The Graphic Arts Education and Research Foundation has announced the launch of Career Focus, the portal on the web for up-to-date information about the diverse and exciting career opportunities in the graphic communications industries. Career Focus is the first step in GAERF's campaign to promote a positive image of the printing and graphic communications industry and raise awareness of the industry's various career opportunities. The campaign, using the theme "Focus on Your Future - Careers in Graphic Communications," was announced by the Foundation's Board of Director's in September. Career Focus features an introduction to GAERF's campaign and an explanation of the campaign's goal by GAERF Chairman Gerald A. Nathe, Chairman and President of Baldwin Technology Company, Inc., as well as details regarding "The Campaign Today" and "The Campaign To Come." Industry and educators can download the EPS version of the "Focus on Your Future" logo for use in career promotions from the link to "The Campaign Today." In addition, visitors to the site will find a growing list of industry links that provide information about careers and educational opportunities in the printing and graphic communications fields. Also under development on "The Campaign Today" section is a list of career programs and promotional materials. A visit to "The Campaign To Come" allows industry and educators the unique chance to monitor GAERF's campaign as it unfolds. Currently GAERF is preparing new campaign materials; including "Focus on Your Future" kits for industry professionals to use in visits to schools. These kits will include posters and other career information, and will be made available on Career Focus in printed and electronic formats. The image campaign is one part of an expansion of the Foundation's mission, embracing a broadened vision of its goal of advancing knowledge, education and careers in the industry it serves. In addition to the image campaign and the Foundation's grant-making program, GAERF administers two other programs designed to support recruitment and training of a skilled workforce: the PrintED national school accreditation program founded by Printing Industries of America and the Carl Didde WorkPLACEÆ industry-specific basic skills training program founded by the National Association for Printing Leadership. GAERF was created in 1983 by NAPL, NPES and PIA to serve as a major source of financial support for educational and research projects designed to promote a strong future for the graphic communications industry. Since its creation, GAERF has provided more than $4 million in grants to more than 70 projects at more than 30 institutions. The Foundation is funded with income generated by the major national and international trade expositions managed by the Graphic Arts Show Company, Inc. (GASC), which was also created by the three industry associations. GAERF's goal is to support programs and projects that help build the future of the industry, especially projects that address the industry's acute need for skilled employees. GAERF is headquartered at 1899 Preston White Drive, Reston, VA 20191-4367, telephone 703/264-7200; fax 703/620-3165, e-mail [email protected]. Information on the Foundation is available on web sites located at www.npes.org/gaerf/home.htm and http://teched.vt.edu/gcc. Visit Career Focus at www.npes.org/gaerf/careerfocus.html.