VMA Connected Q4 2018

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

FALL 2018

V M A S H O W CAS E AWA R D S

CELEBRATING BEST

the

of the

BEST

09

11

12

Expert Column: Government Affairs

Expert Column: Human Resources

Expert Column: Strategic Sales

New Requirements Need Attention

Retaliation Means Trouble

Time For Inspiration

THE CONTENTS

04 Celebrating the Best of the Best

03 07 13 14

Bottom Line News Member News New Members VMA Events

ALWAYS AVAILABLE AT SPICERS PAPER TOPKOTE: THE TRUSTED, DEPENDABLE SHEET THAT PERFORMS UNDER PRESSURE. With its double-blade coating and consistently smooth surface, TopKote Gloss and Dull brings the sharpest images and boldest, brightest colors to any printed piece. TopKote is trusted by press operators worldwide due to its exceptional surface quality, which enhances printability with even ink lay, superb dot fidelity and excellent runnability.

spicers.com

BOTTOM LINE NEWS Recent Happenings that Can Impact Your Profits Newsprint Tariffs Eliminated

In late August, the United States International Trade Commission overturned a Trump administration decision to impose tariffs on Canadian newsprint.

The unanimous decision eliminates tariffs that have been in effect since January, handing a win to small and medium-size newspapers and printers, which have struggled to absorb the cost of higher newsprint and have made cuts, including layoffs, as a result.

The Commerce Department imposed tariffs as high as 20 percent on newsprint from Canada after North Pacific Paper Company, a paper mill in Washington State, filed a complaint alleging that subsidies the Canadian government provides to its manufacturers put American paper companies at a disadvantage.

The commission, which is an American government agency that reviews unfair trade practices, said in a statement that

it “determined that a U.S. industry is not materially injured or threatened with material injury by reason of imports of uncoated groundwood paper from Canada.”

to privatizing the USPS and drove home the argument that raising postage was economic folly when there are cheaper alternatives to mail delivery.

Lobbying President Trump

Stay Out of Tax Trouble

Michael Makin writes that in September PIA and its allies in the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service (C21) sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in response to an announcement that the administration is delaying release of a special task force report on the future business model of the USPS. The report, originally due for release in late August, is now pending “until the end of the year” and certainly until after the midterm elections.

Industry’s letter to Mnuchin urged the President to support quick passage of postal reform legislation stalled in Congress, as the House and Senate have delayed action while awaiting task force recommendations.

The letter also noted industry’s opposition

Gerry Bonnetto notes that members need to be aware of the July 2017 changes in the structure of the Board of Equalization (BOE), and how those changes now impact business audits and audit appeals. The elected BOE has been stripped of its oversight of sales tax audits or audit appeals. Audits will now fall under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration, and appeals regarding various taxes and fees (e.g., sales tax and use tax) will be decided by a three-member panel of Administrative Law Judges through the Office of Tax Appeals (OTA). These changes will make it more challenging for businesses to challenge the results of audits and appeal audit decisions without legal counsel.

Healthcare Complexity, Simplified!

Let VMA simplify your life with: Choice, Proven Cost-lowering Strategies, Exceptional Customer Service, Time-saving Simplicity, Time-saving Technology, Premium Human Resource Support Shannon Wolford 415.710.0568 shannon@vma.bz

David Katz 415.489.7614 david@vma.bz

VMA Insurance Services (800) 659-3363 • insurance.vma.bz VMA Insurance Services has been ensuring business success since 1986.

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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BOARD ROSTER: CHAIRMAN

Ian Flynn, Andresen

IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIRMAN

John Crammer, Best Label Company

BOARD MEMBERS:

Gil Caravantes Commerce Printing Services John Crammer Best Label Chris Cullen API Group Steve Decker Zooka Creative Ian Flynn Andresen Dava Guthmiller Noise 13 Jeff Jarvis Spicers Frank Parks The Parks Group Chris Shadix Dome Print and Marketing Solutions San Francisco Division Stephen Sprinkel Sprinkel Media Network

