We are all challenged to make time for professional development. I liken it to exercise - it's easy to find a reason why you can't fit it into the day.

But like exercise, once committed it becomes clear how the things we do to grow as professionals positively impact other parts of our lives. When you invest in yourself, everything and everyone around you is enhanced by the experience.

What follows are two opportunities to treat yourself, and your co-workers, right.

Paper 101
If you don't know xpedx, then you don't know one of the nation's largest paper merchant or its team of specification representatives. But you should. Primarily, these paper experts are dedicated to educating designers, printers and other graphics professionals about paper - which sheets are available and which will perform best given the specifications of a particular job. They provide this information one-on-one in client meetings, through informal presentations at a client's studio or plant, and in more structured settings via Paper 101, a modular course designed to educate print buyers about paper.

"Today's design school graduates are definitely tech savvy, but we find they are entering the workforce with very limited knowledge about paper, and how it impacts their designs," said Jeff Higgins, corporate director of marketing for xpedx. "Paper 101 provides them with the real-world information they need to make educated decisions about the primary medium they utilize."

The most seasoned pro will also benefit from a Paper 101 course. Its modular format allows for customized curriculums that can be delivered in full- or half-day sessions, and provides continuing education for those seeking timely information about environmental issues and the corresponding mill offerings. Of course, some just want to see the hottest trends in text and cover, specialty papers and custom grades by the world's most exclusive mills.

Most importantly, Paper 101 classes are fun events taught by enthusiastic professionals who are passionate about what they do. Bring a spec rep onsite so your entire staff can participate, or attend a class scheduled at a nearby xpedx facility.

Opportunities for professional development don't end with paper. In 2007, xpedx spec reps introduced ColorEssentials, an info-packed, midday peak at the Pantone® fashion color report for fall 2007.

ColorEssentials
Pantone, Inc. is the world-renowned authority on color and provider of color systems and leading technology for the selection and accurate communication of color across a variety of industries. For 14 years, the company has surveyed the designers of New York Fashion Week to identify the most important color trends for spring and fall. Each report gets plenty of play in GD USA and this fall's forecast is no exception, taking cover story positioning in the pub's May issue.

xpedx followed with its ColorEssentials launch in June, when a team of paper spec reps talked up the company's latest educational offering from their booth at the HOW Design Conference in Atlanta. (xpedx is the only U.S. merchant distributor for Pantone products and sells them for 10 percent less than the manufacturer's suggested retail price at SuiteShopOnline.com.)

ColorEssentials is an xpedx / Pantone collaboration. Taught by xpedx spec reps at your location, ColorEssentials explores five decades of color before diving into this fall's rich, complex palette. From Burnt Ochre to Chili Pepper, Lemon Curry to Purple Wine, it's a sensory experience that's sure to inspire new color choices for next year's designs. Presented in a fun, 45-minute "lunch-n-learn" format, the course promises to be your best bet for professional growth during lunch.

Despite its considerable investment in the course materials, xpedx doesn't charge a fee for either course. The company makes the investment because it benefits its customers long-term and ensures their mutual success.

To talk to an xpedx spec rep about Paper 101 or ColorEssentials, contact the xpedx spec rep nearest you, by visiting www.suiteshoponline.com/contactus.html.

SuiteShopOnline.com is a one-stop shop for small quantity orders of luxury and digital printing papers, Pantone color management tools, desktop hardware and creative software, industry news and more. It is operated by xpedx, a leading distributor of paper and graphic supplies and equipment, as well as packaging and facility supplies and equipment in North America. For more information about xpedx, go to xpedx.com.

7/18/07