Editor’s Notes: Stay Positive

There is no doubt we are facing some very difficult times. Businesses in virtually every segment of our society are struggling. Cities and states are facing significant budget deficits, and the Federal Government is putting together another spending package that’s closing in on a trillion dollars—that’s a one, followed by 12 zeros; one million millions. At times like these, it’s really hard to maintain a positive outlook. However, it is well known that a focused, positive attitude can accomplish great things. Recently, I saw a quote attributed to Lee Iacocca, former CEO of Chrysler Corp., that said, “In times of great stress or adversity, it’s always best to keep busy, to plow your anger and your energy into something positive.”

One of the more positive programs that packagePRINTING offers is our annual Excellence Awards competition. Now in its 23rd year, the contest recognizes top-quality printing applied to packaging components of all types—tags and labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and corrugated. Like other printing contests, what makes the Excellence Awards competition such a positive program is the recognition it provides for all those involved. While the focus is on package printers, it also provides recognition to their customers and suppliers.

I’m especially pleased to hear from past winners about the pride felt by the operators who produce the winning entries. Having worked a good number of years in manufacturing, I have a profound appreciation and respect for the people who work on the floor in manufacturing plants. Given an environment in which they are respected and provided the opportunity to contribute, they are typically highly motivated and can contribute much to a company’s success.

Contests such as packagePRINTING’s Excellence Awards provide a great opportunity to get operators involved with something positive. People love to compete, and when the focus is on quality workmanship, it helps reinforce those critical aspects that are important to your customers. It also provides an opportunity to recognize operators for the work they do day-in and day-out. We recently got a request from one of last year’s winners for a logo to use on a certificate for a press operator. It is nice to know that our Excellence Awards contest is being used to provide positive reinforcement for some of the people that matter most.

As we all struggle to fend off the tides of negativity, package printers have an opportunity to participate in something positive, something that they can share with their customers, employees, and suppliers. Keep an eye out for more information in the coming weeks. For a copy of the entry form, visit www.packageprinting.com/excellenceawards.

Tom Polischuk, Editor-in-Chief

We welcome your comments regarding any part of packagePRINTING. They can be addressed to Editor, packagePRINTING, 1500 Spring Garden St., 12th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19130, or tpolischuk@napco.com.