I'd like to wish all of our readers a belated Happy New Year. This issue is the start of our 8th year of publishing The Graphic Arts Magazine. We are very positive about the future of our industry and our role in it. We welcome your feedback.

Last week I attended the funeral of Hugh Foster at the Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Toronto. Hugh was co-owner of Foster Graphic Equipment and he was well known and respected in the Canadian printing industry. He began working with A.B. Dick in 1959 and continued with the company for 17 years. In 1976 Hugh started National Graphics and 12 years later, he and partner Andy Bovill, launched Foster Graphic Equipment. In his eulogy, Jay Mandarino, owner of C.J. Graphics, referred to Hugh as "a father figure to the people in the industry". His friends and associates in the industry will sadly miss him. We extend our sympathies to his family.

Our congratulations to Point One Graphics on their recent move to their new 78,000 sq. ft. facility that includes the addition of three new presses, a 6 colour Heidelberg, another 6 colour with hybrid UV and a 10 colour with roll-to-sheet feature. This expansion is just another example of a company investing with a renewed confidence in the industry.

The weather outside is howling at -25 degrees but by the time you receive this issue we will be at The Graphics of the Americas Show in Florida, where the weather will be a great relief! If you attend the show please drop by our booth, #176.

I will finish with an Irish blessing:

May you always have
A soft breeze when summer comes,
A warm fire in winter,
And always the warm soft smile of a friend.
As always, stay positive