The latest in printing technology and product advancements were showcased at the Graph Expo and Converting Expo last month in Chicago. The crowds were up significantly from last year and attendees were upbeat and eager to invest in new equipment. One exhibitor, Steve Thistle from Robert E. Thistle Ltd., reported selling three pieces of equipment within one hour! Other vendors I spoke with were equally pleased with their overall sales and lead generation. This optimistic mood would indicate that our industry is on the rebound. Check out our photo spread on page 22.

This month's cover story will give readers a small peek into the growing pressures of global competition. Vincent Mallardi, a well-known industry player, makes his case on how foreign presses, labor and immigration are changing the rules of competition in the printing industry. And this is only the beginning. As China continues its economic re-structuring to compete in the global community, the impact at home will have far reaching implications. Can we effectively compete? Mallardi thinks so… but only if we break out of our cultural biases.