Training...

As Sue said in the last post yesterday was my first day at American Color Graphics. The ACG staff were so helpful and extremely nice. They really are a great group of people. Yesterday I focused my time on the MBO folding machine. First I learned how to load paper into it, then I learned how to set the rollers, and make adjustments to perfect the fold. I helped run a 16- page signature, which was defiantly something new. I plan to go to ACG Monday Tuesdays and Thursdays, meet with Paul David on Fridays, and Semper International on Wednesdays. Since I haven't been able to get in touch with Semper, I am going to Walton today to work on the Heidelberg.

Thats all for now,
Alyssa

Training a Champion

A HUGE thank you to Butch Mooney at American Color Graphics. Alyssa is reporting to ACG today to start an internship to prepare her for Nationals. Butch has developed a four person team to work with Alyssa. The team consists of Tim Hall, ACG Customer Service Manager and a recent graduate of Georgia Southern's (GSU) Printing Management program, Tyler Mooney a sophomore at West Georgia while he works at ACG, John Torres, a dean's list student at GSU serving his 480 hour internship at American Color Graphics and Adam Mansour who is in his first year apprenticeship on one of ACG's 6/ color 40” presses. In addition to these fine folks, Alyssa is working with Paul Davis an instructor at DeKalb Technical College on pre-press, Tim Captville with print staffing company Semper International on her interviewing skills, Heidelberg USA on offset press work and Dr. Don Armel, Georgia Southern has also put together several production planning and estimating problems for Alyssa to practice. Whatever happens in Kansas City, I am so proud of PIAG's fine membership. This is truly a team effort. I'd also like to thank Alyssa and her family and her advisor Dan Campagna and his family. This is a huge commitment for Alyssa and Dan - I appreciate them taking the time.

I Love PIA/GATF

Ok, so this has nothing to do with the journey to SkillsUSA Nationals, but thought I'd post it anyway. See the Printing Industries of American CEO on YouTube. He does a mean penguin dance too -- suit and all.

PIAG on Facebook and MySpace

Ok, so with the help of some folks in the office, we've created a Facebook and MySpace page for PIAG's SkillsUSA competition -- or probably better titled, PIAG Student/Teacher pages. So check us out and "friend" us. Then invite anyone you know that is interested in the graphic arts to do the same. We hope to have a thriving community soon!

P.S. This is my first MySpace and FaceBook page, so any helpful suggestions/comments are much appreciated.

Slide show of SkillsUSA Georgia Competition

Click here to see photos from the SkillsUSA Georgia competition and facilities tour. Here are a couple to give you a preview

SkillsUSA Georgia Competition

The SkillsUSA Georgia competition was held on Friday, April 25. The Printing and Imaging Association of Georgia sponsored the graphic communicaitons and advertising design competitions at Heidelberg USA in Kennesaw, Georgia. The winners are on their way to the national competition in Kansas City. For a complete press release, go to http://www.piag.org/public/144.cfm.

This blog is a chronicle of the advsior's journey from the state competition to the national event.