David Savastano, Ink World Editor10.07.09
Heading into the 45th Annual National Printing Ink Research Institute’s (NPIRI) Annual Technical Conference, it would have been understandable if National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) officials were nervous about attendance.
In an attempt to reach out to western members, this year’s conference was the first held west of Chicago, IL. That was a risk in itself. As the country’s economy continues to slump, companies are looking to cut back on travel. Finally, with the horrifying events of Sept. 11, many people are nervous about air travel.
With all of that in mind, NAPIM and NPIRI officials worked overtime to come up with a technical conference that would make the journey out west a worthwhile one for attendees. There were more short courses, a print buyers’ panel, a look at new technologies and much more.
The end result was a terrific, informative technical conference that was overwhelmingly appreciated by attendees. Conference chair Dr. Joe Raksis of Flint Ink, NPIRI president and conference co-chair Bob Peters of Kohl & Madden, NAPIM executive director Jim Coleman and the countless industry officials who lent their time and talent to the conference deserve our thanks for creating such a splendid program.
NAPIM and NPIRI officials have worked hard over the years to make the NPIRI conference more valuable to its members. If this year is any indication, they are definitely on the right track.
On another note, one of the industry leaders who has helped to bring NPIRI to the forefront is Joe Cichon, senior vice president of product and manufacturing technology at INX International. Mr. Cichon has deservedly earned many of NAPIM’s top honors, including the Award for Technical Achievement in 1996 and the Printing Ink Pioneer Award this past spring. Among his efforts this year, Mr. Cichon is coordinating NAPIM’s first Manufacturing Symposium, which is being held at the International Coatings Expo show in Atlanta, GA this month.
It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Cichon to Ink World’s Editorial Advisory Board. Over the years, Mr. Cichon has helped me with numerous stories, and with the assistance of Mr. Cichon and our other prominent board members, we look forward to continuing to provide our readers with the best possible insights into the industry.
David Savastano
In an attempt to reach out to western members, this year’s conference was the first held west of Chicago, IL. That was a risk in itself. As the country’s economy continues to slump, companies are looking to cut back on travel. Finally, with the horrifying events of Sept. 11, many people are nervous about air travel.
With all of that in mind, NAPIM and NPIRI officials worked overtime to come up with a technical conference that would make the journey out west a worthwhile one for attendees. There were more short courses, a print buyers’ panel, a look at new technologies and much more.
The end result was a terrific, informative technical conference that was overwhelmingly appreciated by attendees. Conference chair Dr. Joe Raksis of Flint Ink, NPIRI president and conference co-chair Bob Peters of Kohl & Madden, NAPIM executive director Jim Coleman and the countless industry officials who lent their time and talent to the conference deserve our thanks for creating such a splendid program.
NAPIM and NPIRI officials have worked hard over the years to make the NPIRI conference more valuable to its members. If this year is any indication, they are definitely on the right track.
On another note, one of the industry leaders who has helped to bring NPIRI to the forefront is Joe Cichon, senior vice president of product and manufacturing technology at INX International. Mr. Cichon has deservedly earned many of NAPIM’s top honors, including the Award for Technical Achievement in 1996 and the Printing Ink Pioneer Award this past spring. Among his efforts this year, Mr. Cichon is coordinating NAPIM’s first Manufacturing Symposium, which is being held at the International Coatings Expo show in Atlanta, GA this month.
It is my pleasure to welcome Mr. Cichon to Ink World’s Editorial Advisory Board. Over the years, Mr. Cichon has helped me with numerous stories, and with the assistance of Mr. Cichon and our other prominent board members, we look forward to continuing to provide our readers with the best possible insights into the industry.