Find-An-Employee

BOARD ROSTER: CHAIRMAN

John Crammer, Best Label Company

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

Frank Parks, The Parks Group

BOARD MEMBERS: Chris Cullen Moquin Press Ian Flynn Direct Response Imaging Dava Guthmiller Noise 13 Trilby Parker Rosetta/Publicis Groupe Coleen Schoenheide Lahlouh Chris Shadix BelAire Displays Cindy Sonnenberg K/P Corporation Stephen Sprinkel Sprinkel Media Network

STAFF ROSTER: PRESIDENT

Dan Nelson

DIRECTOR MEMBER SERVICES Jim Frey

DIRECTOR MEMBER PROGRAMS Laura Vargas

DIRECTOR EDUCATION Barbara Silverman

DIRECTOR COMMUNICATIONS Todd Donahue

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS Gabrielle Disario

MEMBERSHIP SALES Shannon Wolford

FINANCIAL MANAGER Emily Gotladera

ACCOUNTING SPECIALIST Maria Salita

VICE PRESIDENT INSURANCE SERVICES David Katz

INSURANCE CUSTOMER SERVICE REPS

Renee Prescott, Crystal Carlson, Lena Nelson, Sue Benavente, Jessica Clark

DIRECTOR SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS Greg Golin

DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Gerry Bonetto

HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALISTS Doug Moore

EDITOR

Noel Jeffrey

ON THE COVER: Jeff and Kathy Main of AMP Printing & Graphics pose with two of the company’s award winning projects from the 2015 Showcase, including Best of Show. In all AMP garnered nine awards; only Watermark Press had more with 11. See page 3 for the Best of Show Design winners.

The 18th Annual VMA Showcase Awards

was celebrated on June 10 at the San Francisco Marriott-Union Square. The Showcase Award is recognized as one of the most prestigious symbols of printing and design excellence and celebrates the best in the Northern California and Northern Nevada’s Contact VMA to get a copy communications, printing and design industry. Winners receive Gold, Silver or Bronze recognition. of the Awards booklet printed by our sponsor Gold entries are further judged to receive an award Canon Solutions America of Special Recognition, Grand Awards and the highest honor of them all—Best of Show. All Gold Award winners entered in the print category were also forwarded to the Printing Industries of America Premier Print Awards for the nationwide competition to compete for the coveted Benny! For more information visit vma.bz.

BEST OF SHOW-PRINT

BEST OF SHOW-DESIGN

MOST IMAGINATIVE

SHOWCASE WINNERS

AWARDS RECEIVED BY COMPANY

View the winners, photos and find out how you can enter next year at vma.bz

Company Name

Gold

Access Pass & Design

Sharon Woo of Neenah Paper presented Dayala Levenson of Aslan Graphics with the Best of Show - Design award (left). Travis Lum and Sofia Pham also attended and won a Grand Award for the design of their wedding invitation (top).

Silver

Bronze

1 2

AMP Printing

Andresen, San Francisco

Aslan Graphics

Barlow Printing

Best Label

Canon Solutions America

Collotype - Sonoma

Collotype Labels - Napa

Creative Labels

Decca Design

Dome Printing

Hinckle & Sons/A単o Nuevo Island Press

Imagine That Design Studio

Inkworks Press

K/P Corporation - San Leandro Division

1 1

Maria Theren Mark Swingle and Judith McKim of Watermark Press display their awards (left); Sheri Jammallo and Tonya Powers of Canon Solutions America display their entry & award.

Sponsors:

Moquin Press

Noise 13

Pacific Standard Print

Quadco Printing

2 1 5

Stan Can Design

Travis Lum Design

2 1

Golden West Envelope

Bay Digital

Unicorn Printing

Spicers Paper

EFI

ValPrint

Card Connect

Konica Minolta

Vintage 99 Label

Carlson Advisors

Rods and Cones

Watermark Press

Canon Solutions America

Verso

Zooka Creative

1 1 1 1

Neenah Paper

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

UPCOMING VMA EVENTS

Places to be. Things to do. People to see.

