Meridian Adhesives Group, a manufacturer and custom formulator of adhesives technologies, recently announced the appointment of Brandon Willis to president of the company’s Electronics Division.

Meridian’s Electronics Division currently encompasses three companies – Epoxy Technology, Inc., located in Billerica, Massachusetts; Epoxies, Etc., located in Cranston, Rhode Island; and Epoxy Technology Europe, located in Marlborough, United Kingdom. Willis will work with Meridian leadership to advance the division’s technological reputation and further its focus of being a premier solution provider to customers.

Willis comes to Meridian from his 10-year tenure with Uniseal, Inc., a global sealants and adhesives supplier owned by LG Chem. Willis most recently served as president and CEO of Uniseal, Inc., while simultaneously holding the title of global sr. leader of adhesives business for LG Chem. Prior to this position, Willis worked as director of marketing and new business development for Uniseal, Inc. He also spent 17 years in the high performance coatings industry.

Michael Harrington, current president of Epoxies, Etc. and the division’s commercial leader, will transition to retirement as Willis moves into the new position.

Harrington leaves a notable legacy at Epoxies, Etc. Having founded the company in 1987, he has been instrumental in its significant growth over the last 30 years and the development of the expert team that will continue to drive innovation and technological advancement.

For more information, visit www.meridianadhesives.com.

Infinity^® Foils, Inc., Lenexa, Kansas, a supplier of hot, cold and digital stamping foils, makeready materials and decorative glitter, has reached an agreement with Mike Dolan, the owner of Foilsource, a foil supplier in Southold, New York, to help transition his business over to Infinity^® Foils, Inc. The relocation of Foilsource’s inventory and reassignment of customers was completed recently and moved to Infinity^® Foils, Inc.

Infinity^® Foils, Inc.’s recent move into a much larger headquarters facility better accommodated a partnership like the one Foilsource needed.

Dolan will remain in the industry throughout 2020 in a sales role to support his customers and their move to Infinity^® Foils, Inc. Going forward, all orders for Foilsource products will be handled directly by Infinity^® Foils, Inc. All inquiries should be directed to Infinity^® Foils, Inc. or Dolan.

For more information, visit www.ueigroup.com.

PRINTING United Alliance, Fairfax, Virginia, the printing and graphic arts association, has announced the recipients of the 2020 Student Scholarship Award program. Supported by donations from endowment investors and industry leaders through the PRINTING United Alliance Foundation, the scholarship program provides support to students studying graphics communications and seeking a career in the printing industry.

The PRINTING United Alliance Scholarship program grants a total of $50,000 in educational assistance to students studying graphic communications for the 2020-2021 academic year. To qualify, students must be enrolled to attend a PRINTING United Alliance Educational Institution member college or university for the fall 2020 semester; be registered full-time (12 or more credits) and committed to pursuing a career in graphic communications, printing technology or printing management; and maintain a cumulative 3.0 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 scale.

“PRINTING United Alliance is pleased to present these hardworking students with this scholarship award to further support their education as they learn more about how to influence our great industry,” said Ford Bowers, president and CEO, PRINTING United Alliance. “We are heavily invested in supporting this next generation as they will be utilizing techniques and technology to help move the needle in all areas of operation. We are excited to see what the future brings with these young minds at the helm.”

The recipients of the 2020-2021 PRINTING United Alliance Scholarship Program Awards are:

Appalachian State University
Jazlyn Montague
Jaiden Gorniak
Collin Love

California Polytechnic University
Michaela Kwan
Erica Taylor
Elianna Oliver
Trent Kammerer
Samantha Kim
Aileen Vasquez

Clemson University
Cassandra Nicholl
Erin Clark
Natalie Weaver
Sarah Locklair
Caroline Keller

Illinois State University
Kalani Ferguson

Ryerson University
Jessica Huynh
Winnie Lee
Leen Bokr
Nathan Evangelista
Georgia Graham
Prudence Villanueva
Kaleigh Lueske

Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology
Eric Herb

University of Wisconsin – Stout
Julia Otten
Abigayle Gardiner

For more information, visit sgia.org/programs/sgia-scholarships.

Tarsus Group, the organizer of Labelexpo/Brand Print Americas 2020, has confirmed new dates for its co-located shows taking place in Rosemont, Illinois, as a result of the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 situation.

Originally scheduled to take place between Sept. 15-17, the 2020 editions of Labelexpo Americas and Brand Print Americas now will take place between March 23-25, 2021. A virtual conference will precede the show, taking place during the original mid-September dates. This will enable the region’s industry to stay connected during this unprecedented period.

