Paramus, N.J., June 5, 2008 — For more than a quarter century, progressive printing company leaders have turned to NAPL’s Management Institute (MI) courses for advanced-level opportunities to learn industry-specific best practices and the latest thinking in finance, production and sales management trends. MI’s dedication to Higher Learning for Excellence continues this year with the introduction of a new strategic management course. Visionary executives will gain proven strategic planning insights and tools to fuel and implement business development opportunities in the highly competitive and difficult business environment that lies ahead.
 
Scheduled for Aug. 9-12, the in-depth, four-day courses are taught on the campus of George WashingtonUniversity in Washington, D.C. However, MI goes beyond university-style course instruction. It brings together the best industry minds, including university talent, industry consultants, NAPL executives and trendsetting peers from around the nation.
 
NAPL’s MI is widely regarded as the industry forum for management leadership development. The intensive program provides examples and experience to demonstrate how key finance, production, sales, and nowstrategic development and planning concepts can best be applied in the printing and graphic arts industry. Each year, MI course developers keep the program relevant to real-world business challenges by incorporating instructor and previous student input into curriculum development. Review of real-life case histories and success stories is a key element of the course work.
 
“Management Institute means leadership development,” states Joseph Truncale, NAPL president and chief executive officer. “It’s the only institute of higher learning where you can access expert skills in sales, production, financial or strategic management as they apply specifically to graphic communications.”
 
Companies have found MI valuable for owners, executives and managers leading or positioned to assume leadership roles in charting a company’s direction, improving financial performance, increasing workflow profitability and planning equipment acquisitions, as well as maximizing the return on sales efforts.

“We’ve put together a strong and dynamic program with a faculty of seasoned professionals sharing their experience and wisdom with managers who want practical and innovative solutions to the challenges they face,” says Truncale.
 
Truncale is one of several NAPL executives who co-teach the program alongside industry experts. Instructors include Joe Becker, founding partner of Margolis Becker, a financial management firm in Lanham, Md., specializing in the printing industry, and well-respected industry trendsetters such as Larissa Crum, director of marketing and sales for NPC Inc. in Claysburg, Pa.
 
The pairing of experts, educators and peer leaders is one of the key factors that make the learning experience effective in developing individuals on a personal, professional and organizational level.
 
Learning from the instructors and creating new relationships with national industry peers — who often became long-term information sharing resources — were frequently cited as benefits of attending MI. The multidimensional approach is another key reason that attendees return year after year for continued learning. In 2007, a record 100 percent of attendees noted in feedback forms that they would hope to return for the 2008 sessions.
 
Paul Nicholson, vice president of information systems at EU Services of Rockville, Md., explains, “The ability to interact with industry peers from companies of all sizes is one of the reasons we’ve sent nearly every high-level executive at our company to MI. Other printers frequently face the same issues, and the perspective gained by being away from the office and learning how others handle industry challenges offers perspectives we might not otherwise acquire.”
 
Instructor accessibility was one of the MI highlights for Brian Riemer, web pressroom manager at Art Litho Printing Solutions of Baltimore, Md. “Instructor availability to work with us beyond the classroom during the entire program gave us a one-on-one opportunity to discuss our specific business issues or concerns,” says Riemer.
 
“During this difficult economy, some companies may feel it’s not the right time for continued leadership development. Nothing could be further from the truth,” notes Susan Reif, senior director of NAPL’s Organizational Development Services. “The economy has made it an even more competitive marketplace, but the answer to heightened competition and competitive situations is to improve, rather than settle for the status quo. MI helps printers reach for the next level and make the tough decisions on how to best get there.”
 
Companies who register before June 20, 2008, receive $150 off the per person rate.  For information or to register, visit www.napl.org/events or call Tammy Pesenti, programs manager of NAPL, at 800-642-6275, ext. 6343.