Newsletter
Issue No. 199 September 21, 2007

Bindery
Folding
- Miniature to Map
- Closed Gate
Presentation Folder Gluing
Stitching
- 10 pockets
- Loop Stitching
Trimming
Rotary Perf & Score
Gathering & Collating
Perfect Binding
Wire-O
Plastic Spiral
- Autospin 30mm elements
- 2.5:1 Oval Hole Pattern
Transfer Tape
Drilling
Round Cornering
Shrink Wrapping
Eyeletting
Film Laminating

Tabbing
Custom Index Tabs
Copier Tabs
Tab Reinforcing
Spine Reinforcing
Patch Edge Reinforcing
5 Hole Drilling

Finishing
Autoplaten Diecutting
Diecutting to 41"
Scoring & Perfing
Embossing
Foiling
Numbering

1. Workaholic. I'm writing this newsletter from Hawaii (taking what I hope is a well-deserved vacation). And, apropos of that, I found an editorial by Denny Hatch promoting the need to take time off. I agree with him, particularly for small business owners for whom the line between working and not working is often a mirage. We live in a particularly industrious culture, and on top of that our industry celebrates long hours and hard work – after all long hours mean work is coming in the door. But it's important to take time off and to give time off to employees. Getting away is the perfect way to generate the energy to get back in. For the Denny Hatch editorial, click here.

2. Farewell to an Institution. It is very sad to see a fifth generation, family-owned business end it’s run. Diers Bindery recently announced that it is closing and is liquidating all its equipment. I understand that all employees have found new positions, so that eases the trauma a little. Despite being a direct competitor of ours for just short of 50 years, we always felt like the newcomers. They were a venerable company. Whatever the circumstances that led to the difficult decision to close, we hate to see it happen. We wish the Diers family all the best and the employees success in their new positions.

3. Do the Right Thing. I had some feedback from one of my “very smart” customers about the termination of our 401k plan a few years back. He made the excellent point that, as business owners, we have a unique responsibility to “do the right thing” for the folks we work with. This includes, he believes, offering a match on 401k contributions and doing everything possible to encourage participation. "Yeah, yeah, yeah," I said, and threw in a couple "buts" for good measure. But, he held me to the duty of trying in every way possible to promote long term financial stability for employees. Even though he feels like he is “tilting at windmills” sometimes, he feels some of his best satisfaction comes, not from a profitable year, but from feeling like he did all he could to help his coworkers. Of course, the daily financial needs of a business can often outweigh the long term financial planning needs of the employees. That said, I have taken his point to heart. Thanks, my friend.

4. Building on the Positive. Dick Gorelick had a novel thought about the work process in his American Printer column. Instead of always analyzing what went wrong on difficult jobs, he suggests studying the jobs that go smoothly. He believes companies can improve the work process and build positive relationships between departments when accentuating what went right. He goes on to say, "Problem solving is always more compelling and satisfying, whether it's as an observer or a participant. The long-term impact of a climate of positive reinforcement, however, can be outstanding: a more productive work force, improved internal communication, and a positive attitude that, if pervasive, can become the basis for competitive differentiation to customers." I like where he's going with this. For the full column, click here.

5. Seattle Times Business Section. While I understand that Seattle is a hotbed of activity in the technology industry, I find it a little discomfiting that The Seattle Times' business section spends a majority of its column space reporting on the tech world. It's as if local manufacturers, retailers, and service companies didn't exist. We are playing in the shadow of Microsoft so the focus is understandable to a degree. But, as papers continue to struggle for readership, it strikes me that giving local business people a reason to read would be worthwhile. Or is that just me?

For past issues, please visit our website at
www.seattlebindery.com

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Finance Manager.

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