Fourteen Electronic Document Professional (EDP) certificates awarded for 2002 TORRANCE, Calif. U.S.A. (October 8, 2002) - The Electronic Document Professional (EDP) certification, the industry recognised standard of expertise in electronic document systems (EDS), is being awarded to this year's successful applicants at Xplor 2002. The certification reinforces Xplor International's position as the most influential independent body providing education, knowledge sharing and career development within the industry. Xplor 2002, the association's 23rd annual conference and exhibition will be held 27th - 30th October, in Anaheim, California. For over 10 years the EDP certification program - initiated, mentored and sponsored by Xplor International - has provided a benchmark for assessing experience, skills and aptitude in electronic document systems (EDS) professionals. As part of the program those working toward EDP status are encouraged to share their knowledge and are supported in educating and mentoring others within the EDS industry. "As our market changes we are seeing increasing hybridisation between marketing, customer relations, invoicing and even advertising," says Bill McCalpin, EDP, General Manager of Xplor International. "Add to this the fast pace of technological change and increasing interest in e-presentment and working together offers the best way for executives in our industry to stay up-to-date with all the strands that make up electronic document systems." The EDP program is open to both Xplor International members and non-members, reflecting the not-for-profit organization's resolve in supporting the industry as a whole. "The EDP program helps professionals in this industry learn about the latest developments, share problems and solutions and network with other solutions providers, vendors and customers in a non-competitive arena," Scott Kelly, EDP, Chair of the EDP Certification Commission, comments. "The industry benefits by having highly-skilled people available across a wide range of skill sets." The fourteen who will be awarded EDP certificates this year are: Michael Alber, Rasterpunkt GmbH; Roger Cooper, Convergys Corporation; Jeffrey Crain, BB & T; Brett Dashwood, PrintSoft Americas, Inc.; Anthony Davidson, Ph.D., New York University; Alex Dorogi, Farmers Insurance Group; Kees van de Graaf, Document Dialog B.V.; Sveinbjörn Hjálmarsson, UMSLAG ehf; Christine Kerkeslager, Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield; Jeroen Putter, Pitney Bowes Netherlands B.V.; Steven Schuh, Oce, Jerry Splawn, Trigon Blue Cross Blue Shield; Keith Wallace, Sefas Innovation, Inc.; and Jesse Wilkins, IMR. Sveinbjörn Hjálmarsson who is receiving his certification at Xplor 2002 says, "Originally I looked at EDP as something which was relevant only to the US marketplace, but as I became familiar with the program and met the people who had gone through the certification process, I realised that EDP is about knowledge, leadership and professionalism, things which are important wherever in the world you live. EDP certification is not only important for me and my company, but also for the document printing industry in Iceland." The reception and awards ceremony to honour these top professionals will take place on Wednesday 30th, from 5:15 -7:30 pm. Further information can be found at: www.xplor.org/edp Additional Information To register or for updates on Xplor 2002, the 23rd Global Electronic Document Systems Conference & Exhibit, visit www.xplor.org, e-mail [email protected], or call +1-866-799-7567. About Xplor International: Xplor International is the worldwide association representing more than 5,000 members in more than 2,500 companies which develop and use the technology of the US $125-billion document systems industry. Founded in 1981, Xplor's mission is to provide an international forum to educate organizations and enable professionals to build and share knowledge concerning solutions, tools, and processes for communicating customized information.