PARAMUS, N.J., March 29, 2002 - While much of the graphic arts industry struggled during the recent recession, a number of printing companies not only survived but thrived and are now well-positioned to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a recovering economy.  National Association of Printing Leadership President I. Gregg Van Wert, Executive Vice President Joseph Truncale, and several printing executives will examine their strategies at programs in St. Louis and Indianapolis in April.  The NAPL Executive Briefing 2002: Remaining Profitable in a Down Economy, will be held at the Chesire Inn., St. Louis, Mo., Tuesday, April 23, 2002,  7:45a.m.-11a.m., and at the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, Ind., Wednesday, April 24, 2002, 7:45a.m.-11a.m.  “As the economy comes out of a recession, it’s more critical than ever to understand and implement proven techniques for profitability,” says Mr. Van Wert.  “Through NAPL’s research, printers can have access to the time-tested practices that can help them realize the kind of sustained growth that only a handful of companies have achieved until now.”  An ambitious, ground-breaking, 10-year study conducted by NAPL’s Printing Economic Research Center profiles the techniques and strategies used by Long-Run Growth Leaders to consistently sustain and grow profitability.  Participants will hear how Leader companies have insulated themselves from the negative effects of the business cycle by dealing successfully with today’s most critical issues, including the fluctuating economy; cost inflation in wages and benefits; diminished customer loyalty; equipment and technology costs; maintaining pricing strategies in the face of increased competition; the shortage of skilled production personnel; excess capacity; creating a competitive advantage; and timely collection of receivables.   Company executives who want to get a first-hand view of how industry leaders achieve their success can register for the NAPL Executive Briefing online at www.napl.org/events/exec_briefing or by calling NAPL at 800-642-6275 and selecting Option #3.  Registration is $75 per person, including food and beverages.                                                  April 23, 2002, Chesire, Inn., St. Louis, Mo., 7:45a.m.-11a.m.: NAPL Executive Briefing 2002: Remaining Profitable in a Down Economy.  Hear the best practices used by growth leaders in the printing industry to achieve double-digit growth despite economic challenges.  Registration: $75 per person, food and beverages included.  Register online at www.napl.org/events/exec_briefing or by calling NAPL at 800-642-6275 and selecting Option #3.   April 24, 2002, Indianapolis Marriott Downtown, Indianapolis, Ind., 7:45a.m.-11a.m: NAPL Executive Briefing 2002: Remaining Profitable in a Down Economy.  Hear the best practices used by growth leaders in the printing industry to achieve double-digit growth despite economic challenges.  $75 per person, food and beverages included. Register online at www.napl.org/events/exec_briefing or by calling NAPL at 800-642-6275 and selecting Option #3.  About NAPL: Chartered in 1933, the National Association for Printing Leadership is a not-for-profit trade association representing the $88 billion commercial printing industry.  NAPL’s mission is “To enable the printing community to profit from change” through a full range of management and educational services to its membership, including conferences, seminars, periodicals, books, consulting, and economic information.  NAPL's Printing Economic Research Center provides timely, accurate analysis of business conditions in the commercial printing industry, based on monthly responses from its 300-member Printing Business Panel.  It systematically uncovers the trends—economical, technological, managerial, or social—that most profoundly affect print's performance and prospects.