CherryRoad Media Buys Kansas Printing Plant From Gannett (mediapost.com)

Training Industry, the leading research and information resource for corporate learning leaders, announced its selections for the 2023 Top Training Companies™ lists for the Experiential Learning Technologies. For the third consecutive year, KnowledgeWorks Global Learning has had the honor of making the list. “The companies chosen for this year’s Top Experiential Learning Technologies list represent an innovative set of providers who deliver immersive technologies and experiences for their learners through advanced features and techniques,“ said Jessica Schue, market research analyst at Training Industry, Inc. “Leveraging innovative technologies such as virtual reality (VR) and extended reality (XR), simulations, interactive content, serious gaming and advanced gamification, these companies have shown successful outcomes in learner retention, improved soft skills, better onboarding experiences and so much more.”

As the fall season ushers in new beginnings and the start of a new school year, Royle Printing is excited to continue its cherished tradition of hosting the annual backpack drive for the children and grandchildren of its employees. This year, 52 students, ranging from preschool to high school, have signed up to receive backpacks and gift cards to purchase school supplies for the year ahead. This event has become a staple of the Royle Printing culture, bringing together employees and their families in support of the next generation’s educational journey. "We look forward to this event and tradition every year," said Chris Carpenter, President and owner of Royle Printing. There’s something so exciting about the fall and the start of a new school year. Since I bought the business in the early 2000s, this has always been something I eagerly anticipate. It’s been neat to see the students grow through the years, with some even joining the team as Royle associates. I hope everyone has a prosperous school year ahead."

The book manufacturing market has experienced an unpredictable few years. While it has been far from ideal conditions for forecasting and planning, it hasn’t been all bad; indeed, the lack of experiential options outside of the home during COVID fuelled renewed interest in physical books. And while some pandemic-related hobbies such as bread baking and Zoom quizzing will be less in vogue in 2024, it does seem that the demand for printed books has endured. Publishers Weekly cites NPD BookScan research, claiming that while 2022 unit sales of printed books (788.7 million) fell 6.5% below 2021 figures, they are still up 11.8% when compared with 2019. In other positive news, we are seeing a sunnier supply chain picture. Faced with substantial demand, book printers in recent years — desperate to get their hands on paper and fulfill clients’ orders — were regularly thwarted by supply chain challenges and paper availability issues. “In the short term, I would say the paper availability issue has gone away,” says Steve Zweber, vice president of global print manufacturing, operations, and distribution, at Core Publishing Solutions in Eagan, Minnesota.