Alexandria, VA January 4, 2005 -- The Graphic Arts Marketing Information Service (GAMIS) is proud to announce the selection of Dr. Joseph Webb, Strategies for Management, Harrisville, Rhode Island, as this year's recipient of the Neil Richards Visionary Leadership Award. Dr. Webb received the award during the GAMIS Quarterly Meeting held December 6-8 in Alexandria, VA. Established in 1998 in honor of former long-time GAMIS member Neil W. Richards, the Neil Richards Visionary Leadership Award is intended to recognize a leader in the graphic arts industry who has: - actively participated in and supported numerous national/international graphic arts industry associations - contributed to the growth and development of industry colleagues as a mentor or role model - fostered honesty and integrity in his/her approach - been broadly known and respected or nationally recognized - willingly and aggressively shared his/her knowledge with associates - aggressively promoted new, innovative or futuristic thinking - exhibited a focus on the practical application of market information According to GAMIS Executive Director, Jackie Bland, “‘Dr. Joe’ was an obvious candidate to receive this award. He routinely meets or exceeds the criteria set forth for the Neil Richards Award. GAMIS and has had a long, rewarding relationship with him.” Dr. Webb is a long-time market research devotee and is known for his contrarian analysis of the print marketplace. He believes in thorough research and never shies away from futuristic thinking, even when his opinions may be unpopular. He has delivered numerous speeches and written papers relative to capacity utilization, which have had an impact on industry thinking. His forecasts in the late-1990s about the looming negative effects of the Internet on print volume proved to be correct. In his extensive industry experience, the creation of the TrendWatch Graphic Arts information service (sold to Reed Business Information in 2000), his private consulting practice, and his commentary and forecasts in his weekly column in WhatTheyThink.com, the common-sense application of market information has been evident. He has taught the practical application of market research in both academic and industry settings, and establishing new methods that inform the printing industry about its future. For more information, contact Ms. Jackie Bland, Executive Director of GAMIS at 703-541-8179 or by e-mail jbland(at)piagatf.org. About GAMIS GAMIS is a special interest group of Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) dedicated to providing its members with sound market research, statistics, and data related to the graphic arts industry. In 2005, GAMIS will merge with the NPES Market Research Committee to form a new market research organization that will serve the industry. The annual tradition of presenting the Neil Richards Visionary Leadership Award will continue in the new organization. More information about GAMIS can be accessed at http://www.gain.net/PIA_GATF/GAMIS/main.html . About Dr. Joe Webb, recipient of the 2004 Neil Richards Visionary Leadership Award Dr. Webb has been one of the industry's best-known consultants. The weekly column "Fridays with Dr. Joe" at WhatTheyThink.com has become a "must-read" for the printing industry. His commentary, speeches, and lively Q&A sessions have been featured at many industry trade events. A 25+ year veteran of the graphic arts industries, he was the developer of the influential TrendWatch information service, sold to Reed Business in 2000. Outside the graphic arts, Dr. Webb and business partner Jim Whittington have brought TrendWatch methodologies to the broadcast and entertainment/visual effects imaging markets. 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), where he 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 (1978-1980) and was a marketing executive with Chemco Photoproducts (1981-1987). He also served the industry as chairman of the NPES Statistics Committee and was an active member of the GAMIS special industry group of Printing Industries of America. Among his publications is “Dr. Joe's Almanac,” a resource of more than 500 industry publications, Web sites, associations, and others. He has also written “Renewing the Print Industry: A Contrarian's Constructive Perspective.” Dr. Webb’s Web site and e-store can be accessed at www.drjoewebb.com .