2005 NPTA Alliance Convention Dailies

Press Releases for AIPPM (Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants)

Press Release #1: Peyton Shaner Award Created to Honor AIPPM Founder

Peyton Shaner, who founded the Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants, has been honored posthumously as the recipient of the inaugural Peyton Shaner Award. It will be presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the paper and graphics industry. Accepting the award for Shaner were his daughter and son-in-law, Lucy and Rick Henderson. The inaugural presentation was made at the 2005 AIPPM Summer Conference which was held at the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs on August 5, 2005.

AIPPM shareholders wanted to create a means to honor the legacy of its founder. Peyton Shaner was without a doubt one of the most passionate and enthusiastic ambassadors of our industry. The award will recognize an individual involved professionally in printing, graphic design, or research who shares that same passion. The presentation will be made in the third quarter of each year.

Press Release #2: IMPACT Copy to jump from 84 to 92 brightness

At their 2005 Summer Conference, the shareholders of AIPPM approved the change in brightness for its IMPACT Copy brand from 84 to 92 brightness. With the increase in demand for color copy reproduction has come higher demand for high bright papers. The 92 bright will be complimentary to the 96 bright business paper under the label of “High IMPACT”. According to Product Committee Chairman Tim Shannon of Bradner Smith in Chicago, the decision reflects the AIPPM’s desire to play a leadership role in the transition from 84 to 92 brightness.

Press Release #3: Grupo Pochteca adds Latin flavor to AIPPM

The Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants welcomes the addition of its first Latin American shareholder. Eugenio Manzano is the managing partner of Grupo Pochteca, perhaps the largest native owned printing paper merchant in Mexico. They manage 5 distribution locations with a sixth due to open in November ’05, 2 converting operations and one retail store.

Currently, there are thirty-eight merchant shareholders representing over one hundred locations in continental US, Puerto Rico and Mexico, with combined sales in excess of $1.6 billion. Launched in 1992, the AIPPM continues to aggressively expand its membership, purchasing programs and coverage. New shareholders must apply for membership and be approved by a two-thirds majority of the current shareholders. Inquiries can be directed to Bayard Tynes of Strickland Paper Co., chair of the Shareholders Committee, or Marshall Brown, Executive Director.

Press Release #4: AIPPM Elects New Officers for 2005/6

The Association of Independent Printing Paper Merchants (AIPPM) held its annual meeting February 24-26, 2005 at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn in Scottsdale, AZ. New officers were elected as follows:

President: Mike Lane, Frank Parsons Paper, Landover, MD

Vice President: Stephen Verp, Milton Paper Co., Long Island City, NY

Secretary-Treasurer: Tim Shannon, Bradner Smith & Co., Chicago, IL

Past President: Bayard Tynes, Strickland Paper Co., Birmingham, AL

Directors: Julian Inclan, American Paper Corp., Guaynabo, PR

Ron Dennis, Dennis Paper Co., Nashville, TN

Kurt Van Steemburg, Hudson Valley Paper Co., Albany, NY

Linda Hartinger, Anchor Paper Co., St. Paul, MN

Don Crew, Clampitt Paper Co., Dallas

Guest speakers included Stephen Happel of Arizona State University, who presented an economic forecast for 2005. Reports were given by the Technology Committee, Marketing Committee, Product Committee and Membership Committee and best practice presentations were shared. Invited suppliers participated in a vendor reception where shareholders could meet and discuss business opportunities.

Marshall Brown serves as the Executive Director of AIPPM. He can be contacted through the association’s web site, www.aippm.com. The purpose of AIPPM is to bring growth and value to its members by leveraging its purchasing and marketing opportunities, sharing and encouraging the use of best business practices, and promoting the healthy exchange of ideas.