PARAMUS, N.J., AUGUST 29, 2006 - The personnel needs of today's graphic communications companies are being transformed as the industry continues to expand into new business models and intense competition puts pressure on companies to operate as efficiently and productively as possible. To help those individuals charged with human resources responsibilities effectively meet these new challenges, NAPL is presenting It's All About the People, the industry's only conference dedicated to organizational development and human resources. Slated for Nov. 15-17, 2006, in Pewaukee (suburban Milwaukee), Wis., the conference is co-sponsored by Printing Industries of Wisconsin (PIW) and Printing Industries of Illinois-Indiana (PII). "Our labor force is changing along with the clients we serve, our competition and our business models," said Joseph P. Truncale, NAPL president and chief executive officer. "This one-of-a-kind conference will give attendees the insights and strategies they need to develop an organization-wide workforce that is prepared to meet current and future challenges." The conference's comprehensive program is a blend of informative sessions, interactive workshops, and case study presentations, all designed for those individuals whose everyday tasks include HR and organizational development responsibilities within their graphic communications company. Some highlights: - Andrew Paparozzi, NAPL vice president and chief economist, will share results of NAPL's 2006 Organizational Development and Compensation Study, including insights on recruitment/retention strategies, enhancing the image of the graphic communications industry among prospective employees, and trends in employee education and training. - A "Road Map for Hiring" from Debra Thompson, TG & Associates president, who shares strategies companies can use to find the employees who are the best 'fit' for their organization. - An exploration of "The ABCs of Legal Issues" by Jedd Mendelson, principal of labor law firm Grotta, Glassman & Hoffman. - A look at "Diversity in the Workplace," with Twyla Cummings, Ph.D., of Rochester Institute of Technology. - A session on "Nature vs. Nurture," in which NAPL's Truncale will examine the crucial technical, people, and business skills necessary for success in today's business environment. - Advice on "Building a Compensation Plan" from HR veteran Denise Kelly. - An update on how HR is changing in our industry from PIA/GATF's Jim Kyger, SPHR, CCP, followed by a question-and-answer session where attendees can get their specific issues addressed. - An interactive training session on "Delivering Fair & Consistent Performance Appraisals," conducted by Susan Reif, NAPL's senior director, Professional Development. - Facilitated roundtable discussions of "What Are You Working On?" The peer-to-peer interactions promoted by the discussions will facilitate lasting network relationships and foster effective problem-solving strategies. NAPL will provide each 'roundtable' with a different critical organizational development issue faced by today's graphic communications companies. Report-backs on the results of each group's discussion will be presented at the conference and be available to Conference attendees via the Internet after the conference. - Ask the Experts: A variety of experts, including Thompson and NAPL's Truncale and Paparozzi, will be on hand to address your HR issues. Conference fee: $675 for NAPL and PIW and PII members (additional registrants from the same company: $575 each) and $775 for non-members (additional registrants, $695 each). To register, go to www.napl.org/events (credit card transactions only) or call (800) 642-6275, Option 4.