May 28, 2004 -- Defenders of Wildlife, a Quad/Graphics client, recently won an award for "Most Improved Magazine" in the 2004 Excel competition sponsored by the Society of National Association Publications. Though the non-profit conservation group has worked with us for less than a year, Mark Cheater, Defenders of Wildlife editor and director of Publications, feels the people at Quad/Graphics played an important role in earning the honor for its quarterly magazine, Defenders. "When I was brought in to revamp Defenders, I hired new staff to help in fulfilling a fresh vision for the publication," Mr. Cheater said. "I also began looking for a printer who could help us transform our magazine into the high quality publication that fit that vision. Having worked with Quad/Graphics in the past, they were one of the first I approached." According to Mr. Cheater, Defenders of Wildlife needed a printer that had two critical capabilities. First, it had to be a full-service shop. "Our staff is small," he said. "So, we need a printer who can handle it all, from prepress through delivery. That gives our people more time to concentrate on their own responsibilities." Second, but probably more importantly, Mr. Cheater wanted a print partner who could deliver the high caliber color separations that the magazine’s nature photography demands. "Because it’s about nature and wildlife, beautifully, accurately rendered photography is crucial," he said. "There’s really no room for error, and that’s one of the reasons we selected Quad/Graphics." To ensure quality color, Quad/Imaging does full prepress for Defenders. "It’s a color intensive publication," said Marie Prete, Washington, D.C., Imaging Sales. "The publication is full of photography. That makes Defenders an especially good fit for us. Our people love the challenge of keeping the color realistic." Quad/Imaging scans, color corrects and prepares files for printing at Quad/Graphics. "Our vision is to produce a beautiful nature magazine," Mr. Cheater said. "The Excel award is a testament to the hard work, creativity and persistence of not only our own staff, but to the fine work of many people at Quad/Graphics as well." Mr. Cheater also noted that Quad/Graphics has not only helped enhance the look of Defenders but has improved the company’s bottom line. Half of the more than 300,000 copies of the magazine are slotted as special fundraising vehicles, and Quad/Graphics customizes cover wraps for them. According to Mr. Cheater, the group has seen an increase in fundraising results since implementing the customization. "In addition, Quad/Graphics’ co-mailing program has definitely helped us save money on mailing," he said. Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. You can see its award-winning publication, Defenders, at www.defenders.org. After printing each issue, Quad/Imaging gives PDF files to Defenders of Wildlife, so it can use them to create its e-magazine.