Consolidated Graphics' Maximum Graphics Completes SAS 70 Type II Audit

Maximum Graphics, a Consolidated Graphics company, announced the successful completion of the Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 Type II Service Auditor's Report.

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) November 17, 2009 -- Maximum Graphics, a subsidiary of Consolidated Graphics and a leader in variable data processing, printing and fulfillment, announced the successful completion of the Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 70 Type II Service Auditor's Report. The SAS 70 audit provides an in-depth analysis of internal control activities, including controls over information technology and related processes.
Maximum Graphics has confirmed the quality of internal controls over sensitive data provided by customers, complementing its breadth of digital print capabilities.As a result of this audit, Maximum Graphics has confirmed the quality of internal controls over sensitive data provided by customers, complementing its breadth of digital print capabilities. Maximum Graphics is integral to Consolidated Graphics' world leading digital printing platform.

“Receiving the SAS 70 Type II Report is a reflection of Maximum Graphics' continuing commitment to safeguarding the quality, accuracy and privacy of our clients' information,” said John Scheffler, President of Maximum Graphics. “It provides assurance that the systems we use meet the highest standards and that best practices are implemented during all stages of job production, giving our clients peace of mind that their sensitive customer data is safe and secure.”

The audit was performed by McGladrey & Pullen, LLP and included tests conducted over a six-month period in Maximum Graphics' operational environment. Regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and the Gramm-Leach Bliley Act have emphasized a need to provide clients with an independent party opinion and analysis verifying the effectiveness of internal controls, security and privacy. Audit results indicate that controls are in place and properly being followed at Maximum Graphics.

SAS 70 Overview

Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) No. 70, Service Organizations, is a widely recognized auditing standard developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). A service auditor's examination performed in accordance with SAS No. 70 (“SAS 70 Audit”) is widely recognized because it represents that service organization has been through an in-depth audit of their control objectives and control activities, which often include controls over information technology and related processes.

About Consolidated Graphics

Consolidated Graphics, Inc. (CGX), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is one of North America's leading general commercial printing companies. With 70 printing businesses strategically located across 27 states, Canada, and in Prague, we offer an unmatched geographic footprint, unsurpassed capabilities, and unparalleled levels of convenience, efficiency and service. With locations in or near virtually every major U.S. market, CGX provides service and responsiveness of a local printer enhanced by the economic, geographic and technological advantages of a large national organization.

Consolidated Graphics' vast and technologically advanced sheetfed and web printing capabilities are complemented by the largest integrated digital footprint of any commercial printer in the U.S. By coupling North America's most comprehensive printing capabilities with strategically located fulfillment centers and industry-leading technology, CGX delivers solutions that create a spectrum of value for customers. CGX offers the unique ability to respond to all printing-related needs no matter how large, small, specialized or complex. For more information, visit www.cgx.com.

About McGladrey & Pullen LLP and RSM McGladrey

McGladrey & Pullen LLP (a partner-owned CPA firm) delivers audit and attest services. It operates in an alternative practice structure with RSM McGladrey, a leading professional services firm providing accounting, tax, and business consulting services to middle-market businesses. Through separate and independent legal entities, they work together to serve clients' business needs. Together the companies rank as the fifth largest U.S. provider of accounting, tax and business consulting services (source: Accounting Today), with over 8,000 employees in nearly 100 offices. McGladrey & Pullen LLP and RSM McGladrey Inc. are member firms of RSM International, an affiliation of independent accounting and consulting firms.

Rody Grant Elected to ACCGC Board of Directors

Rody Grant, Director of Recruiting, Training and Development at Consolidated Graphics was elected to serve a 3-year term on the Accrediting Council for Collegiate Graphic Communications (ACCGC) Board of Directors. Grant's term will begin at the end of 2009 and will conclude at the close of the 2012 ACCGC Board of Directors meeting.

"I am honored to have been asked to join the ACCGC Board of Directors and look forward to working with colleges and universities around the country looking for accreditation of their graphic communication programs," said Grant.

The purpose of the ACCGC is to promote and encourage collegiate-level educational programs in graphic communications. The ACCGC also works to improve the quality of instruction through self-study and periodic review. The organization's accreditation process also enables the exchange of ideas between administrative and instructional personnel in academia and personnel in the graphic communications industries.

The goal of collegiate-level degree programs in graphic communications is to prepare students for productive technical, managerial, and/or marketing careers in this dynamic industry. The accreditation procedure was established to assist collegiate educators to develop and strengthen graphic communications academic programs whether the programs are separate majors, minors, or concentrations within an academic major such as industrial technology and comunication studies. For more information on the ACCGC, click here.

HP Inkjet Web Press

CGX was featured in this Hewlett-Packerd video during Print '09. Check it out on YouTube, or embedded below:

HP's Jan Riecher Talks About CGX

HP VP and General Manager Jan Riecher talks about digital printing trends and the role CGX plays in pushing the industry forward with What They Think's Pat Henry. Of the partnership between HP and CGX, Riecher said, "CGX is a great partner because they are really driving new applications and they have the broadest distributed network. They have great breadth of application and the...web press will provide an even better offering to their customers."

