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.