Winter 2005                    return to newsletter contents page

Good News from FPPA

Lee Grantham

FPPA President

As I write this column, I feel like I have only good news to report about FPPA. I’m thankful to be in that position. The Association has been experiencing a very strong year on the membership front. We’ve welcomed 7 new member companies this past Fall alone, and there seems to be an abundance of interest from the industry about what we’re doing as an organization.

Secondly, we have what I consider to be one of the strongest programs in recent years planned for the upcoming Annual Convention in Florida next month.

Early interest appears to be very strong…remember to register by January 28^th to take advantage of earlybird rates.

The Customer Panel will once again tell us what they expect from us as trade shops and how we can help them be successful in the future. Another focus of this year’s panel will be digital – what our customers are doing with it and what it might mean for the plate business in the very near future. We all need to be walking into this with our eyes and minds wide open.

We’ve also brought the Affiliate Supplier Panel back for this year’s Convention. Representatives from BCM Inks, KBA North America and Harper Corporation will provide updates on innovations within their companies and markets. The products and services that these companies provide find their way to trade shops through our customers. It’s better to learn what we can from the source, so that we can help our customers with their business decisions.

Make your plans as soon as possible to get the best rates on travel. There is a current list of registrants on the FPPA web site. If there is a noticeable absence on the list, give that person a call today and tell them they “need” to be in Miami for this meeting.

The Technological Innovator of the Year Award Competition is still open and judging will take place at the annual meting. Please consider your innovative ideas for this competition. The free press and media coverage is terrific. Entries must be in by February 4.

It has been an honor to serve as your President over the past year. I have enjoyed serving the membership and am excited about FPPA’s prospects moving forward. I look forward to serving with Chris Horton, our incoming President for 2005-2006!

See you in Florida!

Lee Grantham, President