VMA Day at the Ballpark

22nd Annual CrabFest

Join the excitement as the three time World Champion SF Giants take on their NLCS rivals, the Washington Nationals. Tailgate at 5:00 pm in the alley behind VMA offices, 7:05pm Game time. Tailgate will feature food from Adam’s Grub Truck, keg beer and a bag of popcorn to take into the game. Also, there is a Virgin America 2 for 1 ﬂight voucher at AT&T Park for the first 40,000 fans. Cost includes game tickets and tailgate party with food. Tickets are located in View Reserve Infield: Sections 313 & 314. VMA Member $75 / Non Member $85.

This fun annual event features all-you-can-eat fresh Dungeness Crab, bread, salad and pasta followed by music & dancing. Fabulous rafﬂe prizes with proceeds benefitting the VMA Education Fund. Includes food & wine. VMA Member $55/ Non-Member $65/ Table of 10 $495.

Saturday August 15 5pm AT&T Park

Women in Business Communications Luncheon December TBA 11:30 am-2:00 pm City Club of San Francisco, San Francisco

Network and connect with like-minded successful women and discover new ways to enrich, empower and develop your personal and professional life over lunch. VMA Member $49/ Non-Member $60. Please visit VMA.bz for updates on guest speaker.

Saturday, January 9, 2016 5:30pm-11:00pm Colombo Club, Oakland

Visual Media Alliance Events Keep Us Connected As a VMA Member you are able to attend our events for free or at special member rates. We offer VMA Members and the public numerous events throughout the year including social and professional events. These events are created with our members in mind to further acquire knowledge on special topics and to also connect with others in the industry. Summer is planning season. If you have suggestions, please let us know by contacting Laura Vargas at laura@vma.bz or 800-659-3363.

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

CHANGES, ACTIVITIES

MEMBER NEWS HAPPY BIRTHDAYS

Celebrating 65

Fifteen Years and Counting

Dumont Printing, Fresno, is celebrating 65 years in business by expressing thanks to their valued customers. “We appreciate the trust placed in Dumont Printing as we continue to diversify our services to meet ever-changing marketing needs.”

2015 = 15 years of Noise 13. Dava Guthmiller writes, “Some days I can’t believe we made it this far, then I remember how stubborn I am… and here we are, an amazing 15 years later. I’m super excited for where we’ve been and what will come next. Currently a team of 14 we are in our best office space to date and hope to stay here awhile. Noise 13 has worked with over 300 San Francisco/Bay Area clients since 2000 and over 50 others worldwide…all of them have been a part of who we are today. We have partnered with the big dogs like Sun Microsystems, Old Navy, Uber, and UbiSoft, small, local businesses like Photograph & Frame, The Archive, Living Greens and Ziesche…”

The company also takes pride in its environmental stance. “Dumont Printing has always operated in an environmentally friendly manner. We’ve recycled our scrap paper, plates, boxes and skids for over 30 years. Dumont was one of the first printers on the west coast to go all-digital (film-less) to eliminate chemicals and the use of silver in the printing process. “We continue to pursue creative ways to preserve, protect, reuse and recycle. We recycle over a half million lbs. of paper waste a year. More than 95% of our waste stream is recycled. Thousands of printing plates are recycled each year. We print alcohol-free, recycle used ink, recover solvents, and our air emissions are virtually clean and Dumont is an FSC Chain of Custody (CoC) vendor.”

(http://noise13.com)

Political Season Approaching Commerce Printing, Sacramento, is approaching its 25th anniversary. The company is a full service union facility. They offer political direct mail, postcards, door hangers; whatever your needs may be, they can produce it for you. They offer the entire package, from printing to the post office, and their presses run 24/7 to ensure that they deliver high quality products at a fast turnaround for efficient distribution. With national elections underway soon, those presses will be running full out. Also of note is that Commerce partnered with Performance Chevrolet and InterState Oil Company to implement new biodiesel vans in its fleet, using a non-toxic, low–emissions fuel derived from renewable resources. (www.commerceprinting.com)

BUSINESS EXPANSION

DOME Grows Through Acquisitions

BR Printers Colors the B&W World

DOME (Meriliz, Inc.), Sacramento, has had a year of marked expansion through acquisitions. Last spring, the company acquired Color Solutions LLC and American Web. Color Solutions is a leading graphic display company currently serving the Northern California retail, wholesale and tradeshow graphic display market including consulting, printing and distribution of high-end graphic displays. As part of the acquisition Don Valenzuela, owner and founder of Color Solutions, joined the company as Vice President of Sales for the Large Format Graphic Display Division.