STAFF ROSTER: PRESIDENT

Dan Nelson

DIRECTOR MEMBER PROGRAMS Laura Vargas

DIRECTOR EDUCATION Laura Vargas

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE PROGRAMS Paula Larink

PROGRAM ADMINISTRATOR Gabrielle Disario

MEMBERSHIP SALES

CELEBRATING the

Best Best of the

Dinner Recognizes Excellence in Print and Design

BY KIM BECK RUBIO

The Printing and Design Community of Northern California gathered on August 15 to celebrate the 2018 VMA Showcase Awards. Held in a bayview room at Scott’s Seafood at Jack London Square, it was a particularly auspicious night for a select few…

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, Diedra Lovan, Jimmie Thompson

DIRECTOR SUPPLEMENTAL BENEFITS

For the first time Best of Show in both Print and Design was won by the same piece – Lonohana Estate Chocolate Package – submitted by VMA Member Aslan Graphics. Grand Awards were accepted by AMP Printing, Robert Half, Paragon Label, Access Event Solutions, Beeline Group, Fischer Group, Western Web, Inc., and two Grand Awards going to Multi-Color Napa. With almost 100 entries this year, competition was stiff, and we congratulate all our winners.

Greg Golin

DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS Gerry Bonetto

HUMAN RESOURCE SPECIALIST Cheryl Chong

EDITOR

Noel Jeffrey

ABOUT THE COVER:

Best of Show Print and Best of Show Design winner for the 2018 VMA Showcase goes to Aslan Graphics for Lonohana Chocolates.

Dayala Levenson of Aslan Graphics happily displays her awards..

4

Vintage 99 Labels proudly display their wins.

Chris Schumacher (center) and his group from MCC Labels raise their hands...Yes! They did win 2 Bennys from PIA’s Premier Print Awards.

Why Enter the Showcase Awards? Or Any Contest, Really?

excellence, and gives you a justifiable reason to toot your own horn – and loudly!

That’s precisely why Visual Media Alliance has continued to sponsor the annual VMA Showcase Awards. Since 1997, Showcase In today’s world, we all know it’s hard to Awards has been recognized as one of the surmount the noise and distinguish your most prestigious symbols of printing and firm. But external recognition helps you design excellence throughout Northern rise above, providing validation of your California, enabling winners to show their customers that they are among To see all of the 2018 winners, including the an elite in the industry. Plus, a Showcase Award is one of the Gold, Silver, and Bronze award recipients, most powerful promotional tools visit the VMA Showcase Awards website your business can have to brag showcase.vma.bz/winners/2018-winners about your customers, your employees, and your company.

AWA R D S R E C E I V E D B Y C O M PA N Y Company Name

Gold

Silver

Access Event Solutions

1

2

1 GA

AMP Printing

4

5

1 GA

1 AOR 1 AOR

Andresen dba Clic

1

2 BOS

Beeline Group

1

1

1 GA

Best Label

1

4 1

2

Decca Design

2 1

1

1

1

Dumont Printing

1

Fischer Group

1

Fruitridge Printing & Lithograph Inc.

2

1 COM

GSL Fine Lithographers

1

1 AOR

JP Graphics

1

1 BOC 3

Multi-Color Corporation – Napa

16

8

Noise 13

1

1

Paragon Label

1

1

Robert Half

1

1

2 GA

4 AOR 2 BOC 7 COM

1 GA 1 GA

SapientRazorfish Teklabel

1 COM 1 GA

MHD Group Inc.

1 1

TMD

Jeff Towner of Fruitridge Printing joined Kim Jinny and Kat Whitney of California Academy of Sciences to show off their Gold Award.

PPA

2 2

Creative Labels

The group from Multi-Color Corporation - Napa show off their awards...including 2 Grand Awards.

VMA

Aslan Graphics

Commerce Printing Services

Chris Schumacher of MCC Labels accepts a Grand Award from Dan Nelson.

Bronze

1

Vintage 99 Label

1

2

Western Web

1

4

2

1 GA

VMA SHOWCASE AWARDS: BOS = Best of Show, GA = Grand Award Premier Print Awards (PPA): BOC or Benny Award, COM = Certificate of Merit, AOR = Award of Recognition VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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V M A S H O W CAS E AWA R D S SHOWCASE.VMA.BZ A very special thank you to the 2018 VMA Showcase Awards Sponsors.

