Companies Emphasize Commitment to Graphic Communications, Can Tailor Financing Packages to Attendee Needs

Reston, VA-Graphic communications professionals looking to buy at PRINT 09 will have little trouble in obtaining financing at the show, the Graphic Arts Show Company (GASC) recently announced. Among the more than 650 exhibitors demonstrating their offerings at the year's largest and most comprehensive global graphic communications exhibition and conference are finance companies with money available to lend for equipment and product purchases ranging anywhere from tens of thousands to several million dollars. PRINT 09 will take place September 11 – 16, 2009, in Chicago's expansive McCormick Place.

"PRINT 09 offers graphic communications professionals an opportunity to examine firsthand the technologies that can make their businesses operate more efficiently and successfully, but obtaining financing is a crucial step in being able to make the appropriate business investment," said Ralph Nappi, President of GASC. "Thankfully, financing companies are making it clear that they have money to lend. Deals are getting done, even in this economic environment, and PRINT attendees can expect a positive lending environment when they come to the show."

Many of the financial organizations exhibiting at PRINT 09 even specialize in the printing, publishing and packaging industries, and understand the unique challenges and needs of running a graphic communications business. "It's not unusual today for banks to want huge deposits or down payments, whereas we provide 100% financing or very close to it," said Bob Seeds, president of International Financial Services Corp. (booth #5217), which has operated in the graphic communications industry since 1977. "If someone wants a $3 million press and suddenly has to come up with a 35% deposit, that's more than $1 million-that will kill a lot of prospective deals. That's where we come in: We understand collateral. We understand their business. We can advance a much higher rate with a lot fewer restrictions."

Likewise, more than half of the Great Atlantic Capital Corp.'s (#1789) business is devoted to the graphic communications. "It's our biggest segment," explained executive vice president Jeff Shaner. "We specialize in the market and have been exhibiting at PRINT for many years. Just by knowing the industry and equipment value, we're more beneficial to the printer."

Just as beneficial to the printer is their presence at PRINT 09. "Attendees have the opportunity to discuss their plans for equipment additions with our staff and fully explain the justification for their equipment purchases. The ability to hear this information directly from our clients is one of the most important pieces of information we use in our review of credit requests," said Ed Gargiulo, executive vice president of Equipment Finance Corp. (#1585). Equipment Finance Corp. provides leasing and financing for the commercial printing, folding carton and corrugated box industries.

Many of the financial organizations exhibiting at PRINT 09 offer financing or refinancing primarily for new and used equipment. Some deals originate from the vendor or equipment dealer, but the finance companies at PRINT invite attendees to independently visit their booth as well. "Many card members use their card for purchasing or leasing equipment," said Michelle Widmer, senior manager, acquisitions, for American Express OPEN (#4070), but "the show is very much a consultative conversation about the best product for attendees' business needs." American Express OPEN offers different categories of its American Express cards for graphic communications professionals. At its PRINT booth, the company will also be distributing an informational booklet, "A Practical Guide to Business Financial Planning."

Also exhibiting at PRINT 09 is People's Capital & Leasing Corp. (#1073), which offers a variety of equipment and project financing specific to the graphic communications and converting industries.

PRINT 09 is expected to welcome more than 650 exhibitors showcasing the entire gamut of printing-related equipment, products and services this fall. The global graphic communications show will fill the North and South halls of the expansive McCormick Place with the latest technologies in commercial and quick printing, publishing, high-volume transactional output, package printing and more.

For complete information, visit: www.print09.com.