Connected Magazine from VMA
A quarterly print magazine for business owners in the print and creative agency industry.
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Distributed to VMA members, Connected is a print publication filled with VMA program updates, member news, upcoming events, and business news.
Current Edition
Connected
Fall 2024 – Harnessing the Future of Print & Design: AI, Robotics, & Automation
Features
Be Flexible, or Else You’ll Break: How Calitho Builds Through Constant Innovation
Leading the Leap Forward: Navigating the Future of Print
With the ZRX, Harris & Bruno Is Pioneering Print Automation
VMA Insider
Top Human Resource Law Pitfalls: A Recap
50th Collective Conversations: “The 25 Best Sales Tips Ever”
Upcoming Events
ConnectUp at Harris & Bruno • Roseville • December 5, 2024
1Annual CrabFest at PIASC • San Mateo • January 24, 2025
Canon Corner
Innovation with Canon is More Like ‘Ink-ovation’
Member News
MCC Expands Smart Label Capabilities
- Delta Print Group’s Hottest Printer
- Kelly Spicers Partners with Italian Paper Maker Fedrigoni
Ask the Experts
Prints Evolutionary Revolution
Michael J. Pallerino, Director Of Content, Conduit, Inc.
Embracing AI: Transforming Small Business Marketing
Kelly Mallozzi, Owner & Sales Coach, Success In Print
Archives
Features
How Rising Print Star, Katie Pomerleau Combines Creativity with Technical Skills
Learning by Doing with Future Print Leader, Jacob Topete
How Sam Moore Is Turning His Creative Dreams into Reality
VMA Insider
Home Run Fun: Highlights from VMA’s Inaugural Summer Baseball Event
VMA Champions Next-Gen Talent at drupa
AI Marketing Makes a Mark: Collective Conversations Event
Upcoming Events
09/19 Join us for the 2024 VMA Golf Tournament & BBQ!
10/10 Kelly Spicer’s Wide Format Open House in Fremont
10/16 – “Top 25 Sales Tips of All Times” with Bill Farquharson – Our 50th Anniversary Collective Conversation!
12/05 – ConnectUp networking event at Harris & Bruno in Roseville.
Canon Corner
Canon’s Next Generation Programs
Member News
Pacific Standard Print Adds New Diecutter
New Resource Videos from Canon
First-of-its-Kind Digital Embellishment System from Harris & Bruno
Iggesund Introduces Tactical Experience Paper
Andresen Creates Eye-Catching Tradeshow Graphics
Melrose Nameplate & Label Unveils Fresh Website Redesign
Ask the Experts
Bringing Design to Life: A Graduate’s Journey in Print
Trinity Baublits, Project Manager, Almaden
How to Attract Gen Z to the Workplace
Kelly Mallozzi, Owner & Sales Coach, Success In Print
Features
- Customizable is Shaping the Next Generation of Print
Landa Digital Printing: Driving Major Innovation with Microscopic Droplets of Ink
- After Years of Practice, Print2Fly is Ready to Soar
VMA Insider
Networking Event at Corefact in San Leandro
- ConnectUp at On Line Bindery, Richmond
Upcoming Events
- Join Us at Our Inaugural Baseball Networking Event
- VMA & drupa 2024: Bridging Innovation
Member News
- Copa Design Shines: Wins Award at GDUSA’s 60th Anniversary Showcase
- Moquin Press Installs Cutting-Edge Press
- Canon Unveils Next-Gen Presses for Enhanced Productivity
- Landa Introduces Advanced Press Models for Performance & Versatility
- RRD Expands Label Capacity to Meet eCommerce Demands
Ask the Experts
The Advance of AI for the Print Industry
Tony Tarpey, COO, Smartsoft Inc.
What’s New With Canon!
Rusty Davis, Senior Account Executive, Cannon Production Printing Systems
Features
- At Custom Label, Culture Is the Key to Growth
Vintage 99 Pours Passion into Every Label
Melrose Doesn’t Just Make Labels. It Manufactures Solutions.
VMA Insider
2024 VMA CrabFest
Canon Corner
- Green is Good
Member News
- Andresen Digital School Field Trip
Ask the Experts
Labels, Often a Missed Opportunity
Sandy Franzen, Ceo and Founder, Creative Labels
Printing Safe In 2024: New Rules, Zero Accidents
Steve Brooks, Owner & Operator, Safetynet Inc.