Ron Sarne, Hewlett Packard presents Grand Award for Digital Printing to Paragon Label for Koval Dry Gin at the 2018 VMA Showcase Awards.

The team from BeeLine Group show off their Grand Award for POP Display.

VMA SHOWCASE IMAGES ARE PROVIDED BY KIMBERLY BECK RUBIO PHOTOGRAPHY Jeff and Kathy Main of AMP Printing accept their Grand Award from Dan Nelson.

Las Vegas • October 18-20, 2018 • Las Vegas Convention Center As the lines between market segments continue to blur, find new ideas, applications and technologies to build your business at the 2018 SGIA EXPO.  Digital Imaging/Signage, Soft Signage, Decals, Fleet and Vehicle Graphics, Outdoor Advertising  Textiles/Finishing, DTG Inkjet, Embroidery, and Garment Decorating  Screen Printing, Electronics, Membrane Switches  Fine Art, Pad Printing, Finishing

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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Join 500 Exhibitors and 25,000 attendees at the SGIA Expo!

SGIA.ORG/EXPO/2018 Before 9/20: Expo Only: FREE | Expo + Education: $99 After 9/20: Expo Only: $35 | Expo + Education: $115 Additional Sessions: $30-$150/session

MEMBER NEWS MEMBERS COLLECT AWARDS

Big, Bold, and New

Dome Printing recently put the finishing touches on its new 320,000-sq.-ft. plant in Sacramento’s McClellan Park, which consolidated five facilities and enabled space for additional equipment, including an 81-inch Koenig & Bauer Rapida 205. Other installations include inkjet and digital printing capabilities and more. An open house extravaganza complete with ribbon cutting and educational sessions for customers from all over the country marked the celebration this summer.

ACQUISITIONS https://www.domeprinting.com

Beauty Rewarded

Among the nine 2017 American Graphic Design Awards captured by Chen Design Associates, San Francisco, is a project for the San Francisco Arts Commission Public Service / Community Event. CDA created all visual communications for San Francisco Arts Commission’s eighth annual signature event, notably its keepsake passport. Letterpressed and hand-finished, the booklet was presented to guests with a beautifully functional, wraparound map to guide them on their way to see artists, local businesses, and cultural centers. http://www.chendesign.com/

Jostens Wins | Multiple Awards

Since they were listed with a different affiliate, we neglected to add Jostens to VMA’s list of Premier Print Award winners. However, Minneapolis headquartered Jostens, the nation’s leading publisher of yearbooks, not only scored a Benny in the 2018 Premier Print Awards but also earned an impressive three Awards of Recognition and 12 Certificates of Merit for work all over the country.

The Benny-winning yearbook was printed in the company’s Visalia plant.

Congratulations. https://www.printing. org/2018-ppa-winners

JP Graphics Receives Green Award

In mid-September, JP Graphics received a Commendation from Santa Clara county for being a green business. The Board of Supervisors, the Vice Mayor of Santa Clara, a program manager from the EPA, and even members of the Water district were in attendance. Then they gave the JP attendees reusable utensils and straws. What a clever, eco-friendly idea!

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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POSSIBILITIES WITHIN REACH

TOGETHER WE GO FURTHER For the seventh consecutive year, Canon Solutions America is the worldwide leader in total high volume inkjet market share. Our commitment to our customers’ successes, along with our award-winning inkjet product line, enables us to help customers reap the benefits of inkjet technology. The real winning combination though for Canon Solutions America is

By

2024

inkjet printing technology is projected to account for over one-half of all digital print volume, according to industry reports.

growing with our customers and pushing the realms of what is possible with production inkjet.

VIEW THE INFOGRAPHIC — PRODUCTION INKJET: SEE HOW WE INNOVATE PPS.CSA.CANON.COM/LEADER

Canon is a registered trademark of Canon Inc. in the United States and elsewhere. All other referenced product names and marks are trademarks of their respective owners and are hereby acknowledged. ©2018 Canon Solutions America, Inc. All rights reserved.

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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877-623-4969 CSA.CANON.COM

THE MANAGEMENT GUYS HAVE ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS The new program “Management Guys” is a consulting partnership with more than 75 years of experience in the printing industry, bringing you solid, sensible answers with just a no-cost phone call. Custom reports provided on case by case basis within a few days for less than $1,000.

