MANAGED PRINT SERVICES FUELS GROWTH OF SERVICE POINT USA - SP announces renewal of MPS deal with Bruner-Cott Architects and Planners

Hooray, a Service Point press release issued in the English language (instead of just in Spanish) !!!

MANAGED PRINT SERVICES FUELS GROWTH OF SERVICE POINT USA

Early MPS Provider Adds High-Quality Print and Design Consultative Services to MPS, Creating End-to-End Business Efficiency and Marketing Advantage

July 24, 2012 – Service Point USA, a longtime Managed Print Services (MPS) provider, enters its third decade of MPS leadership with an expanded suite of end-to-end business, marketing, and graphics advisory services. Service Point is favored by architects, engineers, construction consultants, professional photographers, graphics designers, self-published authors, and artists–– all professional users of large format and high-quality color-rich printing. Service Point’s new bundling of MPS with design and specialty reprographics is directly aligned the industry needs of commercial real estate and building design, hospitality, advertising, high tech, pharmaceuticals, and biosciences. Along with higher education institutions, museums and galleries, these sectors routinely demand high-quality, specialty printing.

Service Point’s customer satisfaction is exemplified by the recent renewal of ten-year MPS customer Bruner/Cott Architects and Planners of Cambridge, Mass., a 40-year-old architectural firm for which four-color oversized color renderings, glossy project sales brochures, large project signage and reception collateral are vital to its business. Bruner/Cott is nationally renowned for design of ‘buildings that work,’ including repurposed Ivy League campus buildings and stately landmarks. The decision to renew their MPS contract exemplifies how Service Point has kept pace with sophisticated new printing and scanning technologies while generating operational excellence and value for the firm.

According to Bruner/Cott CFO Mark Teden, “Our firm places a high value on technological expertise and a team approach, and we expect those same qualities for a valued service provider. For the past ten years, we’ve trusted the visual representation of our work to Service Point USA, but before we renewed our contract, we conducted comparative research to be sure our managed print service provider continued to be best choice for us. Their flexibility, consultative approach, investment in talent, and deep knowledge of our own high-end equipment truly points to their category leadership. I’m pleased to continue to partner with Service Point USA.”

New Service Value Package Differentiates Service Point’s MPS Offering

According to Managing Director and COO Kevin Eyers, Service Point’s long held track record for superior printing quality and service has always distinguished the company above copy shops and big box retailers who have recently jumped onto the MPS bandwagon.

“At the infancy of MPS, Service Point took a solution-driven, service-focused approach to each customer’s unique situation. By bundling services, we consolidate expert technical and design guidance with productivity gains to maximize our customers’ efficiency and print quality. Our leadership in MPS, combined with decades of hands-on specialty and large format printing experience, make us ideally suited to create bottom-line impact to regional and global businesses with subsidiaries abroad, as well as for small business and nonprofits,” Eyers said.

Analysts Peg MPS As High Growth Service Sector

Growth in Managed Print Services as an outsourcing strategy is the subject of two bullish 2012 industry forecasts by stalwart technology analyst firms, Forrester and IDC, the latter projecting an annual growth rate of 11.7 percent[1]. MPS analyst Photizo Group reported[2] by 2014, some 50 percent of print services would be outsourced to an MPS provider.

The enthusiastic response to Service Point’s service bundling has invigorated active recruitment of new talent from high-touch customer service, commercial printing, and design software backgrounds.

Eyers notes three key reasons why Service Point excels beyond office product retailers and manufacturers: customized MPS programs that go beyond delivery of hardware; superior contemporary design expertise; and world-class standards for quality control. “Service Point’s distinction has always been the surety of our high-touch guidance, and the fact that we operate and recommend only the best performance equipment and software without any restrictions or bias.”

About Service Point. (http://www.servicepointusa.com ) Service Point USA provides outsourced workplace MPS, digital and offset printing, archival document scanning, and print fulfillment services. The Spanish-headquartered company is expanding its American retail store network as the domestic subsidiary of Service Point Solutions S.A. (SPS). Twitter: @servicepointusa and Pinterest: pinterest.com/servicepointusa.

[1] IDC Worldwide and US Managed Print Services and Basic Print Services 2012 – 2015 Forecast and Analysis - ©IDC, March 2012.