Features
Building a Thriving Graphic Arts Business from the Garage
Family Business Fundamentals with Dr. Ralph Williams
Maintaining Values from Family to Family… to Family
VMA Insider
Print University – New On-Demand Print Industry Training
Get a Talented Fall Intern
- New Member Benefit: Priority 1 Freight
VMA Annual Golf Tournament 2023 – September 21
- VMA Recent Events:
ConnectUp CMYK
ConnectUp LPP
Member News
MCC Label Acquires Korsini
More Acquisitions: Kyocera buys Nixka
Case Makes’ Adds New Rainbow Sparkle Capability
BR Printers: Two HP PageWide Web Presses T240 HD Go Live
Ask the Experts
Three Generations & Going
Ernest Lompa, Owner, On Line Bindery
Because Everything’s Better With Print
Joan Escover, President, Jp Graphics
Features
- Building a Thriving Graphic Arts Business from the Garage
How TGS Elevate Reaches New Heights with Innovative Sales Techniques
Your Organization’s Sales Differentiator: You!
VMA Insider
Elevate Your Sales Strategies with VMA’s Innovative Resources
Unlock Industry Sales Excellence with The Sales Vault
Personalized Sales Training with Dave Mantel, Sales Trainer
VM Guide – A Cost-Effective Advertising Solution
Save the Date: Come Network at CrabFest 2024
2023 VMA Annual Golf Tournament
Canon Corner
- Inkjet Propulsion – Out of this World!
Member News
Delta Print Group Expands with Robinson Anderson Print & Fulfillment
BR Printers Installs RMGT 8-Color Series Perfecting Offset Press
Copa Design announces Copa Breeze
Ask the Experts
Try This Approach. I Dare You.
Bill Farquharson, Owner & Sales Trainer, Sales Vault
Unlocking Sales Opportunities Through Your Trade Association
Shannon Wolford, Director Of Membership & Sales, Visual Media Alliance
Features
Check out VMA’s New Website
Free Energy Audit for Members
ConnectUp Live Networking
Crab-solutely Amazing CrabFest 2023!
“Print & Popular Culture” Student Design Contest Winners
Nurturing the Next Generation of Print and Graphic Arts Professionals
Check out VMA’s New Website
Free Energy Audit for Members
VMA Insider
Cal Poly GrC Program Member-Exclusive Career Fair
$500K in Scholarships for Current and New Students
Cal Poly Internships Offers Fresh Minds to Local Businesses
NEW Industry-Specific Training for Employees – FREE for Members
Student Networking and Field Trips
VMA’s Career Center Assistance
Mentorships Evoke a Personal Connection
Engaging Students with Creative Design Contests
Member News
Centurion 7 Advises MarkSYS on Sale to Endurance
Melrose Nameplate Solves Customer Crisis
Konica Minolta Signs CEO Action Diversity Inclusion Pledge
Almaden is Growing
New Partner and CTO at Rods and Cones
Ask the Experts
Next Generation In Print & Design
Colleen Twomey, Professor At Cal Poly State University
Be a Magnet for the Next Industry Leaders
Lauryn Kim, Third-Year Grc Student at California Polytechnic State University
Features
UBEO Helps Printers Expand their Horizons (AND THEIR PROFITS
Corefact + HP: Pushing Print into the Future
How Canon Provides the Right Innovation at the Right Time
VMA Insider
- VMA Technologies Suite:
Kodak-Brand Special Rebates
Discount on Apple-Brand Products
PressWise – Workflow Automation & More
PrintReleaf Uses Technology for Print Sustainability
Save Big on Shipping with UPS
Working Advantage Discount Program
- Upcoming Events
Ask the Professor “2023 Print Trends & Insights” Collective Conversations
Member News
International Contact is Now Part of the Language Network
TGS Elevate Produces Multi-State Marketing Initiative
MCC Acquires Flexcoat Label Operations
New Color Management Solution by ESKO & GMG Partnership
Moquin Prints Packaging that Makes Flossing Fun
Ask the Experts
Changing Climate Brings New Rules and New Ideas
Laura Aitken and Erica Aitken Rods and Cones
Implementing A Print Mis – Getting Your StaffOn Board
Tony Tarpey, Chief Operating Officer at Smartsoft Inc.
Features
- Delta Print Delta Print Group’s Secrets to Sales Success
- An Open Mind Closes Deals
- How Being an Active Listener Makes for a Better Salesperson
VMA Insider
- VMA Sales Suite including:
- Visibility and Advertising Opportunities in VMGuide + VMAccess.org,
- Sales and Marketing Expert Consultants: Bill Farquharson – Sales Coach, Leslie Groene – Sales Strategies Expert, Sonali Shah – Marketing Expert
- Sales Vault – Sales Coaching
- SalesCircle Events Sales Networking
- Upcoming events
- VMA Golf Tournament
Member News
- Multi-Color Corp. North America Wine & Spirits Wins at APS22!
