From the Chairman

Those of us in the binding, finishing and information packaging industry are challenged every day to know how best to manage and position our companies not just to survive, but to prosper. We work tirelessly to keep check on our expenses and, at the same time, we think strategically as to how we should invest in our businesses.

The fact is there are many factors to analyze and many strategies to contemplate. Many times, these decisions fall under our sole care and control, leaving us to feel somewhat like The Lone Ranger.

Fear not! All of the resources you could ever hope to have access to will be available for you at the 2014 BIA Annual Conference that will be held in Dallas from March 31 to April 2. With many, many suppliers at the conference, you will have an unprecedented opportunity to examine the latest materials, services and products all in one area, with qualified representatives available to answer all of your questions.

If that’s not enough, you will experience unparalleled networking opportunities. The peer exchanges and the face-to-face networking exchanges only take place once a year… this is it!

As 2013 draws to a close and as you start thinking about budgets and commitments for 2014, I certainly hope that the BIA conference will be your must-attend event and that all other commitments will take a second position to the conference. Consider the time you spend at the conference an integral part of your planning and an investment in your business. I am certain that the content and quality of the conference will exceed your expectations.

Best regards,
Chris Eckhart, Chairman
BIA Board of Directors

I Have Some Big Shoes to Fill!

While meeting Binding Industries Association members and suppliers at PRINT 13 and speaking to people on the phone, I was glad to hear the consensus that Justin did an outstanding job as BIA Director. I promise to keep up that level of service and support to the BIA. I will ensure members get the resources they need from the association they trust, delivering both long-standing and new tools to help them grow their businesses.

Let me share some of my experience with you. My background is in meeting management. I started my career working for Hilton Hotels Corporation and then moved into conference planning for the Association of Metallurgical Engineers. I came to Printing Industries of America in 2007 to manage sponsorships and the Premier Print Awards, which I have enjoyed for almost six years.

Looking toward the future, I am up to the challenge of taking the BIA to the next level! We now are accepting registrations online for the 2014 BIA Annual Conference at www.printing.org/biaconference. And look for the new monthly enewsletter, Bound for Excellence, which will highlight the BIA Annual Conference, the Product of Excellence Awards, BIA news and much more!

I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know everyone. It is an honor to serve this organization, and I know I will enjoy working with all of you.

Mike Packard, BIA Director

“Building Strong Bonds”

This is the theme for the 2014 BIA Annual Conference, March 31–April 2, at the Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, TX. We have an outstanding program organized that focuses on practical information you can implement at your company. Sessions include topics on sales, workplace violence and marketing, as well as a unique leadership session presented by an ex-NFL player and director of player operations! For detailed information on the session and plant tours, please visit www.printing.org/biaconference.