November 2007 - The New Jersey Chapter of the IAPHC, The Graphic Professionals Resource network, recently celebrated its 33rd year as the premier venue for print providers in the Metro NY Area. This year, the International Gallery of Superb Printing featured 20 New Jersey Printing companies, whose work was judged exceptional by an international retinue of judges.
This year's contest presented more than 2,250 entries of the best examples of print from all over the world and the winning NJ printing firms accepted the accolades of their peers at this prestigious event. Winning entries were displayed for attendees to view as part of the chapter's "Share Your Knowledge" philosophy.
Also present at this event was Christina Altamura, this year's winner of the NJ Craftsmen's Logo Search Contest. Christina, a senior at the Bergen County Academy for Visual Arts, designed the logo, which will be used by the chapter as their official logo.
To round out this event, Professor Lloyd Carr, Chair of the Graphic Design Department at City Tech spoke about the various changes and pressures now facing the printing industry and the need for educated employers, workers and clients.
Professor Carr organized his speech around five critical factors impacting our graphic communication industry today. All five of the factors began with the letter "E:" Excellence, Efficiency, Effectiveness, Environmental Sustainability, Economic Development.
In his presentation about economic development, Prof. Carr spoke about a variety of tax incentives to companies: Businesses that create new jobs and make new investments in production property and equipment may qualify for tax credits of up to 10% of their eligible investment. Credits are available to encourage the creation and expansion of emerging technology businesses, including a three-year job creation credit of $1,000 per employee and a capital credit for investments in emerging technologies.
Prof. Carr reported that states also offer a variety of energy cost saving programs that help businesses reduce costs, preserve and create jobs, and boost economic growth: After a company fulfills the requirement to retain or create a specific number of jobs, it receives energy cost savings that range from 10 to 25% depending on usage and local utility delivery charges. Capital financing can also help businesses identify and implement cost-effective, energy-efficient measures. State provided technical services include engineering feasibility studies, technical training on energy efficient technologies, and engineering support for project financing proposals.
"We should consider the variety and diversity of the federal government's standard industrial codes to be under a common code, Graphics Practitioner," suggested Prof. Carr," since even a secretary working with desktop publishing is in the scope of what we do, it is important to relate to everyone in the graphics community. This includes the media buyer, content creator, pre-media, media producer/manufacturer, finishers, binders and those responsible for delivering the media.
Based on the IAPHC motto of "Share York Knowledge," Prof. Carr explained "How Education Can Help Your Economic Development." He encouraged the audience to be more pro-active with the topic.