White Stone, VA, October 2002-In its first gathering since merging with the National Association for Printing Leadership, the Research and Engineering Council of NAPL held its Fall 2002 steering committee meeting in Boone, North Carolina, on September 17 and 18. In conjunction with that meeting, members toured Appalachian State University and Hickory Printing. At Appalachian State University, Council members saw the Graphic Arts and Imaging Technology center, which trains students in the printing arts and sciences. The Hickory Printing Group provided a tour of their nearby web facility. Commenting on the meeting, R&E Council Managing Director Ronald L. Mihills said: "A key part of the R&E Council mission is the support of graphic arts training in the academic environment. The Appalachian State University program, which enjoys the sponsorship of Thomas W. Reese, chairman of the Hickory Printing Group, exemplifies the cooperation between industry and academia which is necessary for the long term success of the industry. The R&E Council is pleased to have the opportunity to acquaint its members with Appalachian State University, the graphic arts graduates of which are in great demand throughout the southeastern United States. Thomas W. Reese, a member of the R&E Steering Committee, is a major supporter of the ASU program, and has endowed an ASU professorship, which is currently held by retired Komori executive John Goodell, who is also a member of the R&E Council Steering Committee and hosted the recent meeting." The Research & Engineering Council of the National Association for Printing Leadership is dedicated to the education of printing industry personnel in the latest technologies and productivity improvement methods. The Council conducts seminars at which publishers, printers, educators, consultants and suppliers meet to share information and learn about leading edge technologies affecting the graphic arts industry. At three annual seminars-Pressroom, Bindery, and Digital Smart Factory-the latest technologies are reviewed in the context of actual print production. The Council also holds technology breakfasts at key industry trade shows, and an annual meeting highlighting critical trends in the graphic arts industry. Information regarding membership and seminars is available from the Council at 804-436-9922, at [email protected], or at www.recouncil.org.