- Find Your Flavor with GatoNegro’s #ShowYourPride Campaign
- Case Makes Launches New Sustainable Product
- 300FeetOut Becomes a Certified Green Business
- JP Graphics Buys Assets of Zion Press
- Advantage ColorGraphics Purchases Bert-Co Industries
Ask the Experts
- 8 Selling Tips for the Second Half of 2022!
Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting - 315 Words on Brevity
Bill Farquharson, Sales Expert, SalesVault
Features
- When You Need to Hire Workers, But Nobody Likes the Work
- Wrangling the Right Employees at Western Trade Printing
- 7 Creative Ways to Recruit Employees
VMA Insider
- Health & Other Expected Benefits
- VMA & Partner Employee Education & Training
- Surveys and Reports to Make You Competitive
- Developing Fresh Talent
- Upcoming events
Member News
- Packaging Buys Dome Printing
Canon Launches Exciting New Digital Press - Affinity Creative Fun Design for Dough Ball Whiskey
- SWM and Neenah Paper to Combine
- BR Printers Acquires C&D Printing
Ask the Experts
- Joy in the Workplace: Why it’s Good for Business
Karina Margit Erdely, Mineral - How Conducting Exit Interviews Can Help You Increase Retention
Kyle Cupp, Mineral
Features
- Earth Day Design Contest Winners
Sustainability, Good for Your Bottom Line - Strategies & Tactics to Easily Go Green
- SAVING THE WORLD – One Small Step at a Time
- Straight from the Source, How a Woman Owned Company Encourages Sustainability
- Can Sustainability Help You Find & Retain Employees? Yes, it Can!
VMA Insider
- VMA Programs for Sustainability
- Save 50% with QuickBooks® Online (QBO)
- Save on Shipping While Being Sustainable
- PrintReleaf Sustainability Certification – Reforest with Every Job
- FSC Certification – Ensures Products Are Sustainable
- Upcoming events
Ask the Experts
- Offset Your Paper Footprint with Printreleaf
Jenny Dela Cruz, Sustainability and Print Expert, Snow - Sustainability is Important for Everyone
Jeff Jarvis, VP & GM, Kelly Spicers
Features
- Creating a Competitive Advantage to Take on 2022
- Standing Out With Storytelling
- How to Design a Powerhouse Team
VMA Insider
- VMA’s New Website
- Exclusive Kodak Discount
- Past Events:
- ConnectUp Networking Events
- Informative Collective Conversation Events
- Holiday SalesCircle Event
- UpcomingEvents:
- CrabFest 2022
- Collective Conversations
- ConnectUp
- SalesCircle
- Americas Print Show APS22
Member News
- Fun Redesign of Carmel Valley Ranch by Square Peg Design
- BR Printers Acquires Book and Catalog Printer
- Pitney Bowes Gears Up with Automation & Expanded Workforce
- Konica Minolta Donates Equipment to Cal Poly
- Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) Wins Award for Environmental Leadership
Ask the Experts
- Rethink Your Sales Call
Bill Farquharson, Sales Expert, SalesVault - It’s All About the Personal Connection
Shannon Wolford, Sales Expert, VMA
Features
- The Secret Sauce to Your Business: Employees
- Mission Possible: How Moquin Press is Solving Staffing Challenges
- What Small Business Can Teach Us in 2021
VMA Insider
- It’s Open Enrollment Time
- Finding Local Talent Made Easier
- Small Business Cyber Attacks are on the Rise – Cowbell to the Rescue
- Upcoming VMA Events
Member News
- Stunning Pebble Beach “Rendezvous” Work By Andresen
- Lowest Price Print Acquires Volume Press
- JP Graphics Harnesses the Sun
- Resource Label Expands California Presence
- MBD Receives Prestigious Awards
Ask the Experts
- Employees are a Reflection of Your Business
Barbara Stephensen, Chief Experience Officer 300FeetOut - Happier Employees Make for Happier Everybody
Jennifer Wiegley, Attorney
Features
- Getting to the Light at the End of the Tunnel
- A Positive PivotCapitalizing on Challenges to Create Opportunities
- On Line Bindery is Forging Ahead with Positivity and Not Being Afraid to Get a Little Weird
VMA Insider
- VMA Works to Protect Our Industry
- Print Industry Regional Associations Become Independent
- ThinkHR Rebrands As Mineral
- As Things Re-Open, Make Sure Your Business Is Covered
- Sales Made Easy with New Sales Vault Portal
- NEW VMA Website Coming Soon
- Upcoming VMA Events
Member News
- Affinity Creative Rebrands Napa Valley’s Brandlin Estate
