Pittsburgh, Pa., December 17, 2002 — Critical in this difficult economic and competitive climate, printing executives and quality managers need to locate and successfully implement new initiatives for increasing quality and reducing cost. In an effort to help companies learn from successful peers, 11 case studies will be presented at the Continuous Improvement Network (CIN) conference which will be held at the Hotel InterContinental in Chicago, Illinois, February 23–26, 2003. Sponsored by the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) for 13 years, the CIN conference is one of the Foundation’s highest rated events. "Companies that attend the CIN conference are among the most progressive, most profitable companies in the industry," said Jim Workman, GATF’s director of training programs. "For example, companies attending in 2002 had an average profit margin almost 75 percent above the industry. Several of these successful companies will share candid and commercial-free case studies at the conference so that their peers may learn the practical experiences in implementing continuous improvement programs." One of the most valuable case studies will help attendees answer the question, "Am I ready for color management?" prior to investing in costly color management technology. Litho-Krome, a pioneer in using color management to improve the color consistency of high-end art prints, learned after investing that its process control was inadequate. David Reynolds, quality and engineering manager for Litho-Krome, will provide a checklist to audit production for this purpose. Peter Doyle, printing operations manager for Action Printing, will teach how to create and use control charts to analyze and measure processes. Using XmR charts, companies will be able to know if their processes are really improving. Companies don’t have to be a certified ISO 9002 facility to appreciate the value of an internal audit program. Banta Book Group—Harrisonburg found that procedures need to be audited periodically in some manner; otherwise they wither and die. Don Roderick, quality engineer for Banta, will review his company’s internal audit process with particular attention on how to keep it a "value added" service to management. Other case studies will discuss "turbocharged" makereadies, the difference between quality color and consistent color, generating employee involvement in implementing lean manufacturing, proofing, unifying various facilities procedures. Attendees will be able to choose 4 of the 11 case studies. Additionally, an interactive general session will divide attendees into small groups to discuss ideas on process improvement projects and then report to the group at large. As a result, 30 of the industry’s best ideas on process improvement projects will be shared. Attendees will also have the opportunity to hear three keynote presentation by speakers who are on the cutting edge of quality innovations: Rebecca Potts of LaMarsh & Associates, LaRhesa Pollock of Clarke American (a 2001 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award winning company), and John Compton of Fort Dearborn Company. In addition, the conference will include networking opportunities and three general sessions, including one simulated work experience that will provide an in-depth look at how to "manage change" from a corporate and personal level. An optional plant tour of the Ford Motors Chicago Assembly Plant, winner of the 2002 Shingo Prize for excellence in manufacturing, is also being offered. The early-bird registration fee for the two-day conference is $795 ($595 for GATF/PIA members). All companies can receive a $100 discount on their second registrant. For more information and to register, visit GAIN's Training and Meetings section or contact Gwen Martin, GATF conference coordinator, by phoning 800/910-GATF extension 116.