Dear Colleagues,

Last week, I considered myself privileged to be an invited guest at the Print Services and Distribution Association's Winter Board Meeting. Afterwards, it was my observation that all PSDA members should feel similarly privileged - and proud - to belong to an Association led by such dedicated, forward thinking industry professionals, who serve on a purely voluntary basis.

One primary board objective for 2009 is the development of a new strategic plan to guide Association growth and goals during these future years so vital to our Independent Industry. This involves formulating a long-term strategic focus for development, as well as short-term implementation priorities and processes, with performance metrics for evaluating overall progress.

The idea to design a new strategic plan is primarily the brainchild of the 2009 PSDA President, Mike Fisher, CDC, president of PrintConcepts of Allentown PA. His vision for the plan and prowess for guiding the process in our meetings filled me with admiration for his leadership skills - maybe even a tad of jealousy. Mike is a powerful thinker as well as a focused leader. We're fortunate that he and the other board members have lent their considerable talents to our Association so selflessly. (We also shamelessly interject that PrintConcepts is one of our valued, long-time e-Quantum users.)

But, doesn't the same reasoning that compels our PSDA Board to construct a new strategic plan for future Association success apply to OUR COMPANIES as well? Don't we, too, need to plan to optimize our potential for success in the inevitable evolution that CHANGE brings to our industry and society?

Don't we have major product lines, senior employees, and clients that may be approaching a time at which they may need replacement? Don't we require enhanced internal communications to promote efficiency and moral? Don't we need a marketing strategy to present clients and prospects with a clear vision of our corporate goals? Don't we need to evaluate current processes in terms of the work force and customer of the future?

We just witnessed a historic presidential election in which the winning candidate conceived a brilliant strategic plan to use technology (the Internet) in a revolutionary manner to successfully expand his voter base. What is your brilliant strategic plan to expand your client base; to enhance staff service and productivity; to diversify into profitable new product lines; to improve sales and financial management?

I strongly recommend that you consider implementing a corporate strategic planning process, if you have not already done so. A "seat of your pants" approach may have served well in the past, but remember, the seat of your pants can't see where you're headed.

And, if you really want to see where e-Quantum and our Industry are headed, register today for our May 6-8 International Client Conference in Reno. It will be an exciting conference replete with major industry players; major networking opportunities, and the latest technology advances. Plus, major educational and recreational activities. You can register and view our outstanding conference agenda by clicking on this link: Conference Website

So, plan today for a successful future, and that includes joining us in Reno in May.

See you there!

Sincerely,



Ross Barker