TROY, Michigan, September 9, 2002 -- Combining the growing trends of digital printing and online training, Allegra Network LLC recently launched "Profiting with Toner", the company's first online workshop. The training program focuses on maximizing the tremendous opportunities available through digital printing, helping clients "profit" from enhanced print communications faster and at a higher quality than ever before. Allegra Network LLC, the world's second largest printing franchise, initiated the four-module training program so franchise owners, customer service representatives, account managers and outside salespeople can advise their customers about the advantages of toner-based printing. On-demand digital printing offers businesses cost effective, quick turnaround on smaller quantities of printed materials. With printing industry estimates indicating that up to 26 percent of company literature is thrown away due to obsolescence, the trend towards toner-based printing is increasing significantly. "Profiting with Toner's" introduction includes audio and video commentary from Bill McIntyre, president and CEO of Allegra Network. Print Tec founder and "Profiting with Toner's" developer Bill Farquharson is also featured in the introduction, as well as two Allegra Print & Imaging franchise owners. The courses appear as PowerPoint slides, with audio tutorial from Farquharson, one of the industry's leading digital sales and marketing experts. Upon completion of all four modules, participants are encouraged to take and submit a final exam for correction. "As an industry leader in printing technology, the Allegra Network produced this program to help our franchise owners, their staff and customers discover the capabilities of digital printing and identify potential opportunities," said Toby Wagner, Allegra Network's director of training. "By offering the course online, we're giving franchise owners the convenience of working at their own pace, while the final exam keeps the learning experience interactive." "Profiting with Toner" gives participants instant access to individualized training. Students can skip over sections they are familiar with and spend more time on new information. Working online ensures efficient use of valuable time and eliminates job disruption and travel expenses often associated with classroom training. Each 20-25 minute course covers a different aspect of toner-based work. The first course explains the language of digital printing. The second and third modules focus on identifying ideal toner-based projects and asking solution-oriented questions, while the final course focuses on color copying. Franchise members are also provided with supplementary educational materials to reproduce and distribute to their customers. "Every year we train more than 600 Allegra Network owners and staff on diverse topics including inside and outside sales techniques, marketing, new technology, customer service, account management, staff retention and sales profitability," said Wagner. "By enhancing our traditional training mediums, such as regional meetings, seminars and national conventions, with online courses, we expect that number to continue to increase significantly." Allegra Network, with more than 500 locations in North America, Japan and Poland, supports seven brands including Allegra Print & Imaging, American Speedy Printing, Instant Copy, Insty-Prints, Quik Print, Speedy Printing, and Zippy Print. The company ranks in the top 200 in sales among all franchise companies in the world. Their independently owned franchises specialize in full-service print and graphic communications. Principal shareholders include members of Allegra Network management and Domino's Pizza founder and former CEO, Thomas S. Monaghan.