- Kelly Spicers Acquires California Supply North, Expanding NorCal Packaging Footprint
- Chen Design Creates An Immersive Website Experience
- Copa Wins Silicon Valley Business Journal Latinx award
- Northern California’s First Only Performance J Press Sheetfed Inkjet Press
Ask the Experts
- Marketing & The Future
Sonali Shah, Marketing Expert, VMA - Restart Faster With The Right Price
Bob Lingren, Printing Consultant
Features
- The Art of Networking
- Building Credibility and Sustaining It with Relationships:Sales Secrets From Daily Digital Imaging
- The Power of a Good First Impression
VMA Insider
- Save on Home & Auto Insurance with MetLife
- Increase Your Value Props with PrintReleaf Sustainability Certification
- Mineral – Free HR Perks
- AT&T Member Discount
- North Califronia Print, Packaging, Label, Design-focused Job Center
- Business Risks on the Rise, VMA’s Biz Insurance Dept. Helps Protect
- $20K in Scholarship Awarded
Member News
- North California Printer Looking for Investor
- BR Printers Acquisition Creates Perfect Book Printing Platform
- Devilish Designs for Olive Oil Brand Diavolicchio
- Creative Use of Cut-Outs Captures Brand Concept
- RRD Creates Commercial Print Center of Excellence
Ask the Experts
- Define Your Value Propositions!
Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting - Can I Have Your Attention Please?
Bill Farquharson, Sales Expert, SalesVault
Features
- 8 Important Resolutions for Small Businesses
- For Impact Printing, Good Planning Is All About Positioning
- Creativity and Compassion Drive 2021 Planning
VMA Insider
- Our Membership Drive Success
- Collective Conversations – A Positive Value
- PRINTING United Virtual Tradeshow Success
- Welcome Aboard Ian Flynn – VMA’s new President
- VMAccess Rebuild and Stats
- A New Health Care Option
- MetLife: A benefit to protect the things that are important to you
Member News
- Andresen Acquires MegaSolutions
- BR Printers Acquires CMC On Demand
- Spicers Exciting New Offering
- GMG ColorCard Revolutionizes the Industry
- Affinity Creative Group Awakens the Spirit of Alaska
- Lahlou’s Youngest Client Supports Otters
Ask the Experts
- Sales Strategies for the New Year
Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting - New Year Tech Prep
Mick Wolcott, Goldman Lockey Solutions, Inc.
Features
- COVID-19 Requires a Customer-Centric Strategy
- Responsiveness and Relationship Building: GM Nameplate’s Keys for Customer Satisfaction
- How Adduci is Delivering Customer Value in the Pandemic
VMA Insider
- VMAccess.org New Site
- Collective Conversations a Hit
- Job Board Restarted, Features New Website
- PIA is Now PrUA, Our Industry’s New Super Association
- New “Print is Everywhere” Materials Just Released!
- VMA Marketing Campaigns
- This Open Enrollment, Get Set with a Broker Dedicated to Your Industry & Your Success
Member News
- Andresen Designs Unique Multi-piece Project to Steward Responsible Tech
- Kelly/Spicers Acquires American Packaging, Expanding Its Packaging Business
- Aslan Graphics Celebrates 25 Years in Business
- Canon Releases New High Volume Color Printer Models
Ask the Experts
- Technology for the Work-From-Home Times
Mick Wolcott, Goldman Lockey Solutions, Inc. - Sales Reentry Strategy: Are You Ready?
Leslie Groene, Groene Consulting
Features
- Adjusting Your Sails: Business Crisis Requires Resilience
- Perfecting the Pivot: How Pacific Color Graphics is Surviving the Crisis
- Courage, Compassion and Communication: Copa’s Keys to Surviving the Crisis
VMA Insider
- Print is Essential: Wins at All Levels of Government
- SGIA and PIA Merge Create Super Association
- Reopening Guidelines
- The 2020 Buyers Guide and the New Version of VM Access
- VMA Works to Keep Members Resilient
Member News
- Spectrum Litho’s New Ventur CartonXPress Offers Easy Custom Packaging Solutions
- Affinity Creative Group Bolsters Brand Strategy Capabilities with New Hire, Bob Kerstan
- Delta Print Group Christens New Facility
- Chen Design Offers Creative Package for Challenging Times
Ask the Experts
- Staying Abreast of COVID-19 Legal Issues
Jenny Wiegley, HR Labor Law Attorney - COVID-19 Federal Program Overview
Dr. Gerry Bonetto, Government Affairs Specialist