[2] 2011 MPS Market Size Share and Forecast Study - ©Photizo Group, Nov. 2011.

About Service Point

Service Point provides tools and services for greater efficiency in document, print, and information management via stores, service centers, and online tools, and through On-Site Services programs with clients nationwide. Service Point USA is a subsidiary of Service Point Solutions (SPS). SPS employs over 2,700 people across 8 countries through a network of 140 services centers and 840 facilities management programs, is headquartered in Spain, and listed on the Madrid and Barcelona stock exchanges (ticker: SPS.MC). In 2011 sales were M€ 218,6 (+6,4% vs 2010).

USA Press Contacts:

Julie Dennehy (508) 533-8311 Maryanne Keeney (617) 848-8805

Corporate Press Contact:

Newsline
Miguel Ramos
E-mail: mramos@newsline.es

Displays2Go Introduces New Snap Frame Display

7/19/2012 - Displays2Go has just released a new large 80” tall snap frame display. This 30” by 80” free standing poster holder is double sided for maximum exposure.

“The free standing frame that we introduced this week is one of our easiest solutions to large format advertising,” said Sandra Reno, Executive to the Vice-President of Displays2Go. Reno continued: “The clips we designed to use with this frame are strong for the most secure grip which is why we recommend using a more durable printed material than normal paper or cardstock.”

This 30" x 80" floor poster stand is designed for use in establishments with wide open areas. Some of the most popular venues for these sign holders are casinos, theaters, concert halls, malls, trade shows and more. The black finished snap poster frame is double sided so that it may hold two independent graphics to attract customers. The use of printed materials 3/16" or thicker is highly recommended.

Each floor standing poster stand is made of aluminum and MDF [medium density fiberboard], which is highly durable for years of use. This highly durable advertisement holder is designed with snap open framework for quick changes. Users simply clip open the (4) sides of the frame and insert the graphics then snap them shut again. The poster stand measures in at over six feet tall so when updating signage a step stool may be needed for the top portion of the frame.

“The sign frame that is affordable, durable and has snap frames for easy changing of graphics is exactly what we tried to build and here it is on the market and receiving positive reviews!” Reno said later in the interview.

Displays2Go has been one of the leading companies in the point of sale and visual merchandising world since 1974. Displays2Go is not only one of the largest wholesale distribution facilities in this marketplace they custom design their own products such as this poster frame. The company calls Bristol, Rhode Island their home and is where they have their warehouses, offices and production facilitates. For more information go to www.displays2go.com.

Repro Graphix Adds Fujifilm Printer / Press; Wins Super Bowl Award

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Press release from the issuing company

Repro Graphix Inc., with production facilities in Indianapolis, and Evansville, Ind., recently installed an Acuity Advance HS-X2 wide format printer and a Xerox Color 800 Press from Fujifilm. Having just celebrated its 27th year in the printing business, Repro Graphix’ new acquisitions explain a lot about the leadership of owners Jill and Brian Hall, their business philosophy, and the way they manage the operation to keep customers happy and keep the business growing and thriving.

“We’re not a commercial printer,” Jill Hall, president of Repro Graphix says. “We started out serving Architects, Engineers and Contractors (“AEC”) in the Indianapolis area, mostly reproducing blueprints, artist’s renderings, presentation materials and such, and the business grew on its own, organically.”

Repro Graphix is known for its excellent quality and highest levels of customer service. “We do whatever it takes to get the job done, and our customers know that and depend on it,” says Brian Hall, vice president and co-owner. “From that ‘get it done’ attitude and reputation, our customers started to ask us about signs, brochures, and pretty much the same collateral materials any other business needs, from a source they knew they could count on.”

At last year’s Graph Expo, Brian and Jill came by the Fujifilm booth to look at the latest innovations to help them take their business to the next level. “We were looking for efficiencies, ways to diversify and move into new markets,” Brian said. “The Acuity Advance with the white ink, fast speed and larger bed offered us several benefits that would save steps, eliminate waste, and save us big money, especially by eliminating lamination. Before we brought in the Acuity, we would have to print separately, mount and laminate; now we can print directly to substrate.”