In a release from WhatTheyThink.com, Cary Sherburne reports that BR Printers, San Jose, has now expanded to two additional locations: Independence KY and East Windsor NJ, giving it a national footprint. And, after a significant amount of market research, including testing of their own files on preferred substrates, BR Printers chose the HP T230 Inkjet Web Press to add color to their offerings.

DOME OWNERS BROTHERS TIM POOLE (LEFT) AND BOB POOLE (RIGHT) POSE IN THEIR GROWING PRESSROOM.

The American Web agreement covers intellectual and physical assets, including ArrowClick Software and River City Internet Providers (RCIP). The American Web brand will become a division of DOME and all current employees will be transitioned appropriately with the IT system administrator and web development team continuing to support all existing

BR Printers was founded by Rich Brown and Chris Rooney in 1992. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the company was founded as a digital-only operation focused on the just-in-time production of books, manuals and other publications and continues in that mode today. The company began its life primarily printing technical documentation for high-tech companies. As that market eroded, the company moved into other types of book and booklet printing, including educational materials and corporate publications. (www.brprinters.com)

clients. (www.domeprinting.com/) VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

CHANGES, ACTIVITIES

MEMBER NEWS KUDOS

Cal Poly Students Win Awards in Packaging Challenge

TO BLOG OR NOT TO BLOG,THAT IS THE QUESTION

Outstanding Blog

Cal Poly graphic communication students won two awards for a pop-up mailer at the annual Phoenix Challenge Flexo Packaging Competition last spring. For the yearlong Phoenix Challenge, student teams select a local company to rebrand and market its business with collateral materials using the flexographic print process. The Cal Poly team, which competed with eight other schools in Nashville, TN, received Best Concept and Best Graphics awards. In addition, Cal Poly received a silver medal for print excellence for the 2014 Phoenix Challenge team’s thermochromic wine tag, which turns blue when the wine bottle is chilled to the proper temperature. The award was announced at the Flexographic Technical Association’s Forum Banquet. http://cla.calpoly.edu/cla_2014_graphics-phoenix-prize.html

Digital Attic, a full-service multimedia production company based in Fresno, deliver compelling and engaging content across a variety of platforms for companies of any size and for many that are household names. If you’re an advertising agency, marketing company, or a direct business that needs relevant digital solutions, they can help. Connected wanted to commend them for a blog that not only presents useful content like analytics and responsive design but also contains a subtle marketing message in each item. (www. digitalattic.com/blog)

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

GET THE

STORY OUT

Consumers to be target of informational ad campaign

Why Now? BY NOEL JEFFREY

or generations printing industry leaders have been mulling over consumer messaging as a way to increase business. The old “Got Milk?” campaign was an oft cited example to be imitated. Until now, the idea never advanced beyond the talking stages—no funding. This summer it becomes a reality thanks to an entity known as the Paper & Packaging Board (P+PB) and a government assisted program known as a “Check-off.” Authorized by federal legislation, a Check-off is designed to maintain and expand markets for an industry’s products. Check-offs are governed by an Order that sets the parameters of the program and are run by an industry nominated board of directors appointed by the Secretary of Agriculture. While program funds may not be used for lobbying or advocacy, they are available for informational, educational and promotional activities in support of an industry’s products. The money comes from the industry itself, not the government. The Paper and Packaging Board (www. paperandpackaging.org) is running the Paper Checkoff. It brings together the paper and paper-based packaging sectors to promote and increase consumer appreciation for paper and paper-based packaging, reduce guilt about using these products and deepen understanding of the industry’s environmentally– friendly practices.

