CGX Flex Mailer Saves Postage

Last week, the United States Postal Service (USPS) proposed an across-the-board rate increase for its services. Consolidated Graphics is countering that effort with support from the government agency through its patent-pending CGX Flex Mailer.

The CGX Flex Mailer is a unique, eco-friendly packaging solution that saves money by taking items that are non-machinable and allows them to be mailed as automated flats. “The Flex Mailer has enabled our clients to save millions of dollars in shipping costs, shifting mailings to automated mail through the U.S. Postal Service,” said Craig Reynolds, President of Tucker Printers, a Consolidated Graphics company. “We’ve received an overwhelming response from companies that were contemplating giving up promotional mail items due to the cost limitations, that are now able to continue that aspect of their marketing strategy.”

The CGX Flex Mailer was developed as a custom solution for a premiums and fulfillment customer that needed a cost-effective mailing solution. After hours of brainstorming and testing of various design concepts, Consolidated Graphics arrived at the perfect solution: a highly flexible outer “skin” coupled with a unique inner tray design. The outer skin is tight enough to allow flexibility on both vertical and horizontal axes, while maintaining sufficient surface tension variations less than ¼ of an inch. All of this means that anything mailed within the Flex Mailer is classified as an automated machinable flat, which equals major cost savings to distributors.

The USPS has given the Flex Mailer its blessing, and one Consolidated Graphics client is already anticipated to save over two million dollars annually. The packages can be tracked by the USPS through the Intelligent Mail Barcode that can be printed directly on the piece.

Couple the cost savings with the fact that the packages are produced using wind energy and soy-based inks, making it an environmentally-friendly packaging solution that is green in more ways than one.

CGX acquires Hickory Printing assets

CONOVER, N.C. and HIGH POINT, N.C., June 1 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consolidated Graphics, Inc. (NYSE: CGX) announced that Hickory Printing Solutions, a Consolidated Graphics company, has acquired certain assets of The Hickory Printing Group headquartered in Conover, North Carolina.  Hickory Printing was founded in 1917 and grew to be one of the largest commercial printers in the southeastern United States. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Hickory Printing Solutions offers web and sheetfed printing, mailing and fulfillment, variable printing, interactive services and packaging and operates out of two facilities located in Conover and High Point, NC.

Commenting on the acquisition, Joe R. Davis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Consolidated Graphics, Inc., stated, "Hickory Printing Solutions offers first class quality and service to its customers.  With the additional resources of Consolidated Graphics, including the world's largest and most sophisticated digital printing network, behind it and its dedicated employees, Hickory Printing Solutions will continue to exceed every customer expectation."

Stephen Patton, former President of Electric City Printing, a Consolidated Graphics company in Williamston, SC, is the President of Hickory Printing Solutions. Mr. Patton commented, "I am looking forward to applying all that I have learned at Consolidated Graphics to help Hickory Printing Solutions continue its world class printing reputation."  

George B. Glisan and Jeffrey A. Hale, formerly CEO and CFO, respectively, of The Hickory Printing Group have been hired to serve as CEO and CFO of Hickory Printing Solutions.  Mr. Glisan said, "I have always admired the Consolidated Graphics business model and am looking forward to having the financial strength and resources of Consolidated Graphics behind us."

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, Toronto, and 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 the 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 world's largest integrated digital footprint. By coupling North America's most comprehensive printing capabilities with strategically located fulfillment centers and industry-leading technology, CGX delivers end-to-end print production and management solutions that are based on the needs of our customers to improve their results. For more information, visit www.cgx.com.

Emerge 2010 is a success!

Consolidated Graphics recently wrapped up its second annual emerge event in San Antonio, Texas, where customers, suppliers and employees came together to collaborate, learn and propel the industry to new heights. Guests learned about developments being made by industry technology leaders Hewlett-Packard, Xerox, Kodak and more. They discussed the newest features of Adobe's CS5, which the company officially launched at emerge. They collaborated on best practices and discussed what works and what doesn't, in an effort to "do more with less", which became a recurring theme of the event. We'll be compiling numbers, statistics and multimedia content gathered at the event in the days to come, so stay tuned!

Plans Are Coming Along for Emerge

CGX has over 30 sponsors on board to take part in emerge, a conference focused on print and technology innovation. The event will have an interactive business expo where sponsors showcase their latest developments, and guests have an opportunity to see new technologies first-hand. Comment below if you're interested in finding out more, or visit our site at www.cgxemerge.com!

Second Emerge Conference Is Planned!

We have great news - Consolidated Graphics has announced plans for its second annual emerge conference, which will be held at the Marriott Rivercenter in San Antonio, Texas on April 21st and 22nd. The event is by invitation only, but all media are welcome to attend.

The two-day event that will support CGX customers by providing them with the latest print and technology solutions. CGX will be joined by industry leaders such as Hewlett-Packard, Kodak, Adobe, XMPie and others in marketing, creative design, printing and procurement. It has been rumored that Adobe will be unveiling its latest product as part of its signature suite of services, so stay tuned!

The event was held last year in Washington, D.C., and is expected to double in size during its San Antonio iteration, with attendance to exceed 750 participants. CGX will provide guests with the tools to make smart, informed, and creative decisions related to printing and technology as a means to better position their businesses in an environment that remains challenging.

Consolidated Graphics’ Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Aaron Grohs said, “Emerge is an opportunity to show our clients that CGX remains at the forefront of the printing industry, and that we are committed to the success of our customers. Over the course of these two days, we’ll show how the breadth of products and services offered by Consolidated Graphics can solve the day-to-day business obstacles that our clients are faced with.”  Guests will receive ideas on how to streamline processes, improve efficiencies and increase revenues.

For more information on emerge,  visit www.cgxemerge.com. 

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.