Chris Greene Interview With What They Think

Chris Greene, President of Frederic Printing, a Consolidated Graphics company, shares his thoughts on how the new HP Inkjet Web Press will affect his business and the industry as a whole during this interview with What They Think.

LDP Program Forges the Future of Printing

Beginning in 1991, CGX CEO Joe Davis realized that in order to stay at the forefront of printing, it was important to introduce young talent to the otherwise maturing industry. In response to this need, he began the Leadership Development Program (LDP) by recruiting three candidates at Texas A&M University. One of those is now a company president.

In its 18th year, the LDP program has introduced 391 associates into the print industry. Of those, 232 are currently participating in the three year program, evidence of the recent growth the program has experienced. Many of these associates go on to become presidents or remain with Consolidated Graphics in a variety of roles.

"Associates join the LDP program because of the opportunity it provides," said Rody Grant, Director of Recruiting, Training and Development at Consolidated Graphics. "These associates get very involved with the companies they work for, and gain the tools and support they need to be successful." Grant oversees the LDP program and facilitates the rotations and boot camps that associates have the opportunity to experience.

CGX now recruits associates at over 70 universities from across the country, and seeks students that are outgoing, sales oriented, and well-rounded, having participated in campus activities like student government or extra-curricular organizations. While a minimum GPA of 3.0 is required, "CGX is looking for more than book smarts," according to Grant. "As we continue to move more toward digital printing, we are looking for graduates that are knowledgeable in technology and are able to push the industry forward."

CGX's Frederic Printing Launches 2nd Ever HP Inkjet Web Press

In a moment of print history, CGX's Frederic Printing in Denver, Colorado unveiled the second HP Inkjet Web Press ever during a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, August 20th. This revolutionary technology is intended to lower the total cost of ownership and increase digital printing capabilities. The HP Inkjet Web Press offers output up to 30 inches wide, which allows for fast, four-color double-sided printing at 600 dpi with speeds up to 400 feet per minute. This enables up to 70 million impressions per month.

Frederic Printing President Chris Greene said, "This is a milestone in digital printing. Frederic now has the capability to offer our customers more cost effective printing, and is another example of the trend from analog to digital."

The installation of the press is yet another example of the strong partnership between CGX and HP. Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing Aaron Grohs said, "CGX has always been committed to technology, and thanks to our partnership with HP we have the opportunity to go above and beyond where the industry is."

For more information on the HP Inkjet Web Press, visit www.hp.com/go/inkjetwebpress.

EVP Jim Cohen Inducted Into NAPL Soderstrom Society

Consolidated Graphics' Executive Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions, Jim Cohen, will be inducted into the National Association for Printing Leadership's (NAPL) Soderstrom Society during the Society's annual meeting on September 12th at The Park Hyatt Chicago Hotel, held in conjunction with Print 09.

The Soderstrom Society was named for the late Walter E. Soderstrom, one of the founders of NAPL, and is an honors organization that recognizes leaders with outstanding records of industry service, including printing firm owners, equipment manufacturers, consultants, and educators. In response to the award, Cohen said, “I am very honored to have been selected for membership to the Soderstrom Society whose membership is made up of some of the people I admire most in our industry.”

Jim Cohen, an honors graduate of Princeton University who also received a law degree from New York University, began his career at Morgan Stanley in New York as a financial analyst. He then practiced corporate law in New York and London before becoming a partner at a Houston based private equity fund. Since joining Consolidated Graphics as EVP of M&A in 2005, Cohen has led the company’s very active acquisition strategy which included acquiring industry leaders such as The Hennegan Company, PBM Graphics, Annan & Bird and The Cyril-Scott Company as well as smaller “tuck-in” opportunities. Cohen continues to lead Consolidated Graphics' acquisition strategy, which because of Consolidated’s strong balance sheet, remains very active despite the current economic environment.

CGX Annual Shareholders Meeting

Last night was the Consolidated Graphics (CGX) Annual Shareholders' meeting. In typical CGX style, it was an event filled with value and highlighted the relationships that the company is known so well for. Though it was my first shareholders' meeting, I can assure you that it won't be my last.

Over 300 guests filled a ballroom at the Hilton Americas in downtown Houston. CEO Joe Davis kicked off the evening by highlighting the people who directly contribute to the success of this printing magnate, including recipients of the highly coveted Chairman's Award, bankers, legal counsel and employees from across the nation. Particularly impressive were the swarms of associates present as part of the Leadership Development Program that Mr. Davis is personally involved in. This was proof that while other companies are making layoffs, CGX continues to invest in the people that will build the future of printing.

Somehow, despite the fact that CGX reported its first quarterly loss ever just two days before, there was a positive air about the room. Every employee I spoke with seemed personally invested in the success of the company, which is not something you can manufacture.

Aaron Grohs, EVP of Sales and Marketing, highlighted the company's national footprint, claiming that this is a feat that is almost impossible for competitors to replicate. As a result, the company can deliver print products faster and more efficiently than anyone else in the market. Coupled with CGX's strong digital platform, it becomes quickly apparent that this is one printer who is positioned to grow no matter what state the economy is in.