PARAMUS, N.J., Sept. 16, 2003 – Printers will learn how to calculate their productivity quotient (PQ) and apply it to their companies for maximum results at the 29th Annual Progress in the Pressroom Seminar: What is your “PQ”?, sponsored by the Research & Engineering Council of NAPL, and slated for Nov. 18-20, 2003, at the Marriott O’Hare Hotel in Chicago. A PQ is a measurement of how a company’s current productivity levels compare with the optimum levels it can attain based on its press capacity, market requirements, and manning or operational constraints. Knowing their PQ gives printers a solid foundation for increasing efficiencies and growing their businesses. “Determining their productivity quotient is just one aspect of what printers will learn,” said John P. Sweeney, director, Color Measurement Systems, Graphics Microsystems, Inc., R&E Council vice president, and chair of this year’s Seminar. “Attendees will hear from noted industry leaders on how to identify opportunities for growth and increased profitability and respond to them effectively. Any printer who is seeking a roadmap for how to maximize efficiencies in the pressroom and move forward as a company should participate in this one-of-a kind seminar.” Among the many noted speakers featured at the Seminar are: • Robert A. Brown, chief executive officer, Goss International Corporation: The head of this global designer and manufacturer of advanced technology web offset press systems, press equipment, and services to the newspaper and commercial printing industries will deliver a keynote address on “The Challenges Ahead” for today’s printing companies. • David C. Branch, president, Branch-Smith Printing Ltd. Branch-Smith Printing, recipient of the 2002 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, grew its customer base from 91 in 1998 to 167 in 2002, and increased sales 72% over four years, maintaining that gain in 2002, when the industry as a whole had a sales decline of 6.6%. Branch will share his company’s experiences and provide insights into how printers can integrate quality into their organizations for profitable results. • Bob Erbstein, principal, Graphic Transitions, LLC, and member of the R&E Council of NAPL Steering Committee. As the interest in closed-loop color continues to increase among both printers and customers, Erbstein will present customer case studies and market statistics in a “Closed-Loop Color Update” to help attendees understand the systems available and how they can respond to the opportunities presented by this emerging area. Attendees will also hear a special presentation on “Profit Leaders Success Factors,” focusing on the best practices used by NAPL’s Long-Run Growth Leaders to consistently achieve profitable growth. Through interactive sessions led by experts in their fields, printer case histories, and presentations by early adopters of new technologies, attendees will learn about every aspect of running an efficient pressroom, including the latest thinking in computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM); reducing makereadies; color management; equipment acquisition and maintenance; and maximizing press speeds. The popular Technology Vendor Panels will provide an opportunity for printers to hear about the hot new technologies available and have their questions answered by leading suppliers. Productivity in the Pressroom is an essential learning experience for anyone involved in pressroom operations and/or responsible for the implementation of new technology, including pressroom managers, quality control managers, product managers, or company owners/presidents. For registration and information, call (800) 642-6275, Option 3, or visit www.napl.org/events/.