Rochester, NY - February 13, 2007 - PODi, the Digital Printing Initiative, announces the 2007 winners of the annual PODi Best Practices Awards. These highly anticipated awards recognize outstanding examples of digital print and variable data strategies. “As always, the entries span a wide range of amazing applications and equally amazing results. The interest in this competition and the strength of the entries demonstrate the enthusiastic acceptance of digital printing and relevant personalization at all levels,“ said Rab Govil, President of PODi. This year, winners were chosen from over 50 entries. Awards were presented in four Best Practices categories: Business-to-Business, Business-to-Consumer. Web-to-Print, and Relevant Marketing. Business-to-Business Best Practices Winner - Disney Destinations Disney Destinations wanted to revamp sales collateral for prospects interested in booking business events at Disney“s five resort destinations. Instead of information about every option, prospects now receive a full-color customized kit relevant to their events. Bookings are up; prospects are happy to get just what they need, and printing and storage costs for collateral were cut in half. Christopher DeSantis, President of Royal Impressions, helped execute the campaign for Disney. “This award gives us strong recognition within the industry and validates our work and our customer“s commitment. Disney is a real proponent of VDP,“ he said. “The win means a lot for a small company like us. When we tell clients we are a two time winner, it carries a lot of weight.“ Business-to-Business - Honorable Mention (tie) “Kwik Kopy Saves Time and Money Using Web-to-Print and Personalized Mailings: Client: International Center for Entrepreneurial Development (parent company for Kwik Kopy franchises). Printer: In-house “Seco-Carboloy Increases Revenue and Supports Dealers with Web-to-Print Portal“ Client: Seco-Carboloy, a leader in metalworking technology. Printer: Sugar Bush Media Solutions Business-to-Consumer Best Practices Winner - Tiffin University Tiffin University wanted a rapid response system for information requests from prospective students. The variable data system they now use has cut printing and postage costs in half and lets the university respond to requests within a few days. Now over seven percent of those who received personalized graduate school information enrolled. Overall, enrollment has increased 20 percent, and graduate enrollment is up 50 percent. “It is an honor to be selected as an example of print-on-demand technology. It reassures us that we are doing things correctly and utilizing institutional resources effectively,“ said Cam Cruickshank, Ph.D., and Tiffin University Vice President for Enrollment Management. “Print on demand allows Tiffin to respond to prospective students in a timely, cost-effective, and personal manner.“ Metzgers President Joe Metzger spoke of his company“s role in helping Tiffin develop and print the award-winning application. “To win such an award is something we never imagined when we set down this path for the high tech, high touch piece for Tiffin University. Our goal was to help Tiffin fill seats in the classroom and with online learners. Digital print with full customized communication sets us both apart from the competition. Being high tech and high touch says we are on the leading edge of information and technology. I can't wait to see what's next!“ Business-to-Consumer - Honorable Mention “Polaris Dealers Use Variable Data Printing to Boost Sales“ Client: Polaris Industries. Printer: Moore Wallace Response Marketing Services Best Practices in Relevant Marketing Winner - Agfa Graphics Agfa Graphics used a multi-touch targeted direct marketing campaign to increase awareness and generate leads for its Thermofuse plate line. The campaign drew 181 total responses, 362 percent of the goal and a total 5.67 percent response rate. “The Best Practices Award recognizes companies that can provide high value products and services by using “best in class“ business practices,“ said Rick Littrell, President and CMO of Magicomm, who partnered with Agfa on the successful campaign. Digital print and customized communication services give Magicomm a competitive edge. This enables us to provide innovative direct-to-customer solutions that deliver superior results that consistently exceed industry averages.“ Best Practices in Relevant Marketing - Honorable Mention “TAG Home Care Draws a Crowd Using Personalized Postcards“ Client: TAG Home Care. Printer: In-plant Best Practices in Web-to-Print Winner - Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre, a multiple listing service in Scotland, cut costs and gave its members greater control over their print and electronic listing materials by implementing a Web-based listing and print ordering system. Orders average 80 copies, with about 400 orders per week. The system delivers 24-hour turnaround. Even staff without page makeup skills can do production in less than five minutes. “Winners are visionary, innovative and determined to succeed in what is a relatively new market and new technology. It is valuable recognition that demonstrates to our customers that we are leading the way and can compete on a world stage with such technology,“ said Bill Scouller, Chief Executive of Glasgow Solicitors Property Centre & GSPC Print & Design Ltd. “Digital print is critical to our business and our core business requires high quality and short run that only digital provides.“ Best Practices in Web-to-Print - Honorable Mention “Smith & Nephew: From Warehouse to On-Demand“ Client: Smith & Nephew, a medical technology business specializing in orthopedics, endoscopy and advanced wound management products. Printer: Cenveo An in-depth review of the winning applications along with dozens of new case studies will be added to PODi“s Best Practices case study collection in April. A series of Best Practices reports that analyze the new case studies will be published throughout the year. Access to the case studies and reports is free to PODi members and available for a fee to non-members.