“The Acuity allowed us to bring in so much new business, we had to open a new facility,” Jill says. “We had to turn down jobs before installing the Acuity because we didn’t have the capability or efficiencies with our previous production methods. We hated having to turn jobs down before, and when customers requested, we had to farm it out and lose control of the job. We didn’t like that one bit because we believe no one takes better care of our customers than we do.”

Shortly after investing in the Fujifilm Acuity Advance wide format printer, the Halls began to look for a high-production digital color press to once again expand their service offering. “Over the course of the years, we had every kind of device out there,” says Brian, “but when we saw the quality of the Xerox 800, how close it came to offset, we knew we were on the right track.

“Our relationship with Fujifilm is what helped us make the final decision,” says Jill. “The 800 provided us with the best technology from the best vendor to help us best meet our customers’ growing demands.”

“We work for some very smart, very demanding print buyers,” Brian says. “Our customers wanted their printing to compete with offset, to have that ‘printed look,’ not the toner shine you usually see. They recognized the difference right away, and appreciated the capability to print on heavier substrates and add the spot clear effects.”

“Our customers are very happy with what they’ve seen come off the Xerox 800,” says Jill. “They know that it’s not offset but they’re very impressed with the quality; it holds up to offset as far as they’re concerned. And we know the support we get from Fujifilm will pay off in increased sales, higher quality and longer uptime. We’re pleased to be dealing with the same group of professionals on both machines; they know us, they know our business and our customer requirements and they help those machines meet everyone’s needs.”

Repro Graphix’ prints unusual job for Super Bowl
With the Super Bowl in town earlier this year, Repro Graphix’ had the opportunity to print one of its more unusual projects. As a supporter of several arts and community organizations in Indianapolis, Repro Graphix helped create a display that was part of an exhibit tied to the game, featuring an historical display of Indianapolis, printed on 4’ x 8’ sheets of 3/4’ plywood, cut to go together like pieces of a puzzle.

The creativity of our presentation led to a contract with the NFL for “printing, lots of printing,” as Brian Hall puts it. “We printed a large number of media guides outlining all activities, Game Day Quick Fact Books, maps, a lot of signage and banners.” Repro Graphix received the NFL Super Bowl XLVI ”Business Leadership Impact Award” for Leadership/Social Responsibility. This award is based on Repro Graphix commitment to community, the event and other businesses. According to one NFL source, “Repro Graphix saved our lives—more than once!”

“Referrals are everything to us,” Jill said. “We have a great team here with tremendous experience, not just on the equipment, but also working with our customers. Our customers have great confidence in our staff, most of them have been around awhile and the customers know them and enjoy working with them.”

For more information on Repro Graphix, please visit: http://www.reprographix.com/

Housing market bottoms; first price increase in 5 years: Zillow

By Tiffany Hsu, LA TIMES

July 24, 2012, 10:03 a.m.

Housing prices appear to have bottomed, posting their first year-over-year increase since 2007 and fueling more talk of a real estate recovery – at least according to real estate site Zillow.

The site’s second-quarter report shows nationwide home values inching up 0.2% from the same quarter in 2011 to a median of $149,300. On a monthly basis, prices have been rising for four straight months.

Nearly a third of individual metro areas saw prices rise; in Phoenix alone, homes were worth 12.1% more compared to a year ago, according to Zillow.

“The housing recovery is holding together despite lower-than-expected job growth, indicating that it has some organic strength of its own,” Zillow Chief Economist Stan Humphries said in a statement.

But don’t expect many huge price spikes. Over the next 12 months, Zillow expects home values to rise 1.1%, with increases forecast for nearly half of the nation’s markets.

“We expect home values to remain relatively flat as the market works through a backlog of foreclosures and high rates of negative equity,” Humphries said. Inflation and the looming threat of a so-called fiscal cliff of spending cuts and tax increases will likely be another dampening factor.

Foreclosures have declined since January to constitute 5.8 of every 10,000 homes, according to Zillow. Since February, foreclosure resales have shrunk and made up 15.6% of all home sales in June. DataQuick said yesterday that the number of California homes entering foreclosure was at 2007 levels.

But in the wake of a national foreclosure settlement announced earlier this year, foreclosures are set to rise, sending more properties streaming back into the market by the end of the year, Humphries said.

