TOTOWA, NJ, March 18, 2002 – Pitman Company, the leading independent North American graphic arts supplier, has announced the promotion of Joe Simon to Vice President/Newspaper Division. In his new post, Mr. Simon assumes leadership of the company's division dedicated to providing prepress, press and mailroom production solutions and support for newspaper publishers across the country. Mr. Simon previously had been Vice President, Northeast Region of Pitman. Steve Raboin, Chief Operating Officer of Pitman Company, noted, "We have built a great team of specialists experienced in addressing the unique production needs of the newspaper industry. Now under Joe's strong leadership, the Pitman Newspaper Division is continuing to provide the independent knowledge and support that helps newspaper production executives select the right products and equipment from our broad array of solutions to meet the needs of their specific operations." Mr. Simon joined Pitman in 1981, starting as a Sales Representative in the company's New York/New Jersey branch, advancing subsequently to the posts of Field Sales Manager, Sales Manager and most recently, Vice President, Northeast Region. Prior to Pitman, he had been District Manager for Anitec and Regional Manager for Samuel Bingham Co. He is active in several industry associations, including service on the boards of Print New Jersey and the Association of Graphic Communication (AGC), where he serves on the AGC's Franklin Event Committee. Additionally, his association activity includes membership in Women in Production and the Craftsman's Trade Association.