“Th e print market tends to mirror the US economy, so in that regard, it can be described as fair. As a whole the market has seen low single-digit growth over the past twelve months. We have been fortunate to experience signifi cant above average growth,” said Chuck Stempler, owner, Alpha- Graphics Seattle (AGS) (3) whose company posted more than two percent growth in 2015. Constant State of Change Th e market and the industry are changing—and changing dramatically. Th e dawn of the “digital age” has had an extensive impact on how companies are doing business today. “It has brought about the need for diversifi cation and the increased need to be exceptionally competitive and responsive. Off ering quality products and exceptional customer service is more important than ever before. Meeting clients’ expectations while delivering on time and within budget are crucial components to a company’s success,” commented Miller. “Th e market is changing, becoming more complex and customized,” said Jeff Summerford, CEO, Impressions Printing (25). “Th ose who are able to keep up with the changing needs of customers and remain up-to-date with the latest technology will continue to be successful.” “Being able to provide the full array of print and marketing solutions and serve as a one-stop shop for customers is imperative to continued success,” said Brian Tyll, general manager, Allegra Marketing, Print, Mail in Plymouth (6). “From traditional print to wide-format signage, marketing services, and promotional products, it is about meeting and exceeding customer needs.” Growth Markets With the continued evolution of the industry coupled with a fl at year AlphaGraphics Seattle (AGS) Chuck Stempler CEO & Owner in 2016, where can shops go to fi nd additional sources of revenue? Some of 2015’s top earners pointed to several market segments which off er the most opportunity for growth in 2016 and into 2017. Wide-format printing and signage are two growth areas that initally come to mind. From 2014 to 2015, the wide-format inkjet printing and signage segments showed a combined increase of a little over four percent growth ($48,350,464 in 2014 to $50,481,105 in 2015). Th ese markets, though, are poised for even greater growth in the years to come. “Large-format printing requests will continue to increase as it becomes more and more aff ordable,” said Impressions Printing’s Summerford. “Because material and technology costs are coming down, customers will embrace the ability to do higher end, more complex, and Impressions Printing executive team (l to r) Mike Shubin, Production Manager; Jason McWilliams, VP Sales; John Braaten, President; Jeff Summerford, CEO; and Mike Stuart, VP Marketing continued on page 15 Impressions Printing had the opportunity to bring updates to Th e Staff ord Air and Space Museum in Weatherford, OK. June 2016 ® Printing News 11
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