“Acute inventory shortages,” however, will cause high home-buyer demand to absorb the extra properties for sale, he said.

Eurozone crisis brings world to brink of depression

For a depressing start to your day, read this one!

July 24, 2012, 11:25 a.m. EDT

Euro crisis brings world to brink of depression

Commentary: Parallels to 1930s’ missteps unmistakable

By Darrell Delamaide

WASHINGTON (MarketWatch) — Europe is a tinderbox waiting for a spark.

The financial volatility in Europe may have created a situation that is now beyond the capacity of policy makers to control or curb.

When an accomplished fixer like Pascal Lamy, the head of the World Trade Organization and the longtime chief of staff for former European Commission President Jacques Delors, describes the situation in Europe as “difficult, very difficult, very difficult, very difficult,” you know it is time to run for cover.

The crisis has now gone well beyond the prospect of breaking up the euro to the threat of a full-fledged financial and economic collapse in Europe that could plunge the world into a second Great Depression.

Few Americans are aware that a worldwide banking crisis started by cascading bank failures in Austria and Germany was one of the major causes of that earlier Depression.

It was in the summer of 1931 that the collapse of Creditanstalt in Vienna forced one of Germany’s big banks, Danatbank, to fail, leading to a credit crisis that prompted bank holidays around the world and exacerbating an already severe economic crisis.

The spark in the current crisis could come from a bank failure, and not necessarily in Spain. It could be a bank in Italy — or Austria, or Germany. German banks are notoriously undercapitalized and poorly supervised and have created a number of mini-crises in the past few decades since the collapse of the Herstatt Bank in 1974.

German economist Fabian Lindner drew the parallel to 1931 in an op-ed last fall when he compared his country’s intransigence toward southern Europe now to the misguided harshness of the U.S. and France toward Germany in the earlier crisis.

Hough: Now is the time to buy Spain

Spain has led headlines following its surging bond yields but investors who plunk money into a broad basket of Spanish shares today could see average returns of 20% a year over the next several years. Jack Hough discusses on Markets Hub.

“Both the German public and politicians should learn from history,” Lindner wrote in a commentary for Die Zeit that was also published in The Guardian. “Solidarity with the crisis countries is in Germany’s long-run interest. The German government should stop abusing its power to dictate economic decline to other nations. The alternative is economic stagnation and increased tensions between European nations.”

The situation has deteriorated since Lindner hoped in vain for some enlightenment on the German side. Instead, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Bundesbank President Jens Weidmann have held to the prescription Lindner saw leading to disaster: “Germany and the German central bankers demand drastic austerity and only give piecemeal and insufficient help in return — too little, too late.” Read Lindner’s op-ed in English.

The latest austerity measures in Spain, approved by the national Parliament last week even as the economy continues to contract, has led to new riots in the streets, pushing the yields on Spanish bonds above the 7% level deemed manageable, and increasing the likelihood of contagion to Italy.

Meanwhile, German Economics Minister Philipp Roesler whistles in the wind, saying the possibility of a Greek exit from the euro has “lost its horror,” and German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaueble says Greece must try harder to meet its austerity commitments.

The problem, meine Herren, is not poor little Greece, long since written off by a smug German officialdom. The problem is the growing possibility of defaults in Spain and Italy that will lead to bank failures across the continent and incalculable consequences.

Paul Krugman quipped at the beginning of the current crisis that someone will be able to write a sequel to Liaquat Ahamed’s Pulitzer Prize-winning book, “Lords of Finance” — which chronicles how the four leading central bankers of that era plunged the world into the Great Depression with their wrong-headed policies — and call it “Lords of Finance: The Next Generation.”

The target of Krugman’s barb was Jean-Claude Trichet, then president of the European Central Bank. But his successor, Mario Draghi, has proven equally clueless in his public statements and actions.

Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, an avowed admirer of Ahamed’s book, has nonetheless been relatively timid in recent months, keeping his distance from the European crisis and failing to make a convincing case for the Fed’s inaction in following its own mandate to promote employment in the U.S.

History is not likely to be any kinder to Bernanke and his cohorts than to the European policy makers who collectively have not been equal to the task.

The worst may still be averted but the challenge is indeed very, very, very difficult, and it is hard to see at this point where salvation could come from.