In the distant past, no one questioned the value of print on paper for communication or paper packaging for products. The digital revolution plus misguided environmental messaging known as greenwashing has changed all that. Back in the early 1990s, Benny Landa, father of the Indigo press and now a Nanographic pioneer, used to start all his press conferences with, “Everything that can become digital will become digital.” We’re still seeing how prescient he was. Digital communications like email, social media, videos and more have moved marketing budgets away from print. • Ebooks have cut into the market for printed books. • Consumer and trade magazine numbers have fallen dramatically and many have closed. • Daily newspapers are shadows of their former selves. • Online manuals and/or DVDs have replaced printed manuals for cars, software, camera, and most other consumer products. • Online course materials have replaced training packets. • Corporate entities urge their customers to accept electronic billing to save trees when what they want to save is postage and printing costs (greenwashing). • Corporate entities urge employees and customers not to print out emails to save trees (greenwashing). • School children are urged to promote “Do Not Mail” campaigns to save trees (greenwashing). These factors plus others have changed the situation from one of needing to advertise to grow business to the dire reality of needing to advertise to remain viable businesses. Hence, the paper companies VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE | CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015 7

are willing to assess themselves to fill a promotional funds war chest. “P+PB is administering the “Paper Check-off” revenue from the assessment levied on a variety of paper, including: printing, writing and related paper; kraft packaging paper; containerboard; and paperboard. This will be the first year we begin to see advertising targeting consumers ala the “Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner” campaign. Although the $30+ million raised by the “check-off” seems like a lot of money, it’s paltry in comparison to the $200 million raised by the Beef Council,” writes Joe Polanco, President of PIA MidAmerica. (The assessment of 35 cents per short ton on printing and writing, containerboard, paperboard and Kraft paper began on March 1, 2014.) Per Mary Anne Hansan, the organization’s executive director, over the past year P+PB has conducted market research to help the organization target the message. Starting this summer, we’ll begin to see the fruition of years of planning, to shine a positive light on the paper and print industry. It will focus on consumers, emphasizing both the personal

CURRENT EFFORTS EXAMPLES OF PAST CHECK OFFS, SOME OF WHICH BECAME HOUSEHOLD EXPRESSIONS.

The printing industry itself has not been idle in its own offense and defense in the past few years but has largely focused on potential customers within the graphics industry. Some efforts focus on how well print “plays” with other media. Following are examples. STORYBOARD Storyboard, sponsored by San Francisco-headquartered Visual Media Alliance (www.vmastoryboard.com), is a new approach to covering the creative world across all media. In recent years the walls that have separated the print and digital worlds have crumbled, with more and more communications professionals compelled to take a broader, more holistic approach to “getting the message out.” The print focused are experimenting with augmented reality, apps and special online content, and the Web-savvy are rediscovering the attention-getting qualities of print. Both have a great deal to learn from each other. There is a website rich in case studies and more plus a quarterly magazine. PRINT IN THE MIX Print in the Mix (http://printinthemix.com) is a clearinghouse of curated third-party research demonstrating the effectiveness of print, web, mobile, social media and other formats in the cross-media communications value chain. Its mission is to advocate

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

and environmental benefits of paper and paper-based packaging products. Among the points to be made are: • How good, useful the products are. • The roles they play in people’s lives. • The important role they play as a compliment to a digital platform. Paper and Packaging Board (P+PB) has selected Cramer-Krasselt in Milwaukee to shepherd this first national marketing campaign. The consumerfocused campaign will promote product benefits and include advertising, social media and public relations components. “We picked Cramer-Krasselt for their ability to come up with a “big idea” and to translate that idea into a wellintegrated campaign that delivers results,” says Hansan. “They are deep, strategic thinkers with the right blend of capabilities.” “The consumer ads will also compliment Choose Print, Guide, PrintAccess, Storyboard and everything else we do,” says Dan Nelson, President of VMA, the PIA affiliate in Northern California and northern Nevada.

