SEWICKLEY, PA—January 31, 2006 Five printers from across the country met the weekend of January 20–22, 2006 for the first meeting of the newest PIA/GATF Printing Executive Network (PEN) Group. Hosted by Michael Druyen, CEO, Certified Printers, Inc., Hollywood, CA, members toured his California plant and then settled down to discuss the direction the group would take.
Other members attending were John Frullo, owner, Midtown Printing and Graphics, Lubbock, TX; Gary W. Habicht, president, Printing Specialist Corporation, Glen Burnie, MD; Dan Litwin, president, Young’s Printing, Middleton, CT; and George Springer, president, Universal Printing Services, Des Moines, IA. Sales volume for the group ranges from $1.2–2.5 million.
Michael W. Murphy, CEO, Pacific Printing Company, Valencia, CA, and member of the Pen-Phoenix group, met briefly with the new group to talk about his PEN Group, what they do and what it has done for him, and to help kick off the new group’s first meeting. Issues covered included chart of accounts, accounting problems and principles, estimating problems and software, data collection, desktop publishing, technology, and HR to name a few.
Michael Druyen concluded in his wrap-up, “I really enjoyed meeting all of you and feel as if we have known each other for much longer than two days.” Dan Litwin said, “I …got a boatload of valuable information.” John Frullo, who waited for over a year for the group to form, emailed, “Thanks to everyone for a great weekend. I now have my work cut out for awhile and am extremely excited for all of us.” But it was Gary Habicht who summed up the entire weekend, “It was a well worthwhile trip and I believe that all of the people in the group have a good feel for one another and a synergy that is remarkably comfortable, considering we only just met each other. It’s amazing how similar we all are, both in companies and in personalities, and this could be a long and fruitful relationship.” George Springer, who plans to host the summer meeting, said “I was equally excited with our results from the first meeting and am anxiously awaiting the next one.”
PEN Groups offer serious networking opportunities with industry executives from companies similar to your own. PEN is a member-coordinated peer network of top managers who share common interests and concerns and who are serious about taking their businesses to the next level. Click here to see photo.
For more information on PEN Groups go to the www.gain.net website and click on programs and services—sections and councils. Or call Diane Koch (800) 910-4283, ext. 803.