Lisa Milburn, managing director of Labelexpo/Brand Print Global Series, said: “Health and safety will always remain our top priority; therefore, we have taken the decision to postpone Labelexpo and Brand Print Americas 2020. We have been continuously monitoring developments in North America over the last few months and have acted on the advice of our local partners, Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and taken on board exhibitor feedback. As a result, we feel the best course of action is to move the shows to early next year.

“We know how vitally important these shows are for triggering business between converters and manufacturers, and moving the domestic market forward. Strategically postponing the shows to March 2021 allows us to not only meet our commitment to the North American region’s industry by continuing to deliver a much-needed show next year, but also ensures we offer the highest quality, safe experience it expects from Labelexpo and Brand Print Americas. Most importantly, as trade platforms, the shows will play a vital role in reigniting and driving the economic recovery of the region’s label and package printing and branded print industries, plus their supply chains, as we move through the post coronavirus/COVID-19 recovery phase. We encourage everyone to help our industry bounce back by joining us at the shows in March 2021.”

Dan Muenzer, president of TLMI, said: “TLMI’s core values are networking and knowledge sharing, and no place provides a better backdrop than Labelexpo Americas. The pandemic has eliminated the industry’s face to face opportunities in 2020 making this next edition the most anticipated, and critical, in Labelexpo’s history. TLMI and our members are ready to share, enjoy each other’s company and return to business at Labelexpo Americas 2021!”

Echoing this, Thayer Long, president of APTech, added: “The health and safety of our community is always our priority, followed closely by supporting our industry so that it continues to be robust and vibrant far into the future. Events are, and will continue to be, a driving business force, and we are delighted that Brand Print Americas will serve as that necessary industry recovery platform for the North American market in 2021.”

Further updates will be posted on the Labelexpo/Brand Print Americas show websites in due course. For any exhibitor- or show-related questions, please contact support@labelexpo.com.

The Association for PRINT Technologies (APTech), Reston, Virginia, is relaunching the LeadingPRINT Summit as a full-scale digital event enabling association members and non-members to access the event for free. The summit will deliver the same incredible content and leading speakers as on the original agenda. The live event will take place April 28, 2020.

The summit is an intensive program developed exclusively for industry leaders who want to change the status quo and renew their lease on success especially during this time of great economic challenge. Based on the concept of radical innovation, attendees will learn the realities of business cycles and how to jump the “S-curve” where commoditization, cash flow pressure and sales slow-downs can drive a business to a dangerous tipping point.

This virtual program will run from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and will feature discussions with business leaders Kris Boros, co-CEO of SipScience; Kary Radestock, CEO of Hippo Premium Packaging; Rob Finnie, commercial director, Nettl; and APTech’s Ken Garner. Attendees are encouraged to invite their colleagues to participate in this interactive program.

“We’re here to provide maximum value for our members and for the greater print community. This virtual LeadingPRINT summit will enable us to engage with our PRINT community and share valuable information even though we cannot meet in person,” said Thayer Long, president, APTech.

The LeadingPRINT Summit is an extension of the organization’s LeadingPRINT platform that includes a magazine, podcast series, live and virtual events designed to bring insight, tools, best-practices and entrepreneurial success stories to a wider and more diverse audience.

Registration for the virtual LeadingPRINT Summit is open. For details and to register, visit www.leadingprint.org/leadingprintsummit/. To learn more about APTech, visit www.PRINTtechnologies.org.

Owosso Graphic Arts, Inc., Owosso, Michigan, has announced that the company has been designated by the state of Michigan as an “Essential Supplier” to both the medical industry and healthcare field. Owosso will remain open to manufacture the products needed by its customers.

Keeping its employees safe and healthy while providing economic stability for all is part of Owosso’s Covid-19 action plan. Owosso is following all safeguards recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Founded in 1949, Owosso Graphic Arts produces dies for letterpress printing, embossing, debossing and foil stamping in addition to thermal kiss-cutting, membrane switch overlay embossing, fabric embossing, soap & pottery stamps, heat sealing dies and many other applications. For more information, call 800.444.5552 or visit www.owosso.com.

Postpress finishing solutions provider MBO, Marlton, New Jersey, is offering virtual demos to address the necessity for sales personnel to pause travel and to accommodate customers who cannot travel at this time.

MBO America is able to continue all normal operations. The New Jersey headquarters is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The main phone number is 609.267.2900.