Some popular questions that have been answered: • • • • • • • •

How can I improve my “hit ratio” on estimates?

What prices should I use to grow my business profitably?

What will happen to my bottom line if I buy a new press?

If I sold my business what could I get for it?

How can I get a higher price for my business?

How do I decide to extend credit?

How can I pay sales reps to build the right kind of business?

Which Information System should I buy and what should I expect it to do?

L awson Drayage, Inc. Machinery Moving, Rigging & Heavy Transportation for Any Industry

Industry trusted PrIntIng & LabeLIng equIPment mover for over 50 years! > Machinery Moving and Rigging > Facility Relocation > Storage and Warehousing > Pier Pick Up and Delivery > Crating & Special Packaging of Machinery & Equipment san francIsco bay area 3402 Enterprise Avenue Hayward, CA 94545 Phone: 510-785-5100 Fax: 510-785-8156

sacramento & san JoaquIn vaLLeys 9900 Kent Street Elk Grove, CA 95624 Phone: 916-686-2600 Fax: 916-686-2601

Online: www.lawsoninc.com | Email: sales@lawsoninc.com

ASK US A QUESTION TODAY BOB LINDGREN bob@vma.bz • 818.219.3855 GERRY MICHAEL gerry@vma.bz • 206.310.1119 themanagementguys.com

H I C K S BROTHERS PRINTING

VM Access Goes Mobile!

E Q U I P M E N T, L LC

Hicks Brothers Printing Equipment, LLC. 1002 South Second Street San José, CA 95112 United States of America Call Us:

+1 (415) 575-0933 - Phone +1 (415) 725-1670 - Text or Phone +1 (415) 575-0933 - Whatsap

Email us: Our Home: Sign up:

hicksbrothers@printingequip.com www.printingequip.com www.printingequip.com/list.asp

Thank you for choosing Hicks Brothers!

northplains

TM

Now Visual Media Access is available on all your mobile devices from smart phones to tablets. Try it out today at vmaccess.org.

NOW FEATURING: • Location based search • Single search box • Easy to use category search • 12,000 impression a month • As a member, your company is listed. Make sure your company information is up-to-date!

925-400-4165

Ray Morgan Company has over 60 years experience supporting client’s who take the time and effort to design the perfect document that will carry their message.

Let us help you provide your clients with the best quality imaging on any media substrate with the most competitive support programs in the industry.

Digital Presses - Flatbed Printers - Copiers – Scanners – Outsourced IT Services

Sales, Service & Supplies From 22 Locations in California & Nevada Call Us For A Free Imaging Technology Assessment 925-400-4165 * www.raymorgan.com * pressforsuccess@raymorgan.com Sales & Service 22 locations in California & Nevada

EXCLUSIVE VMA PRINT TOWEL PROGRAM “Think Green, Think Clean, Think Prudential.”

Prudential Overall Supply is a uniform provider with solutions for businesses requiring uniforms and textile rental programs.

We offer a variety of types and sizes of towels. All our printers towels are manufactured for maximum absorbency with egyptian cotton, sized to fit the job. Our cleaning systems are designed to clean towels soiled with solvents and inks in order to create a safe, economical and ecologically friendly working environment.

Uniform programs include uniform rental, uniform lease and uniform purchase.

We also offer businesses facility products such as floor mats, restroom supplies, paper products, linen supplies, reusable towels, mops and microfiber products.

To sign up and start saving through our preferred agreement contact Ashley Carroll, Key Account Manager AshleyC@pos-clean.com 800-767-5536 PrudentialUniforms.com

UNIFORM RENTAL - LEASE - PURCHASE LINEN SUPPLIES - PAPER PRODUCTS - FLOOR MATS - REUSABLE TOWELS - MOPS - MICROFIBER PRODUCTS - RESTROOM SUPPLIES

GOVERNMENT

AFFAIRS

New Requirements Need Attention Changing Sales Tax Rates

New sales and use tax rate went into effect in the following cities on October 1, 2018. The new tax codes, acronyms, and prior and new tax rates are as follows:

GERRY BONETTO Gerry Bonetto, Ph.D., is Director of Government Affairs. In this capacity, he represents the commercial printing industry before the California legislature and state regulatory agencies. He can be reached at gbonetto@ roadrunner.com.