and educate for the value of print as a viable and effective ROI in the marketing strategy media mix—alone and working synergistically with other media to drive results. Print in the Mix was created in 2007 with a grant from The Print Council and is housed at Rochester Institute of Technology and published by the School of Media Sciences Cross-Media Innovation Center. CHOOSE PRINT The Choose Print campaign, initiated by Printing Industries of Southern California (http://chooseprint. org) is an educational campaign designed to promote the effectiveness of print and to reinforce the fact that print on paper is a recyclable and renewable and thus a sustainable environmental choice. First launched in January 2011, the Choose Print campaign has used a variety of online and offline tools to get the message out. At the hub is its website, which acts as a clearinghouse to bring together recent research and links to credible websites that tell the story about the marketing power and environmental record of print. TWO SIDES NORTH AMERICA Two Sides, launched in 2012, is a global initiative by companies from the Graphic Communications Industry including forestry, pulp, paper, inks and chemicals, prepress, press, finishing, publishing, printing, envelopes and postal operators. Their common goal is to promote the sustainability of the Graphics Communications Industry and dispel common environmental misconceptions by providing users with verifiable information on why Print and Paper is an attractive, practical and sustainable communications medium. http://www.twosidesna.org/

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STRATEGIC SELLING STORY | LESLIE GROENE

LESLIE GROENE Leslie Groene is one of the coaching superstars in the world of corporate sales as well as a business development trainer, executive consultant and author. Her background is in the paper and printing industries as a sales rep and sales manager. She helps her clients focus on revenue generation and profit growth. She authored the business strategy book “Picture Yourself & the Life You Want” and is a nationallyrenowned motivational speaker. To purchase her book or contact her please go to www.GroeneConsulting.com. Here is the link to her e-newsletter, http://www. groeneconsulting.com/ Newsletter/2014.12/

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

Ways to Make Sure You Don’t Have Enough Business! What Time Do You Open for Business? I wrote this some time ago but given recent observations, it is worth repeating. A couple of weeks ago, I went to a high-end store to purchase a product and arrived a few minutes before it opened. The store signage indicated that it opened at 11:00am and as we waited out front I noticed that there was a company meeting being conducted inside. Well, as we waited outside with a couple more customers, they continued the meeting for another five minutes— well past the posted opening time—at which point we left to purchase our item from a competitor. This has also happened to me at a large national bank where I waited at the door past their posted opening time while they conducted an internal meeting. In both instances the employees inside could readily see that there were customers waiting outside. I think you get my point....Don’t sabotage your business by making these mistakes as sales/business professionals: Are you “open” when your customers need you and want to | CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

buy something from you? Today, we need to be accessible 24/7 if necessary. • Are you more focused on the process than the customers’ needs? We need to be thinking about HOW we can help the customer, not about our agenda. • Is your company more internally focused than externally focused? Make sure your company is thinking and acting in the best interests of the customers. • Are you managing your business in non-selling time so as to maximize your time for your customers?

Is This Your Routine? Think about the following concepts so that you can make your client expectations of you and your company a reality! • You don’t provide readily available and consistent contact information. Make sure your phone numbers are the same on your business card, email address and voicemail message. • You don’t have a signature on your emails. Prospects and clients should not have to look up your number to call you. • You don’t return phone calls or emails promptly. We need to be super-responsive in this competitive marketplace. • Take phone calls or check emails when meeting with clients or prospects. Technology makes this tempting, but we must be considerate and focused in the moment. • Oversell to customer by hyping your business and being too pushy. There is a fine line between being persistent and a pest—you must know the difference! • You are continuing to sell with a transactional perspective instead of a consultative approach. Prospects and clients want to learn ‘how’ you can help them not ‘what’ you sell. • Being late to meetings or presentations. Turning in proposals late is also a big no-no; we can be disqualified for not respecting the timeline. These business faux pas are a result of failing to think of your business and actions through your customers’ eyes. Think about what turns you off as a customer and you’ll more easily avoid them.

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HUMAN RESOURCES STORY | BY CHERYL CHONG

The Art of Separation & The Separation Agreement Terminations, Layoffs

CHERYL CHONG Since Doug Moore has retired, Cheryl Chong has joined VMA as our Human Resources Director and your #1 source for assistance responsible for counseling on HR matters like family leave, discrimination, sexual harassment and wage and hour compliance. She has a Bachelors and Masters degree from Chapman University in Orange, CA, along with 20+ years of HR experience in the trenches. Think of her as an extension of your HR department, courtesy of VMA. Please feel free to reach out for answers or introduce your organization by calling 800-659-3363 or cheryl@vma.bz.