The MBO America warehouse continues to fill its inventory and ship out all orders placed by 4:30 p.m. in 24 hours. To place a parts order, visit shop.mboamerica.com, email partsorders@mboamerica.com or call 800.336.1164.

MBO’s expert service team is located across the country and ready to help with any issues/downtime experienced by customers. To schedule a service visit, call 800.626.8810 or email service@mboamerica.com.

To schedule a demo test in MBO’s showroom or a virtual demo, contact a local sales manager:

National Sales Director
Josh Romberg
847.226.5691
Josh.Romberg@mboamerica.com

Vice President of Sales – National Accounts & Marketing
Lance Martin
630.725.8740
Lance.Martin@mboamerica.com

Northeast Regional Sales Manager
Joe Forest
609.444.9757
Joe.Forest@mboamerica.com

Mid-Atlantic Regional Sales Manager
Paul Kuchta
410.370.9019
Paul.Kuchta@mboamerica.com

Midwest Regional Sales Manager
DeWaine Johnson
612.805.4100
Dewaine.Johnson@mboamerica.com

South Regional Sales Manager
Pat Kendrick – South Regional Sales Manager
609.876.0420
Pat.Kendrick@mboamerica.com

West Regional Sales Manager
Keith Wheelis
832.335.0696
Keith.Wheelis@mboamerica.com

Messe Düsseldorf  has announced that the drupa trade fair scheduled for June 16 – 26, 2020 will be postponed to April 20 – 30, 2021.

In doing so, Messe Düsseldorf is following the recommendation of the crisis management team of the German Federal Government to take into account the principles of the Robert Koch Institute when assessing the risk of major events. Based on this recommendation and the recent significant increase in the number of people infected with the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), including in Europe, Messe Düsseldorf has reassessed the situation. In addition, there is the general ruling issued by the city of Düsseldorf on March 11, 2020, in which major events with more than 1,000 participants present at the same time are generally prohibited.

“The decision was taken in close consultation with our advisory boards and sponsoring associations,” emphasizes Werner M. Dornscheidt, Chairman of the Board of Management of Messe Düsseldorf GmbH. It also reflects the wishes of individual industries, “As their partner, we are currently doing everything in our power to reduce the economic losses suffered by our exhibitors.”

“The city of Düsseldorf is following the instructions of the state government. Our aim is to slow down the spread of the coronavirus so that the health system can continue to function properly,” emphasizes Thomas Geisel, Lord Mayor of the state capital of Düsseldorf and Chairman of the Supervisory Board of the Düsseldorf trade fair company.

Delaying the spread of the virus as far as possible is also a declared goal according to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI). In order to fulfill Messe Düsseldorf’s responsibility for risk prevention, the company primarily had to minimize the increased risk of infection at major events. Measures to reduce the risk of transmission at major events, which the Robert Koch Institute has clearly defined – such as ventilation of the venue appropriate to the risk of infection, the exclusion of persons from risk groups and the comprehensive installation of entrance screening – were practically impossible to implement. Also, comparable measures were and are unreasonable in view of the unforeseeable rapid development and the size of the various events with up to 60,000 participants.

drupa president Claus Bolza-Schünemann also agrees with this. “A postponement of drupa was unavoidable after the latest developments. The decision is therefore right and responsible. Many exhibitors start their logistical preparations middle of March – today’s announcement of the postponement enables all those affected to react now, reschedule and prepare for the event date in April 2021. The excitement for ’embrace the future’ remains undiminished – also in 2021.”

In view of the increased risk entailed by a fair with significant international participation, the industry associations also welcome the announcement. “drupa is the most important meeting place for the international printing industry,” says Dr. Markus Heering, Managing Director of the Printing and Paper Technology Trade Association of the VDMA. “True to the motto ’embrace the future’, it is characterized by personal, international contact and live product presentations. The risk of infection would simply be too high at present. We therefore support the decision to postpone the event and look forward to the date next year.”

The Düsseldorf hotel industry is also sending out an important signal through its umbrella organization DEHOGA (Trade Association for the Hospitality Industry). “We appeal to our members and the entire industry to be flexible when it comes to rebooking by exhibitors and visitors. The Düsseldorf trade fairs such as drupa play an enormously important role for the city, the hotel industry and the catering trade. It would be counterproductive not to show goodwill in this situation,” as both DEHOGA-Representatives Giuseppe Saitta (Chairman Düsseldorf/District Group Rhein-Kreis Neuss) and Rolf D. Steinert (Düsseldorf/Rhein-Kreis Neuss Hotels and Tourism Group) emphasize.

