The night before Christmas... in Wisconsin

Twas the night before Christmas and through the Midwest
A storm was a'brewin, the roads were a mess.
The tow trucks were rollin' to help those in ditches.
The wind was a'howlin sending shivers down my britches.
The cheeseheads were sleeping, all snug in there beds,
while Lombardi trophies danced in there heads.
When what to my wondering eyes should appear?
a strange looking elf who was sipping a beer.
His clothes were all decked out in gold and bright green.
with large Packer logos, sure to be seen.
He spoke not a word, just reclined in my chair
exuding the confidence of victory in the air.
I stood there staring, not sure what to do.
Should I call the cops or hand him a brew?
Since he seemed to be harmless and was surely a fan,
I opened the case and gave him a can.
He polished off the second and got up with a smile.
Said he was leaving, but would be back in a while.
If I needed to find him, I should check by the grill.
He'd be having a tailgate. Oh what a thrill !
But I heard him exclaim
before he took flight:
"A Superbowl win for the Packers...
and to all a good night."

Merry Christmas everyone !!!

10th Annual FTA Environmental Excellence Award call for entries

FTA Environmental Excellence Award winners received recognition for their pioneering efforts in developing innovative processes, products and management approaches that have had a positive impact on the environment. Such efforts include, but are by no means limited to: measures to reduce waste, procedures to prevent pollution, policies that protect worker/employee safety, technological innovations that have helped make their facility more environmentally friendly and overall sustainability programs.

Your entries can help promote the spread of the best environmental practices and contribute to the safety and well being of us all. Summaries of the winning entries are highlighted in FLEXO® Magazine and EHS Direct electronic newsletter.

Enter your company in the FTA Environmental Excellence Award competition. We want to hear how your company has demonstrated its commitment to improving our world! Winners will be notified by February 5, 2010. Awards will be presented at the National Environmental, Health & Safety Conference, March 15-17, 2010 in Indianapolis, IN, and announced at the FFTA Annual Forum, May 2-5, 2010 in Las Vegas, NV.

For additional information about these events –
National Environmental Health & Safety Conference www.nehsconference.org
FFTA Annual Forum www.flexography.org/online/forum/index.cfm

For more information about the Environmental Excellence Awards, contact Doreen M. Monteleone at 631-737-6020, email dmonteleone@flexography.org. Applications must be received no later than December 31, 2009.

Please note that by applying, you give permission to publicize a summary of your accomplishments. While the drive for workable, sustainable solutions for a cleaner environment may seem complex and even somewhat daunting to most of us, it is vital that we each do our part in contributing to a cleaner, healthier Earth. That is why FTA hosts the Environmental Excellence Awards. Through this awards program, the association honors companies and
organizations that utilize environmentally sound resources and practices that contribute to a healthier Earth and a better way of life.

FTA Great Lakes January meeting

FTA Great Lakes Group is planning its second meeting for January 7, 2010 at the Institute for Graphics & Imaging in Pewaukee, WI. This event will focus on improving pressroom productivity through employee motivation and education.

Mike Erwin is President of Tailored Label Products, a company routinely recognized for excellence in printing, management and community service. The company’s many honors include a National Association of Manufacturer’s Trowbridge Award, recognition as a 2008 Best Place to Work, ISO / TS 16949 certification, 2008 Friends of Education, 2007 Excellence in Technical Achievement in Printing, 2006 Best Workplace in America, and a 2006 Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year award. Mike’s presentation will focus on motivating employees for top performance.

Our second speaker of the evening is Bill Malm, Midwest and West Coast Technical Sales Specialist for Harper Corp. of America. Harper Corp is renowned for its philanthropy and leadership in printer education, having sponsored the FTA’s development of the TEST (Technical Education Services Team) program.

A properly trained workforce is critical to reduced make-ready costs and time, reduced raw material consumption, improved quality, improved production output and reduced damage to press components. Bill will discuss the importance of training, process standardization and anilox inventory management as critical elements of a successful and profitable print shop. His presentation will feature an overview of the TEST program.

Ron Dahl and IGI staff will provide tours of their facility, as well as an overview of their program offerings. IGI’s mission is to support the ability of industry professionals to proactively evaluate, respond and apply new processes and technologies that will positively impact and elevate their businesses.

Refreshments will be served courtesy of Sonic Solutions, a leader in ultrasonic cleaning equipment. David Lanska, FTA Great Lakes chairman, calls this a “must-attend” event for printers looking to reduce costs and improve productivity.

There is a nominal $10 admission (FTA Members, students and seniors), $15 everyone else, for this event. Reservations are requested, but not mandatory. Please RSVP your interest in attending to david.lanska@yahoo.com.

Location:

The Institute for Graphics & Imaging

(on the Campus of Waukesha County Technical College)

800 Main Street, Building Q

Pewaukee, WI 53072

Directions

From the East or West:

From I-94, exit on County Highway T. Head north 1.5 miles, turn left on County Highway SS (College Avenue). Turn right into the first campus entrance. After 30 feet, make sharp left then drive behind building G. Make right turn at the end of the building, park in areas 14, 12 or 13.

From the East or West:

Take State Highway 16 south, exit at Main Street. Stay in center lane to head south on Main Street. Turn right on County Highway SS (College Avenue). Turn right into the first campus entrance. After 30 feet, make sharp left then drive behind building G. Make right turn at the end of the building, park in areas 12, 13 or 14.

You can download a PDF containing these directions and a map by clicking this link.

Agenda:
4:30-5:00 Registration / networking
5:00-6:00 Facility tours by Ron Dahl and IGI staff.
6:00-6:30 Presentation by Mike Erwin of Tailored Label Products.
6:30-7:00 Presentation by Bill Malm of Harper Corp of America.
7:00-8:00 Refreshments / networking

The Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Supplier Leadership Council formed this networking group to provide a regional venue for FTA members and non-members to meet on a regular basis at different locations in the Great Lakes region and discuss topics common to flexographic printers. Networking opportunities will be available, as well as information on FTA activities. FTA Great Lakes is a subgroup on FTA's Linked In site.