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
Winter 2024 – Labels Labels Labels

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.

“I received the copies of the Connected, you all did a great job on the piece! Thanks for the work you put into it. We will being to share the article with prospects/customers.”

Lars Ho-Tseung

Custom Label

Archives

Connected

Fall 2023 – Sales Thinking Outside the Box

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

Connected

Summer 2023 – How Family Buisnesses Forge Their Own Path

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

Connected

Spring 2023 – The Next Generation of Print & Design Talent

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

Connected

Winter 2023 – Advancements in Print Technology

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.

Connected

Fall 2022 – Strategies for Smashing Sales

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

Connected

Summer 2022 – Creative Strategies for Attracting & Retaining Employees

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

Connected

Spring 2022 – Invest in Our Planet

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

Connected

Winter 2022 – Creating Your Creative Advantage

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

Connected

Fall 2021 – Employees are the Key to Small Business Success

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

Connected

Summer 2021 – On Line Bindery

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

Connected

Spring 2021 – See a Whole Latte Results with New Sales Goals

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

Connected

Winter 2021 – Planning for a Strong 2021

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.

Connected

Fall 2020 – Connecting with Customers During COVID-19

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

Connected

Summer 2020 - Resilience Through Crisis

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

VMA is the partner you need to build, innovate, grow, and protect your business.