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Recently a member called for help about a termination which the member wanted to have happen the next day. When I asked the reason for the termination, the member stated it was misconduct. I then asked if there was documentation to substantiate the claim. The member said they had nothing in writing. Everything was verbal. I informed them that although California is an at-will state, it would be more advisable if there was some documentation showing some evidence or attempt to correct the behavior of the employee via a performance correction notice lest the employee allege that he/she was wrongfully terminated. We do not want to leave anything to chance, especially in light of the litigious state we live and work in. The member then stated that since they did not have formal documentation, they would then use a layoff as a reason instead to terminate the employee. As I almost fell off my chair, I advised the member that it would be best to terminate for cause than to terminate under false pretenses. It is NEVER a good idea to terminate using a layoff as an excuse. Firstly, it is untrue, dishonest and a big fat lie. Secondly, you cannot rehire another individual for that same role. Thirdly, you must then allow the terminated employee the opportunity to reapply for that role should it become available again in the future. If you | CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

wanted to get rid of an employee, it would better to be prepared to put a little legwork in documentation and preparation so that it does not come across as an exercise in poor planning and chaos. I often see examples of members who are inexperienced in the art of separation. They are unprepared and scared and will come across as easy prey or fodder for employee attorneys who advertise on the sides of buses.

The Separation Agreement A downturn in finances deems it necessary for business owners to make the painful decision to layoff long-term employees. When this has to take place, I would suggest that members utilize a separation agreement (also known as a waiver and release) to bulletproof the company from any opportunity the separated employee may have to claims on the company. This way, in exchange for some reparation, the organization can rest easy knowing any action in the past (good or bad) can never come back to bite them. All claims are waived on both sides. The separated employee and the organization can ride off into the sunset and bid each other well. Never hurt anyone’s feeling or ego. For this very reason, I always advise that separations (voluntary and involuntary) be well documented, treated with dignity, respect and be well planned and executed (no pun intended). Treat each separation like a play, a script that needs a beginning, a good purpose and end. The member has to be a good conductor knowing how to bring all the parts of the separation ﬂuidly, smoothly and with calm. There has to be a good ebb and ﬂow and not convoluted. The motto of it all is to keep it simple, always, both ways and as much as possible confidential. For help with all that has been discussed, look into the Library under the Human Resources Suite under the Company tab on the VMA website or call Cheryl for further advice, discussion or guidance on these issues or for other human resources assistance. Cheryl is an employee relations expert and has had many years of experience dealing with difficult employee issues and will be happy to be your partner in assisting you. The human resources component is available to you as a courtesy of VMA, part of our many value added services that are offered to members. www.vma.biz

VMA STAYS SOCIAL President Dan Nelson posts on Facebook:

Overcome the Biggest Barriers to Personalization

http://t.co/u033OeNlrC Customers make decisions each day, many of which impact a company’s bottom line. The opportunity for marketers is to capitalize on every decision that a customer makes by targeting the optimal experience...

VMA’s Blog starts on its homepage vma.bz

Why Local & Mobile Search Optimization Matters

http://main.vma.bz/design/ why-local-mobile-search-optimization-matters By John Thyfault, Vice President of Search & Social Strategy, Beasley Direct Marketing

Local & Mobile SEO Go Hand-in-Hand One of the great advantages of the Internet is global reach. For the first time in human history, anyone can send a message that potentially will be seen in every corner of the earth. It was only after we came down from this global high that we realized that most business is transacted locally, and we needed a way to make Internet searching effective at the local level. After all, 30% of all searches have local intent, and most of these searches are also commercially related— that is, the searcher intends to spend money.

Cadillac Tax Gets Push-back

Even though the “Cadillac tax” on high-cost health plans is due to take effect in 2018, employer groups and benefits consultants have asked the IRS to postpone the implementation. They say that employers need time and ﬂexibility to implement changes to health benefit plans and their internal administrative systems to prepare for the 40% tax on group health care premiums.

Under proposed regulations, starting in 2018, the IRS will tax at a rate of 40% the portion of any plan that exceeds $10,200 in premium for individual coverage and $27,500 for family coverage.

