According to the latest edition of County Business Patterns, in 2020 there were 2,357 establishments in NAICS 51113 (Book Publishing). This represents a decrease of 21 percent since 2010. In macro news, October retail sales were up. Read more in this data analysis on WhatTheyThink.com.

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) released the November results for its monthly survey on capacity and lead times for soft cover and hard cover books. This month held fairly steady on capacities, but showed lead times continuing to decline. Read more.

As you plan your 2023 budgets, you may want to account for a potential increase in the exempt salary threshold under an anticipated new federal overtime rule. Now that the midterm elections are over, we expect the DOL to move swiftly to update the overtime regulations. The proposal will likely include a substantial hike in the exempt salary threshold for white collar employees. Read more on FisherPhillips.com.

Has your quarterly transportation spending been – like everything else in 2022 – on the rise? There’s good news in 2023, with a forecast of potential savings…if you know where to look. Read more by GLGA member CliftonLarsonAllen.

When you’re thinking about cutting-edge marketing, direct mail probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. Direct mail still matters, and this article explores some of the trends that make it valuable and effective among today’s consumers. Read more by Eve Padula on Keypoint Intelligence.com.

We are entering a unique time of year, but not for the reasons you might think. Yes, this week is about giving thanks and the beginning of the season of family, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanza… even Festivus. As sales people, it is the perfect time for us to enter into Learning Mode. Read more by Bill Farquharson of the Sales Vault.

Editor's note: Bill is one of the presenters of GLGA's popular monthly Short Attention Span webinar series. The next one is Thursday, December 8, and the topic is "How to Sell in a Recession." Register today - FREE for GLGA members.  

Trish Witkowski of FoldFactory.com has a modified T-Cross self-mailer design that’s a total multi-tasker. The video features projects by GLGA member Specialty Print Communications, Niles, IL.

For specs, click here.

Female industry professionals, join us on Friday, December 2, at SCS Engineers in Madison, WI, for our next Women in Print networking lunch. Meet and network with other women in the Wisconsin printing industry, enjoy lunch, and meet our special guest speaker, Cheryl Moran of SCS Engineers.

Women at all stages of their careers and from all corners of the printing plant as well as women who work in roles that support the print industry are welcome. Don’t wait to register – limited space available!

International Label and Printing, Elk Grove Village, IL, is featured in a profile by Label & Narrow Web magazine:

After a successful career with the Chicago Sun-Times, three partners joined forces to embark on a new career path. Deciding they wanted to go into business for themselves, Tony Dardano, Bob Gorzynski and Mark Turk began searching for an investment. Through hard work and dedication, the triumvirate has elevated International Label & Printing Co. to one of the label industry’s most recognized converters. Read more.

Posted on their website blog by Lithotone, Elkhart, IN:

Lithotone was able to produce the perfect label to allow the Craft Brewer to eliminate their offline labeling process and streamline their canning operation. Read more.

Posted on LinkedIn on behalf of Schumann Printers, Fall River, WI:

The daring rebuild project was hugely complex, involving rebuilding the main mechanical components of the press, and upgrading the drives, controls, and HMI’s. With dozens of tasks occurring in parallel, detailed preparation and robust project management were critical to ensuring a successful project. Read and see more.

Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. has announced it has joined the ZeroNow Alliance for safer schools. ZeroNow is a member-based nonprofit that facilitates collaboration between industry, association and education partners to foster new solutions to keep school campuses safe and secure. Read more.