Annapolis, MD - February 17, 2006 marks the launch of John M. Hamm & Associates, LLC, Annapolis, MD based marketing and business development consulting firm, whose primary focus is the World-wide Graphic Arts and Technology Industries. John M. Hamm & Associates partners with its clients, Graphic Arts suppliers, service providers and users of digital printing and publishing products, providing them with in-depth market knowledge, objective analysis, and client-specific guidance toward market-making business results. John Hamm, President and CEO, serves in the exclusive role of Senior Advisor for Digital Printing to PIA/GATF, The Printing Industries of America (PIA) / Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) and its Digital Printing Council (DPC). PIA/GATF is the world's largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees in 12,000 member companies throughout North America. PIA/GATF, along with its 28 local affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research and technical information. As Senior Advisor to PIA/GATF for Digital Printing, Hamm is responsible for: •Advising PIA/GATF in their “2006 Year of Digital Print” initiatives •Developing and delivering training and presentations to corporate and industry association sponsored conferences, seminars, and events. •Consulting with graphic arts companies With 35 years in Graphic Communications and Technology endeavors, John Hamm has acquired extensive industry knowledge, applied experience, and worldwide market exposure, uniquely qualifying him in the graphic arts and technology industries. Following nine years in sales and management at Xerox, Hamm pursued a successful, 20-year career in commercial printing, growing an industry-leading firm.