Liberty, Missouri – To salute the unique contributions of in-house corporate publishing, printing and distribution professionals, the International Publishing Management Association (IPMA) has created In-Plant Awareness Week. The theme for this first annual event, slated for the week of February 22-28 in 2004, will be "Quality Comes from the Inside." IPMA President Craig Sedgwick, CGCM, is excited about offering this week-long recognition. "It's part of our continuing effort to strengthen our members and their parent organizations. Our goal is to put the spotlight on all in-house corporate printing and mailing shops during the week of February 22-28." The designation of a special week allows organizations to not only reflect on the contributions made by these in-house groups, but also gives in-plants an opportunity to say thank you to their staffs, customers and the vendor-community. "Those of us who understand the value that internal services provide to an organization know the importance of promoting your services and the work of your team," explains IPMA's Chief Operating Officer Carol Kraft, CGCM. "In-plants touch customers every day by handling their most critical business documents. They are an extension the service departments of all companies and should be recognized as such." "IPMA has created In-Plant Awareness Week as a way to promote and acknowledge these areas as an important service element in an organization. The theme "Quality Comes From the Inside" reflects the pride that in-plants have in the work they produce." To help make In-Plant Awareness Week one to be remembered by in-plant staffs, customers and vendors, IPMA will be offering a variety of celebratory items, as well as a complete promotional kit, describing how managers can use this event to build recognition about the special role in-plants play in the success of their organizations. To find out what products are available and ways to celebrate, contact IPMA (816) 781.1111; FAX (816) 781.2790 or log on to their web site (www.ipma.org).