Keeping Informed. (Editor's Desk).

As the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers' (NAPIM) annual convention concludes in Palm Springs, CA, it is increasingly clear that change continues to occur throughout the printing ink industry.

If there is any need for confirmation, a look at the changes that have occurred in the Top 20 of the U.S. printing ink industry during the past five years should provide ample evidence. There are also many other changes in the field of printing inks. Some newer segments are growing at a fast rate, such as flexo, energy-curing, and digital inks, while traditional areas such as letterpress are clearly declining and gravure is struggling.

For ink manufacturers, it is a challenge to keep up with these changes. The same may be said for journalists, who need to be able to decipher trends and report news that our readers can use to make the best decisions possible.

At Ink World, we are very fortunate to be able to have seven major leaders who serve on our Executive Advisory Board, and who offer their insights into what is important to know about the industry.

It is our privilege to welcome Urban S. Hirsch III, founder of Ink Systems, Inc. to our Editorial Advisory Board. To say that Mr. Hirsch is an accomplished leader is an understatement: Mr. Hirsch started his career in the field on the technical side of the industry for Bowers, and after four years as sales manager, Mr. Hirsch left to start Ink Systems, Inc in 1985.

Under Mr. Hirsch's guidance, Ink Systems, Inc. has become a Top 20 U.S. printing ink manufacturer and is the leader in the in-plant segment, providing state-of-the-art in-plant operations to printers.

Mr. Hirsch is also a leader in the industry having served two years as NAPIM president, and was a founding member and president of the Los Angeles Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers.

As a member of our Editorial Advisory Board, Mr. Hirsch joins such distinguished leaders as Harvey Brice, Superior Printing Ink's president and 1998 Ault Award winner, the highest honor in the industry; Dr. Edmund Funk, formerly Sun Chemical's VP of sales and marketing, and president of the R&E Council; Lisa Hahn, president of Flexo Tech; Kathy Marx, Flint Ink's vice president of marketing; C.H. (Kent) Shah, VP and chief technology officer for Color Converting Industries; and William Tasker, INX International's executive VP of product and manufacturing technology.

I am honored to welcome Mr. Hirsch to Ink World's Editorial Advisory Board, and look forward to bringing his insights and wisdom to our readers.

David Savastano

Ink World Editor

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