The Cygnus Graphics Media Group – comprising the cross-media brands Quick Printing, Printing News, and Wide-Format Imaging – has officially launched its new web portal for the printing industry: MyPrintResource.com. The blended website is the online gateway to accessing content from all three printed magazine properties. It is devoted to delivering timely news and multimedia content on a daily basis. In addition to a fresh, streamlined interface, the new MyPrintResource.com includes advanced search functionality and content organization, unique content for registered users, and social media integration. Readers have the ability to connect with manufacturers and suppliers in the printing industry, participate in webinars, research products and information as well as comment on articles, editorials, columns, videos, and blogs. Live for only 90 days and building momentum, the site already reports impressive numbers for monthly page views and unique visitors.

Printers and suppliers to the printing industry have a great deal to focus on in the second half of 2011, as marketing budgets are projected to increase with companies poised to expand their marketing staffs. According to The Creative Group Hiring Index for Marketing and Advertising Professionals, nearly one-quarter of executives interviewed planned to add staff in the next quarter. Jobs expected to be filled first include Brand/Product Management and Print Design/Production. With double-digit increases over last quarter's survey, MyPrintResource.com plans to be the centerpiece of industry opportunities for commercial printers of all sizes, in-plants, and copy shops as well as sign/wide-format imagers.

"Technology is a key partner in all facets of the print and graphic arts industry," says Mark Vruno, portal editor. "Innovations have allowed many in the market to increase productivity, outpace the competition, attract new customers, and increase profit margins. MyPrintResource.com is designed to identify trends and marketplace shifts and allow our readers and followers to more quickly capitalize on opportunities."

Two months ago, the U.S. Postal Services (USPS) announced plans for a postage-back guarantee program for advertisers with budgets of more than $250 million as a way to increase commercial direct mail. The campaign is expected to entice big business to include direct mail into their mix, a move that will no doubt help the printing and graphic arts industry.

"Logos, brand identity, ads, product packaging, magazines, direct mail, brochures, signs, banners, billboards -- the print and graphic arts industry partners in every market, from advertising and marketing to packaging and more," notes Vruno. "Having a USPS campaign to boost direct mail is just one program we need to key on. There are others. The MyPrintResource.com business model is specifically designed to deliver unprecedented data for our customers via digital media, webinars, podcasts, videos, white paper PDFs and social media platforms."

Publisher Kelley Holmes adds: "We have had many readers and customers make MyPrintResource.com their home page so it's the first thing they see when they log on each morning. Having a full read of the market means a jump on the competition. Immediately, our visitors know what the most popular story is on the homepage. What's trending in any industry is a must-have to effectively compete."