Issue 47 – 2005

1. Christmas Party

Just over 70 people attended the Printing Industries Christmas party last Wednesday evening. Special thanks to Heidelberg and Print Super for the donation of the door prizes and to Sustainability Victoria and As New Print Machinery for the donation of the Christmas gifts for everyone. In his speech, the President of Printing Industries Victoria, Roy Aldrich, thanked the Regional Councillors, Staff and Members for their support and efforts during 2005 and introduced the new Victorian President for 2006, Ray Keen. Special thanks also to the wonderful turnout from the Australian Print Finishers Association.

2. Tis the Season………..to chase debtors

Help yourself, help your staff, help the industry – chasing money at this time of year is your top priority (getting work out the door can be delegated) !

Develop an action plan, identify your top ten problem accounts and go after them. Do not worry about losing business from non-payers – you’ll pick it up in the New Year from those Printers who shut their doors because they ran out of cash.

Here are some tips from the Better Payment Practice Group worth handing / gluing / stapling to your accounts and sales people:

Ensure you are aware of your major customers’ Christmas opening hours to avoid wasting time when chasing payments
If payments from customers are due during close-down periods, attempt to negotiate earlier payment dates
Do not let credit limits get out of hand because of extended payment times over the December and January period
Do not get behind with your own invoice and statement schedules over the Christmas period
New customers seeking large credit facilities over the Christmas period may be hunting for credit from unsuspecting (and busy) suppliers
Ensure you obtain as much information on new accounts, including credit checks, no matter how busy you are
Do not supply new goods or services if your customer has exceeded reasonable overdue periods, regardless of their credit limit
Plan and budget your own expenditure over this period because, inevitably, payment terms can be disrupted over December and early January
Take action on those accounts that are beyond credit limits now. Do not wait until the New Year when your debtors will have other pressures
Use the quiet, close-down period to review your terms and conditions, ensuring they are up-to-date and that they include reference to interest terms

(Remember: Profit is opinion, Cash is fact)

3. Industry Super Funds – Think Print Super

All of you would have seen the numerous TV ads for the large industry superannuation funds. This has been the most successful superannuation marketing campaign ever and all industry funds have been experiencing large inflows. Remember, we have our own not-for-profit industry fund (Print Super) with 4 Printing Industries nominated Trustees looking after your interests. If you wish to make an enquiry please phone Brian Towers on 03 9291 5345 for more details.

4. Regulation Taskforce

Over the past two weeks we have been working on a submission to the Federal Government’s Regulation Taskforce. Thank you to those members who have contributed to this. Following are the recommendations that Printing Industries wishes the Regulation Taskforce to focus on for remedial action and improvement:

The plethora of reporting requirements under environmental programs (National Packaging Covenant, Greenhouse Challenge, Green Stamp, Eco-labelling, and soon to be introduced Extended Producer Responsibility).
Differing OHS requirements across the States.
Compliance costs associated with Choice of Fund legislation.
Payroll tax variations across states – different rates and thresholds.
Differences in definition of employees both across states and even between Commonwealth departments.
Differing employment law requirements across the States and Territories.

5. Family Leave Provisions (Members Only)

The Australian Industrial Relations Commission Family Leave Test Case provisions have been inserted into the Graphic Arts General Award operative from 11 November 2005. Printing Industries has represented the interests of members in this case and will inform members as matters arise. For more information contact Jim Hargrave or refer to Printnet

6. IPEX 2006

For most we are sure planning is well underway for IPEX (4-11 April). Following on from the success of previous tour programs over the past 12 years to IPEX and DRUPA, Printing Industries and Eastern Suburbs Travel (EST) have again organised a great program of tours to IPEX 2006 - the Global Technology Event for Print, Publishing and Media. To read more about this go to IPEX 2006 and/or Printnet.

7. Forklift Safety Forums

A Forklift Safety Network, sponsored by WorkSafe Victoria, was formed in 2002 to share information and promote safe work practices in forklift operations. As part of this initiative, the National Registered Assessors Association (NRAA) and the Victorian Transport Association (VTA) have arranged a series of interactive forums to update managers, forklift operators and health and safety representatives (HSRs) on forklift safety, training and operational responsibilities. The forums will focus on identifying and controlling risks associated with forklift operation, particularly the areas of traffic management and forklift instability. WorkSafe inspectors and forklift suppliers will be on hand for advice and guidance. These Forums will run in Metropolitan and Regional Victoria during 2006. To register go to WorkSafe.

8. Good environmental regulation boosts European business: report

A report by the heads of 29 of Europe's environmental protection agencies says good environmental management and regulation not only promotes sustainability but also encourages economic competitiveness and increases profits. The report, Contribution of Good Environmental Regulation to Competitiveness, claims that in the UK alone reducing waste could save manufacturers £3 billion ($7 billion) a year and improving energy efficiency could save another £1.8 billion ($4.2 billion). "This new analysis shows that businesses and industries with environmentally-friendly practices are prospering and making savings," said Barbara Young, the UK Environment Agency's chief executive. "It's solid evidence that effective environmental regulation can drive innovation, it can foster new markets and reduce business risks."

9. Clean Up Business Day - 28 February 2006 – It’s on Again

Clean Up Australia is now calling on businesses to register sites now for the 2006 Business Clean Up Day. Created in 2001 as part of the Clean Up Australia Day campaign, it is an opportunity for businesses to make a difference to their surrounding community by cleaning up or rehabilitating a local street, park, bushland or waterway. Participation can range from a few hours to a whole day and allows businesses to see first hand the impacts of rubbish in the environment. In 2005, 332 businesses participated in Business Clean Up Day around the country and Clean Up Australia hopes to double these figures in 2006. To register and

10. Training Courses

Lean Manufacturing – Continuous Improvement December 14, 4.00 pm – 6.00 pm

OH&S 1 Day Refresher Course for previous 5 day people January 31, 2006

The New Manager February 7, 8 and 9, 2006

Print Production Management April 11, 12, 13

Costing and Estimating for Printers July 10, 11

Go to Printnet or contact Michelle for a complete list of our upcoming training courses.

11. What’s On

To find out What’s on in the world of print go to What’s On.

And Finally

What do bullet proof vests, fire escapes, windshield wipers and laser printers all have in common?

All invented by women.

The Team at Printing Industries Association of Australia

18 - 20 Queens Avenue

Hawthorn Vic 3122

P 61 3 9819 6144

F 61 3 9819 6292

michelle@printnet.com.au

www.printnet.com.au

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