A dynamic new force in the FTA

By David Lanska, FTA Great Lakes Group Chairman

Everyone knows that trade conferences are expensive. While they certainly provide excellent opportunities to network and learn about advancements in technologies, processes and techniques; the costs for travel, food, lodging, event registration, and time away from the office all add up to a serious per-individual investment. As a result, typically only top management gets to attend, assuming they can fit it into their busy schedules. This means that many of the people that would benefit most from the technical content provided by these conferences, (press and prepress supervisors, press operators, press helpers, quality technicians and graphic designers), are left out.

One way to rectify this is through participation in regional networking groups. Started as an initiative of the Supplier Leadership Council, the FTA’s regional networking groups (RNG) were formed to bring FTA programs and networking opportunities more accessible to the membership. Strategically positioned in geographic hot-bed areas of flexographic activity, the groups meet every 2-3 months, with speakers addressing pertinent and timely topics, technologies, innovations and best practices.

The first RNG, the Great Lakes Group, (GLG) was started just over a year ago in the Milwaukee area. To date, the Great Lakes Group has met 6 times at various locations between Chicago, IL and Green Bay, WI. Topics have included sustainability, G7, trouble-shooting, motivating employees, training, FIRST implementation, high definition flexo, white inkjet proofing, Lean leadership, sleeve technology, press optimization, color theory, automatic preprogrammed print control, advancements in plate technologies, and social media (Linkedin, Twitter for business). Each meeting also includes a brief presentation about one of the FTA’s many activities, programs, promotions and technical/training resources.

There is no cost to be a part of the group and only a nominal cost for attending the meetings. FTA members typically pay $10, while non-members pay $20 per meeting. Faculty and students with a school ID from local trade schools can attend at no cost. Proceeds from the meetings go to the FFTA Scholarship fund, which has already received over $2000 from the groups. Meetings are held in the afternoon/evening and last from 2-3 hours.

“The GLG meetings have been a fantastic way to get out and learn about key topics that are relevant to the Flexo industry. I have made several contacts through these events that have been a big help well after the meetings have let out. I will continue to go to these events due to the fact that they are relatively close to home and affordable to attend.” Jesse Kraft - CL&D Graphics

Based on the success of the GLG, a second RNG was started late last year. The Southeast Networking Group (SNG) held its kick-off meeting in November, with some attendees drawn from as far as 250 miles away. According to Carol Harrison of CTS Industries, (who Chairs the SNG), “the attendees said that they are looking for hard facts to save money”. That is precisely what these groups aim to provide. Fashioned after the GLG, the Southeast group provides similar technical content and a similar program format. As a result, their first meeting was a great success with about 40 attendees.

A third regional networking group, The Twin Cities Flexo Association (TCFA) has been serving the Minneapolis/St. Paul region since March, 2003. Although the TCFA is a non-profit organization in its own right, it shares the same core principles as the FTA’s regional networking groups. The TCFA is an organization composed of professionals within the Flexographic Printing industry devoted to raising the level of technical knowledge, professional ability, and personal enjoyment of industry colleagues. With a technical focus encompassing the entire gamut of processes and materials used within the greater flexo industry, the meetings center around:

1. Technical education of our members, with regular meetings containing learning sessions devoted to spreading current information on printing, converting, and decorative processes. This information will be provided by a number of means, including presentations by suppliers, educators, and members.

2. Providing a neutral, open forum for airing issues and solutions within our mutual production environments. This will function to promote continuous improvement of our overall industry.

3. Networking with industry peers in an environment that fosters personal and professional relationships. Through various regular meetings and special events, these groups provide outstanding opportunities for meeting and conversing with other printers, converters, and suppliers.

According to Bob Billings, Job Planner for SmythCo, attending TCFA meetings is beneficial for several reasons:

- “Small group discussions regarding industry advancements and obstacles from our vendors and leaders in our industry.

- Another way to better understand new technology advancements.

- The opportunity to build a greater contact base within the industry by meeting the people who provide us our technology.

- Awareness of what is being taught in our Colleges to our future employees - the students.

- Access to teach students our industry thru internship programs.

- A great chance to network with others locally within our industry.

- A great opportunity for the Director of Emerging Technology to buy drinks!”

Gary Hilliard, Graphics and Technical Manager for Hood Packaging Corp. sums up his experience with the group this way: “As a local area printer member, the TCFA’s meetings and presentations help us to keep up to date on important industry developments, trends, and technologies. It is not always possible to attend seminars and meetings in other cities, so having local presentations and networking opportunities in the Twin City area is very beneficial. It allows us to reduce the time we spend away from the office, and allows other employees to attend, that might not get the chance otherwise. The social networking is great as well, as we get to meet local industry collogues, and friends to discuss our businesses, and other areas of interest.”

The regional user’s group meetings provide a phenomenal opportunity for those involved in flexography to inexpensively avail themselves of the outstanding technical content provided by the industry professionals who volunteer to speak at these events. Print-shop managers located near the regional groups will not find a better value for getting their people up-to-speed on procedures, processes and best practices to help increase their productivity, quality, and profitability, while driving down make-ready times, raw material consumption and associated waste. It is not a matter of whether or not you can afford to attend. You can’t afford not to.

Information about upcoming meetings is posted on the FTA’s brand new web site www.flexography.org, as well as on the FTA LinkedIn User’s Group. Meetings for all three groups are open to participation from any printer, supplier or CPC who wishes to attend, sponsor food or door prizes, present a speech, or host a meeting. For anyone wishing to participate in a regional group meeting, please contact the respective group chair. We look forward to seeing you there.

Great Lakes Group – David Lanska – david.lanska@yahoo.com.

Southeast Networking Group – Carol Harrison at Carolh@ctsindustries.com.

Twin Cities Flexo Association - Ed Dedman at ededman@graymills.com.