VMA Uses Twitter

16 Social Media Tools The Experts Swear By

Keeping up on the freshest social media tools and software is a pretty difficult challenge for the average social marketer. New tools are being released all the time. Old ones are retired or acquired or lose that one...

VMA Education. The Choice is Yours. Stay ahead of the game by learning new skills. We’re here for you. Because of you. Visual Media Alliance is a trade association helping the careers and businesses of our members to be successful. We offer over 100 public classes, delivered to you in-person, online and through customized training solutions.

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View Website For Education Listings (800) 659-3363 • education.vma.bz Workshops • Seminars • Webinars • One-on-One • Customized Training Solutions

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| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

NEW MEMBERS 1118 Visual Impact Inc. Mohawk Fine Papers

Recognized for its technical innovation and environmental focus, Mohawk Fine Papers Inc. is the largest manufacturer of premium printing, writing, and digital paper in North America. Signature grades include Strathmore, Beckett, Mohawk Superfine, Via, BriteHue, Carnival, Synergy, Solutions, Nekoosa Linen, Mohawk Color Copy and proprietary Inxwell products, Navajo and Options. Mohawk engineers its papers to provide optimal performance for sheetfed, web and digital printing. Uses for Mohawk papers include corporate reports, corporate identity systems, brochures, packaging, invitations and announcements. Mohawk Digital Papers are also used in on-demand photo books, personalized direct mail and custom packaging. Matt Donovan 310-270-3612 Matt.donovan@mohawkpaper.com www.mohawkconnects.com

300FeetOut

300FeetOut is an award-winning creative agency specializing in luxury lifestyle visual communication. We’re located in San Francisco; serving clients worldwide. Barbara Stephenson 415-551-2377 Barbara@300feetout.com www.300feetout.com

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

1118 Visual, San Jose, provides comprehensive solutions for retailers’ in-store marketing needs. We have been supplying companies with collateral such as decals, clings, posters, banners, backdrops and trade show materials for years. Aware that a happy customer is the ultimate goal, we are known for our attention to the smallest of details. Our expertise extends well beyond window dressings as we produce print as well as vehicle wraps for our customers. With 1118 as your marketing partner, you will see the difference. Michelle Lorentz 415-577-1963 Mlotentz@1118visual.com www.1118visual.com

Karthaus Collins

Jeanette Karthaus and Michael Collins are a seasoned brand identity design team, located in San Carlos, that collaborates with internal marketing groups, external brand agencies, and strategists. From corporations to foundations, our creative work is based on our client’s marketing goals, positioning and the essential qualities and attributes to which they aspire. Jeanette Karthaus 415-505-4694 jeanette@karthaus-collins.com www.karthaus-collins.com

Bright Business Media

Smart Meetings, Sausalito, is an integrated media company for the meetings, travel and hospitality industry. Our market-leading resources include digital news and information, a monthly print and digital magazine, premier networking events, educational webinars, venue and destination directories and site selection tools. Marin Bright 415-339-9355 marin@smartmeetings.com www.smartmeetings.com

Tomorrow Partners

Tomorrow Partners, Berkeley, helps organizations create the future of their brands and innovations. A diverse team of designers, makers, strategists and storytellers use their cross-disciplinary creative firepower to imagine and realize new opportunities for impact in business, non-profit and civic innovation. Gaby Brink 510-664-2332 gbrink@tomorrowpartners.com www.tomorrowpartners.com

North San Jose Ca

Speedpro Imaging of San Jose North

SpeedPro Imaging specializes in high-quality tradeshow displays, corporate event print and other indoor and outdoor signage. Our niche is high dimension wide-format, and our versatility allows us to create a multitude of custom graphics—as laser-cut signs, banners, easel prints and perforated windows, POP displays, wall/window/floor decals, vinyl stickers and vehicle wraps in San Jose. Steve Wells 408-954-8177 swells@speedpro.com speedprosanjosenorth.com

FIND-AN-EMPLOYEE

PROGRAM CREATIVE Graphic Designer

Tompert Design

With two decades of experience serving an extensive variety of clients, Tompert Design, Palo Alto, specializes in big picture creative solutions for seamlessly integrated print and interactive campaigns from concept through launch. Our capabilities span all traditional and modern forms of communication, including full-service branding, identity, print collateral, website design & development, video & motion, packaging and iPhone app creation. Claudia Huber Tompert 650-323-0365 Claudia@Tompertdesign.com www.tompertdesign.com

