Fairfax, Virginia - A total of 47 percent of SGIA's Financial Outlook Survey respondents said 2007 was more profitable than 2006. And of those expecting growth in 2008, most expect to grow between 5 to 14 percent.

More than half of respondents attribute most of their expected 2008 growth to digital technology, which has allowed new businesses to enter the marketplace and established businesses to diversify.

"Most imagers are predicting growth for 2008," said SGIA's Business Information Associate Katy Lellelid. "Given the accessibility and affordability of new digital technology, it's continuing to be a growth source for the industry."

Other areas respondents reported contributing to their 2008 projections included: Offering new products, hiring more sales staff and offering more customer services. Among these services are new or improved Web sites and additional marketing efforts.

The Financial Outlook Survey, which ran from mid-January to mid-February, collected information about sales per employee, and was broken down by industry sector: Graphic Producers, Garment Decorators, Industrial Application Printers and Suppliers/Distributors.

The survey summary is online at SGIA.org and available to all interested parties; members can access the complete survey report free of charge, online at SGIA.org, Keyword: Surveys. http://www.sgia.org/surveys_and_statistics/

Other survey reports posted online include the 2008 Financial Outlook Report, 2007 Safety Inititives Survey, and 2007 Wage & Salary Survey. For more information visit SGIA.org, Keyword: Surveys. http://www.sgia.org/surveys_and_statistics/