Werner M. Dornscheidt is pleased about the general consensus and encouragement in this special situation. “We would like to thank all partners for their excellent cooperation in making these difficult and time sensitive decisions. We are pleased that together dates were found so quickly in order to provide all those affected with reliability in planning.”

For further information on visiting or exhibiting at drupa 2021, contact Messe Düsseldorf North America; Telephone: 312.781.5180; E-mail: info@mdna.com; visit www.drupa.com and www.mdna.com; follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mdnachicago.

Twitter:      www.twitter.com/drupa

Facebook: www.facebook.com/drupa.tradefair

For hotel and travel information, contact TTI Travel, Inc. at 866.674.3476; Fax: 212.674.3477; E-mail: info@ttitravel.net; www.ttitravel.net.

Launched in 2019 by GirlsWhoPrint.net, Women’s Print HERstory Month returns in March of 2020. Girls Who Print is mobilizing women in the industry to speak up and share their career and success stories through social media.

Women’s Print HERstory Month coincides with Women’s History Month to align the telling of stories that inspire the females of print, as well as young women and students entering or considering the industry.

This mission also is a call to action to businesses across the print industry to put the female leaders who manage teams, develop technology and shatter sales targets front and center, and to share the achievements of these women in print with the world.

There are no limits on engaging with Women’s Print HERstory Month. Participants can create or share content in any form that celebrates the amazing women in the industry and broadcast it through social media with the hashtag #PrintHERstoryMonth. Content may be sent to Girls Who Print to post on their site. The Printerverse has a Girls Who Print podcast series, and many industry organizations have ‘Women in Print’ initiatives and events worth sharing in March.

Deborah Corn at Girls Who Print said: “Women’s Print HERstory Month is about women in print refusing to be drowned out by the male voices that dominate the narrative of our industry, and taking power for themselves by standing up and shouting, ‘This is what I do!’ Everyone can show their support by following the hashtag stream and engaging with the content. A ‘like’ or a reshare or a retweet is an acknowledgement that the achievements of women in print matter.”

Women’s Print HERStory Month isn’t just for corporations: print shops also need to set examples. Kelly Mallozzi, at Girls Who Print, explained why print businesses should share their female-led stories: “Simply put, you need to tell them and we need to hear them. The newer generations in the printing industry need all the help they can get in navigating their careers, building their development plan and setting themselves up for success. The more seasoned among us need to tell their stories because it helps shape the narrative of where we’ve been, where we are now and where we’re going.”

For more information, visit printmediacentr.com and girlswhoprint.net, or join the LinkedIn group linkedin.com/groups/1969742/.

“Welcome to Texas, y’all,” was the message sent by members of the North American corporate office team at Koenig & Bauer Durst to kick off The Independent Packaging Association AICC E-Commerce Xperience. More than 100 attendees arrived in Dallas for the three-day event. The firm, which hosted the pre-reception event on Feb. 18 at its corporate headquarters, provided a spread of authentic Texas fare, the opportunity to network between corrugated converters, staff and suppliers, and a host of technical experts to answer questions.

After Koenig & Bauer received an appreciation plaque from AICC president Mike D’Angelo, the group was welcomed by Robert Stabler, managing director of Koenig & Bauer Durst.

“On behalf of the Koenig & Bauer Durst joint venture we are very pleased to present our new product portfolio and provide a glimpse into our unique corrugated ink jet solutions,” he said. “We congratulate you on joining this important seminar where you’ll learn more about the newest trends in e-commerce and see how our company is responding to changing demands in the corrugated board market that require rapid and flexible solutions. There is so much at stake in our quickly developing digital packaging market.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome everyone to our corporate office in Dallas and extend some genuine Texas hospitality,” said Jeff Dietz, vice president of the Web & Specialty Press Division at Koenig & Bauer (US). “This intimate setting allowed attendees to learn about our new applications and see actual print samples that will further demonstrate our unique capabilities.”

Managing director Stabler addressed attendees during the conference in which he talked about the impact of e-commerce on the corrugated value chain. He provided insight into how converters should prepare for the industry transformation.

“We thank Koenig & Bauer Durst for hosting and welcoming our attendees in Dallas,” D’Angelo said. “The goal of the AICC E-Commerce Xperience was to bring together subject matter experts, brand owners, converters and suppliers to go in-depth on how best to be successful in this dynamic market. Entrepreneurial AICC members met and learned from the disrupters and challengers of retail, design and box business status quo.”

For more information, visit www.aiccbox.org and www.koenig-bauer.com.