New Code

Acronym

Prior Rate

New Rate

Town of Corte Madera (Marin County)

640

CTMG

8.750%

9.000%

City of Grass Valley (Nevada County)

642

GRVG

8.000%

8.500%

City of Kingsburg (Fresno County)

636

KBTG

7.975%

8.975%

City of Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz County)

646

SCGT

9.000%

9.250%

Recommendation: To find the specific tax rate for your area or business location, go to California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates at http://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxesand-fees/sales-use-tax-rates.htmx.

Proposition 65: New Warning Requirements

Proposition 65 (“The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986”) requires any company with 10 or more employees to ensure that consumers and workers receive “clear and reasonable” warnings if their products (including printed products) contain a Proposition 65 listed chemical—that is, a chemical (s) known to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. New

warning signage requirements took effect on August 30.

The old signage requirements will no longer suffice to comply with state law.

You are required to place a warning on the product if the product has a chemical on the Proposition 65 chemical list that exceeds the “safe harbor level,” thus having the potential to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm.

The Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) has published a list of over 850 Proposition 65 chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive toxicity. The list can be found at the following link: https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/ proposition-65-list OEHHA has also established a regulatory “no significant risk level” or “safe harbor level” for 300 of these chemicals. The current list of Proposition 65 chemicals can be found at this link: https://oehha. ca.gov/media/downloads/proposition-65/general-info/ safeharborlist041218.pdf.

If the product contains a Proposition 65 chemical that exceeds the “safe harbor level,” the regulations provide guidance on how to provide a warning once a business has made the decision a warning is required: • Place a clear statement that a person “can be exposed” to a listed chemical; • Provide the name of one or more listed chemicals that are the subject of the warning as causing cancer or reproductive toxicity; • Specific mention of whether the chemical exposure for which the warning is being provided is a carcinogen or reproductive toxicant or a listing of both, as applicable; • Provide a link to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for supplemental information; and • Add information about the source of the exposure for environmental warnings.

If a company exposes its employees or others in the facility to Proposition 65 listed chemicals, even if exposure is under the “safe harbor level,” you may want to post a warning in the area (usually where production takes place) in your facility.

• The regulations for environmental exposures may require the warning to include a map noting where at a facility exposure may occur • Separate occupational exposure warnings An example of an environmental exposure warning under the regulation may look like: WARNING – Entering this area can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, including [name one of the Proposition 65 listed chemicals]. For more information go to www.

P65Warnings.ca.gov.

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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Now you see it.

Now you see even more.

No longer are you confined to choosing between a paper you can afford and a paper that makes your projects shine. With Accent Opaque, more choices and more opportunities to impress always appear before your eyes. To learn more about the full line of Accent offerings, and to request printed samples, visit AccentAGame.com. Š2017 International Paper Company. All rights reserved. Accent is a registered trademark of International Paper Company

Accent Opaque ÂŽ

HUMAN RESOURCES STORY | BY CHERYL CHONG

Retaliation Means Trouble

CHERYL CHONG Cheryl Chong is VMA’s 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.

The definition of retaliation in the workplace setting includes any adverse action taken against an employee who engages in legally protected activity such as making a complaint or supporting another employee’s complaint under a variety of laws. Employers are also prohibited from retaliating or punishing an employee for exercising other rights assured to them. The employees who have a complaint brought against them cannot retaliate against the person who made the complaint or towards the company for taking action about the complaint.

Per the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the most frequently alleged basis of discrimination in the federal arena as well as the most common discrimination finding in the federal arena cases is retaliation. The EEOC recently issued 2 user friendly documents as guidance on retaliation.

1) Small Business Fact Sheet, https://www.eeoc. gov/laws/guidance/retaliation-factsheet.cfm?utm_ content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_ source=govdelivery&utm_term= 2) Question-and-answer publication. https://www. eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/retaliation-qa.cfm?utm_ content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source

Wrong Impressions Count

Even if you have good intentions, it may be seen as retaliation. An e.g. would be giving unrequested accommodations or going out of your way

to accommodate an individual when it is not requested or needed. E.g. you are a supervisor of a particular department. An employee informs you that she is pregnant. You decide to change her shift because the current shift she is working requires some form of lifting. Your intention is to help her and to assist her with lifting. Why could this constitute retaliation? It is because you made some change to her job duties or responsibilities when neither she nor her physician requested this change. It could be perceived in the employee’s eyes that the employer is upset with the news of the pregnancy and retaliated by taking away or changing the responsibility. It is not the intention of the employer that truly matters but the end or perceived end result that is the test in this case.

