Braintree, MA – Around 150 printing and graphic communications professionals RSVP'd that they'd attend Braintree Printing's March 31st open house -- and 300 showed up. Braintree Printing owner Jim Corliss was pleased with the successful turnout at the company's Wood Road, Braintree, MA printing plant and said it's proof that the printing industry continues to thrive.

"It was a terrific social event with food, drinks, raffles and leisure time to talk shop with people in our busy trade," said Corliss who planned the celebration as a networking night and a chance to learn about industry trends and new technology.

Corliss said printing pros at the gathering hailed from Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania. They included printers, paper merchants, equipment dealers, printing employees and graphic communications professionals.

While the economic downturn has hit the U.S. printing industry hard, many businesses, such as Braintree Printing, have survived by incorporating digital and online technologies and diversifying services.

Corliss said collaboration within the industry -- sharing ideas and partnering on projects is also key. He praised the efforts of printing colleagues and his employees in making the open house such a well-organized success.

Braintree Printing staff, wearing white shirts embroidered with the company logo, greeted guests at the door. They bartended, served food and gave tours. Bindery crew demonstrated the company's newest acquisitions: a UV roller coater made by Fergesen Systems and a digital envelope printer from RENA.

Blue Hills Regional Technical School students were also on hand promoting Braintree Printing's apprenticeship training program.

Colleagues from numerous businesses, including Sappi Paper, Komori and DeBourke Company, donated raffle prizes. A $250 gift certificate to Boston's Capital Grille given by Xerox was won by Edward Figueroa of Kreate and Print, Norwood, MA. Two Red Sox tickets donated by Lindenmeyer Paper were awarded to Dave Spaulding of DAS Print Group, Manchester, NH.

Former Braintree Printing employee Martha Marsden of Marsden Creative photographed and videotaped the night's festivities.