MTCA

We are a family of outliers, empaths, artists and engineers located in San Jose. We value hustle, good design, and innovative methods, but above all else we value connection. We create unique and beautiful ways to meet business needs. We can define and express your brand, or design innovative strategies to meet your goals. Damien Foord Damien@mtca.co www.mtca.co

I have been working in the field for the past 4 years doing small freelance jobs during school, and moving on to be the marketing manager for a small manufacturing company. This included all design aspects of packaging development, promotional marketing. SAN FRANCISCO – BARBER 4114

Graphic Designer

A highly experienced, dynamic and skilled professional candidate offering versatile office management skills with in-depth knowledge of handling administrative tasks with proficiency in Microsoft Office programs as well as digital graphic art media. BAY AREA – CHOW 4098

Graphic Designer

I graduated at San Francisco State University where I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Visual Communication. I am currently seeking a position that can highlight my current knowledge in design and allow me to grow with a team. SAN FRANCISCO – DEJESUS 4115

Graphic Designer

Magnolia Studio provides quality graphic design, book design, web design, editorial, print production services and project coordination. Since 1997 we have offered expert guidance and assistance through all stages of the publishing process, enabling our enabling our clients to realize their publishing and marketing goals. NORTH BAY – PETERSON 4096

Graphic Designer

Currently seeking a position as a Freelance Graphic Designer, I am well versed in typography, digital press and prepress for local print companies. EAST BAY – SMITH 4102

Pacific Office Automation

At Pacific Office Automation, Pleasanton, our motto is: “Problem solved.” Providing custom office solutions that are fast, we are the largest dealership in the nation, and one of the world’s largest dealers for Konica Minolta, Ocè, Canon, Sharp, KIP, Lexmark, HP (Production and Office Equipment). George Zeuss George.zeuss@pacificoffice.com www.pacificoffice.com

PRINT PRODUCTION Customer Service

I am seeking a position in Order Management. I have completed duties such as but not limited to, order invoicing, manage inventory of inks and printing stocks, cost accounting, press checks, label proofing, NLEA regulations, office management, database management, customer relations, shipping, direct calls and data entry. SAN FRANCISCO – ESTEVES 4101

Production Management

35 years of experience running offset printing presses. Capable of completing 2 to 4 color printing projects, in addition to mixing ink, cutting, scoring, folding and UV coating. Able to maintain machines and repair minor issues during printing process. SAN FRANCISCO – MENDEZ 4113

Production Management

I a working manager, I have run presses, bindery, and prepress. I am capable at troubleshooting, repair and maintenance to machines along with managing a departments’ employees to payroll budgeting. SAN FRANCISCO – VANDENBROEK 4106

PRINT MANAGEMENT Customer Service

I have 30 years experience in commercial print field. Manufacturing and sales side of the industry. Additional experience in mail, promotional, fulfillment, turnkey, electronic solutions, large format and all other supporting areas of print. BAY AREA – PLATT 87610

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY Award-winning San Francisco Creative Firm wishes to grow our team at the top, either by bringing in a partner or senior-level designer who can help us take advantage of creative opportunities in the Bay Area and beyond. For the past 20+ years, we have integrated our brand design strengths in both print and digital deliverables. We currently working with several interesting start-ups from high-tech and retail to finance and tourism as well as larger Fortune 500 clients. We focus on design/strategy and partner with writers, web developers, programmers and other talent to implement our in-house creative solutions. This allows us to build the most appropriate team for each project. With respect to our web work, we have designed sites and then built them with web partners, built websites completely on our own using Adobe programs and designed e-commerce sites for start-ups. We have developed digital advertising campaigns for phone/tablet and helped clients with a variety of digital/email marketing initiatives. IF INTERESTED IN DISCUSSING THIS FURTHER, PLEASE CONTACT SHANNON WOLFORD AT SHANNON@VMA.BZ OR (415)-710-0568. VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | SUMMER 2015

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