Some of the steps that an employer can utilize are the following: When an employee shares personal information that has a direct effect on their employment at work, e.g. a pregnant employee states they are pregnant, take the time to sit with them and ask them if they need any assistance from the company. Then ask them to meet with the human resources representative to assist them with their leave request and to get information on their rights and responsibilities when away from work.

Let the HR department handle the leave of absence request, provide the necessary documents to the employee and then circle back to the supervisor regarding coordination of the leave and other medical requests, if any.

The supervisor should not attempt to handle the requests on their own nor deny or approve any requests for accommodation.

Above All – Respect

Once a mistake or misperception has occurred, right or wrong, it is usually harder to rectify the issue without ruffling some feathers. Many times, an employee then feels uncomfortable or unable to broach any issues with their supervisor. This is not to say that all supervisors behave this way. It is evident by the number of pregnancy discrimination cases that this issue is not often approached well or treated in the same regard to other accommodation or leave of absences request. On a similar note, treat all requests for accommodation and medical information with the upmost respect and privacy. Do not ask for medical information at any given time. The focus should be on how the employee is able to do a job that is described on the job description. For assistance on any HR matters, please contact me at Cheryl@vma.bz VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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11

regard to where you want to be with your sales revenue and sales career.

Are any of us really done learning? Keep your outlook fresh and stay ahead of the competition in your field by learning all you can to improve your selling “game!”

What Inspires You?

STRATEGIC SELLING 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/

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

We all know as salespeople that we have to deal with more negativity than almost any other professional.

For every deal signed, there’s bound to be countless unanswered calls, emails that fell into an abyss and prospects that sharply demand to know, “What’s this about anyway?” It can be hard to power through all the “nos” that necessarily dot the path to a “yes.”

But you know who else dealt with rejection — some of the greatest thinkers, leaders, and business people of our time. And they didn’t just persevere through the hard times — failure is what made them succeed. The next time you feel like you just can’t deal with your obstacles for one more minute, read through this list and internalize the quote that resonates the most with you. As a sales coach, I can help direct your efforts and strategies while helping you be more effective but I can’t control your attitude or desire to make it happen.

• “I attribute my success to this: I never gave or took any excuse.” –Florence Nightengale • “Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude.” – Zig Ziglar

STORY | LESLIE GROENE

• “Well done is better than well said.”

– Benjamin Franklin

Time for Inspiration

• “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

– Wayne Gretzky

Back to School!

Summer has wound down and the kids are back in school and focused on new classes that they are taking and how these classes fit into their goals and objectives so that they can move on to the next level or grade. Most of these goals or stages are determined by parents, administrators or other school professionals so the kids have much of their schooling journey laid out for them, even though they have choices within the overall plan.

As we also head “back to school” this fall, have you considered what “classes” you need to take or which skills you need to retool?

What new technology, product or software, sales or business development or CE training sessions are you considering taking this fall? It is always a good time to update your skill set and knowledge base to keep up with the marketplace and your customers’ knowledge levels.

This is also a good time to refine your goals for the balance of the calendar year and look towards 2019 in | CONNECTED | FALL 2018

• “You can’t build a reputation on what you are going to do.” – Henry Ford • “Whatever you are, be a good one.”

– Abraham Lincoln • “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” – Eleanor Roosevelt • “Be miserable. Or motivate yourself. Whatever has to be done, it’s always your choice.” – Wayne Dyer • “Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.” – George Addair • “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny.” – C.S. Lewis • “If you believe it will work out, you’ll see opportunities. If you believe it won’t, you will see obstacles.” – Wayne Dyer • “Success means doing the best we can with what we have. Success is the doing, not the getting; in the trying, not the triumph. Success is a personal standard, reaching for the highest that is in us, becoming all that we can be.” – Zig Ziglar • “Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”

– Theodore Roosevelt

NEW MEMBERS Kimberly Beck Rubio Photography

As consumers, we see the world the way it is presented to us.

