EDINA, MINNESOTA -- April 26, 2001 -- The IPA Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Steve Bonoff as president of the Association. He succeeds Hank Hatch, who recently retired after a long and highly successful career in the prepress, printing and publishing industries. As president, Bonoff will direct and coordinate the valuable services and programs members have come to expect from the Association, and will work to promote the IPA and its membership. Noting the tremendous challenges facing the industry today, Bonoff comments, "I am excited about the opportunity IPA has to help its members grow and develop new markets. Our members are redefining who they are, what products and services they will deliver, which technologies warrant investment, and how to gauge the impact of rapid change on their businesses. IPA will be at the forefront -- providing members with the information they need to successfully transform their businesses." The IPA Executive Committee has authorized Bonoff to create a Strategic Planning Group, composed of industry veterans and visionaries, to help redefine who the next-generation IPA members will be and what technological and management information they will need in order to prosper. Reflecting on the changes that are occurring in the industry, Hatch said, "The IPA has an exciting future, and Steve has the passion and drive to take IPA into that future. Noting that it will be difficult to fill Hank's shoes, Mike Danz, IPA first vice chairman and president of Mandel Graphic Solutions, Milwaukee, expressed the Association's confidence and respect for Bonoff. "We're especially fortunate to have someone of Steve's caliber as IPA president. Steve has played an integral role in the organization and understands all aspects and challenges associated with IPA." Bonoff joined the IPA in 1996 as director of member services, bringing with him an extensive background in business and marketing. He has been involved in several business ventures that prospered as a direct result of his expertise and innovation. Before joining the association, he was President and co-founder of the Minneapolis-based retail merchandising company, Merchandising Specialties, Inc.