Event Sponsored by the WhatTheyThink Peer Groups

Lexington, Kentucky USA -- WhatTheyThink.com today announced that more than that more than 400 industry professionals attended a free printing industry economic webinar with forecaster and commentator Dr. Joe Webb on December 9th.

The archive is available at no charge at the webinar archive page.

During this one-hour event, Dr. Joe:

• Discussed where the economy is now, two years into the recession, and a year since the financial collapse
• Offered his contrarian look at the recovery, what the fine print of the economic data really show, and what’s ahead
• Reviewed the changes to the printing industry's culture and traditions that are creating a “new” printing industry
• Presented the latest survey data about what printers will be doing in 2010, and  the latest survey of graphic designers in conjunction with CreativePro.com
• Provided Dr. Joe’s Winter Reading List: Hot topics for a cold winter

More information on the topics discussed can be obtained by visiting WhatTheyThink’s Economics & Research Center.

“While our forecast for 2009 seemed too pessimistic to some,” said Randy Davidson, President, WhatTheyThink, “it was not pessimistic enough, and Dr. Joe explained why. In addition to the latest data, he offered deep insight into what to expect in 2010 and beyond, and some good advice for printers trying to navigate a very different industry.”

“There are signs of a recovery,’” said Dr. Webb, “but it does not appear it will be rapid. The stimulus package is not stimulating, the housing market is still seized, and taxes are on the rise in many states, with new Federal taxes being proposed. While the overall situation can seem grim for the industry as a whole, it does not mean that individual business cannot succeed and consolidate volume from failing firms, while offering compelling new products that fit well with new media. I particularly recommend perusal of the reading list contained in the webinar archive for owners and managers who want to gain good insight into viable strategies for the future. Our printer and CreativePro surveys are well worth studying to understand the trends.”

“This session is available in the archive, along with all of our other educational sessions, so business owners and managers can revisit the content at any time,” added Davidson.  “In addition, by joining a WhatTheyThink peer group, printers can take advantage of real-time knowledge sharing with peers in a safe environment. Peer groups allow members to openly and frankly discuss many of the issues raised in WhatTheyThink webinars presented by Dr. Webb and others, as well as finding support in managing change in their businesses and finding ways to grow profits in this tough economy. Survivors will be those who adapt to the cultural shift we are undergoing.”

Dr. Joe Webb is the director of WhatTheyThink.com's Economics and Research Center, where managers, researchers and analysts can find free and premium content about industry trends, including forecasts and more. Dr. Webb is a recognized marketing authority, forecaster and one of the best known speakers in our industry. He also contributes a weekly column at WhatTheyThink.com for Premium Access Members entitled “Mondays with Dr. Joe” as well as a regular writer on PrintCEOblog.com. 2010 marks the beginning of Dr. Joe’s eighth year of being associated with WhatTheyThink.

Last quarter’s webinar can be accessed at: http://members.whattheythink.com/webinars/webinar.cfm?id=121

About WhatTheyThink

WhatTheyThink.com is the printing and publishing industry's leading media organization; offering a wide range of publications delivering unbiased, real-time market intelligence, industry news, economic and trend analysis, peer-to-peer communication, and special reports on emerging technology and critical events. Serving a membership base of more than 50,000, WhatTheyThink.com also hosts webinars and live events as well as providing content through a syndication program, which delivers content directly to related websites and through RSS.

Through the WhatTheyThink Speakers Bureau, expert speakers are available for private company planning sessions and sales meetings, customer and dealer events, and association membership programs. WhatTheyThink also supports the speakers programs by assisting in the promotion of the events through its web sites and e-mail programs, if desired.

About Dr. Joe Webb

Dr. Joe Webb is the director of WhatTheyThink.com's Economics and Research Center, where managers, researchers and analysts can find free and premium content about industry trends, including forecasts and more. Dr. Webb is a 30-year graphic arts veteran, a recognized marketing authority, forecaster and one of the best known speakers in our industry. He is known for his ability to interpret the latest market conditions in the graphic communications industries and translate what they mean for executives and their strategic decisions.  Since January 2003, his "Mondays with Dr. Joe" column has been a must-read feature on WhatTheyThink.com.

He is a Ph.D. graduate of the NYU Center for Graphic Communications Management and Technology (1987) and serves on the Center's Board of Advisors. He holds an MBA in Management Information Systems from Iona College (1981) and was a magna cum laude graduate in Managerial Sciences and Marketing from Manhattan College (1978), and was a member of the economics honor society. He has taught graduate and undergraduate courses in marketing, market research, quantitative analysis, business policy, and organizational behavior. He started in the industry with Agfa's Graphic Systems Division and was later a marketing executive with Chemco Photoproducts, entering consulting full time in 1987. Among his publications is the controversial "Renewing the Print Industry: A Contrarian's Constructive Perspective."