For your product or service to rise above the noise, exceptional photography is a must. Through images, I transport the viewer — your customer — into a scene, and appeal to their senses. From feeling the sand between their toes, to enjoying a gourmet meal, let me create an image that helps you share your experience with them. Orinda headquartered.

Kimberly Beck Rubio 925-255-7057 kim@rubiophoto.com www.rubiophoto.com

Cornerstone Displays, LLC

Cornerstone Displays is a single source print broker specializing in all types of signage.

415-983-2180 info@printcdi.com

Citra Communications

Let’s face it, you can buy just about any digital printing online from companies you’ve never heard of or trust... At Citra Communications, LLC, Roseville, we embrace the idea of transparency through online storefronts to manage your print and marketing needs. Citra is

In Their Own Words

committed to building smart print solutions for agencies and companies who are in need of excellent customer service and quality printing. Our local sister company partnerships with Paul Baker Printing, River City Printers and Delta Web Printing guarantees if you can dream it, we can help you create it.

Todd Fulton 916-540-7500 todd@citracommunications.com www.CitraCommunications.com

Admail West

Admail West, Sacramento, provides state of the art printing, mailing and fulfillment services supporting all verticals. With a

large list of capabilities, we’re able to scale to your unique needs and meet your tightest deadlines and quality standards.

Bryan Paulson 916-442-3613 bryanp@admailwest.com www.admailwest.com

Lorna Johnson Print

International and domestic printing broker specializing in books, boxed cards, calendars, catalogs, graphic design.

Petaluma headquartered.

Lorna Johnson 415-845-8354 lorna@lornajohnson.com www.lornajohnson.com

VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

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Webinar: Mergers & Acquisition Trends

UPCOMING VMA EVENTS

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

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 and negotiate discounts for upcoming conferences to pass on the exclusive deals and best events to our members. 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. If you have suggestions for events, please contact Laura Vargas at laura@vma.bz or 800-659-3363.

Visit vma.bz for more information on the latest event offerings and to register.

October 9, 2018 11:00 am – 2:00 pm PST Members: FREE Nonmembers: $39

SGIA Expo Las Vegas Convention Center

October 18-20, 2018 Expo Only: $35 Expo + Education: $115 Check out: www.sgia.org/18 for more details

Inkjet Ready!

Production Inkjet Demystified

November 15, 2018 10:00 am – 2:00 pm Virtual Conference and resource exchange Members: $99 Nonmembers: $149 Check out: www.printing. org/events/conferences/ inkjet-ready-2018

PIA Color Conference – Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa

January 12, 2019 Member: $995 Nonmembers: $1195 Check out: www.presidents conference.com

CrabFest Colombo Hall, Oakland January 26, 2019 5:30 pm – 11:00 pm Members: $65 Nonmembers: $75 Tables of 10: $600

Additional events will be scheduled, watch VMA.bz for details.

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.

DESIGN

PRINT

MARKETING

OFFICE

PROGRAMMING

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

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VISUAL MEDIA ALLIANCE

| CONNECTED | FALL 2018

DI

25

W:

D

YO U K N O

%

of employees leave jobs because of a lack of development opportunities.

However 25% more revenue is generated per employee at companies that offer eLearning or on-the-job training.*

SOLUTION: The iLearning Center

From sales to prepress to customer service, the are entirely free to Printer Member companies! And iLearning Center has courses that will benefit there are new free courses scheduled to be added everyone in your organization. Best of all, core courses throughout 2018.

Core courses include: Orientation to the Graphic Arts Adobe Lightroom Adobe InDesign for Prepress Adobe Illustrator for Prepress Adobe Photoshop for Prepress Creating PDFs for Print Production www.printing.org/iLearning

SEO Basics Data Demo: Making It Relevant Sheetfed Offset Lithographic Press Building a Data Plan for Variable Data InDesign Data Merge for VDP The Basics of Prospecting Preparing Files for Digital Enhancement *eLearningIndustry.com

665 3rd Street, Suite 500 San Francisco, CA 94107