June 13, 2007 -- The leading regional conference for owners and executives of printing and graphic communication firms in northeastern United States’ $14 billion print marketplace will take place Sept. 23 – 25 at the Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club in Lenox, Mass, the heart of Berkshire County in western Massachusetts.

The three-day conference is hosted by Printing Industries of New England, the region’s largest trade association that serves more than 430 member companies throughout the six-state region.

Co-hosts include the Printing & Imaging Association of New York State, and Philadelphia-based Graphic Arts Association, both regional trade associations serving printing and graphic communications firms. Collectively, the three associations represent nearly 1,100 member companies. Sponsors include Xerox, Utica National Insurance Group, United Insurance Company and Komori.

The conference will open Sunday afternoon, Sept. 23, and conclude Tuesday, Sept. 25. In response to attendee surveys, the schedule has been changed from a Thursday to Sunday itinerary to better accommodate industry executives.

The conference affords executives the opportunity to gather in a relaxed setting for a balance mixed of industry updates and reports with leisure activities for industry professionals and their spouses or partners.

The business agenda

Under a theme of “Prepared for Today, Build for Tomorrow,” business topics include Developing Web to Print Systems; Succession Planning; Disaster Recovery; Adding Value to Your Firm; as well as Invigorating Sales.

“There is no shortage of work to be done to keep print and graphic communications companies focused on serving their clients, growing their sales, and improving profits,” said PINE President Jim Tepper. “While there are many topics and issues to look at, the areas we’ve chosen are significant in the overall impact to individual businesses. We strive to give attendees good information to take home and use.”

The social agenda

PINE’s annual Print Management Conference is always held in a New England resort setting, and this year’s 28th annual conference returns to the Berkshires for the first time after many years.

The Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club offers luxury accommodations on its 380-acre setting. Featured on-site attractions are an 18-hole championship golf course, a new fully furnished spa with a fitness center, and indoor heated pool. The lush greens of the tees, fairways and putting greens will be a gathering spot as a golf tournament is among the opening activities. An evening dinner will be held Monday, Sept. 24 at the Normal Rockwell Museum in nearby Stockbridge.

Companion activities are being devised from numerous cultural attractions in the immediate area ranging from arts centers, dance studios, museums, historic sites, fine dining, shopping and other recreational activities.

“Our conference is a highlight event for our members and neighboring printers throughout the northeast,” Tepper said. “It’s a great way to cap off the summer and get focused on the months and year ahead.”

Check the PINE home page at www.pine.org for conference information, or call Carole Taylor at 1-800-365-7463 ext. 109.  She can also be reached at 508-804-4109.