SGIA Workshop Recognition

SGIA Workshop Instructors

	Chris Bernat, Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates http://www.vaporapparel.com Chris Bernat, a Partner at Vapor Apparel/Source Substrates, has written on mass customization for SGIA and other industry publications. He is a contributing writer for Impressions Magazine and other periodicals on the topics of sublimation and customization. Previously, Bernat was Director of Sales for Sawgrass Technologies after serving as both the Business Manager of the Sublimation Division and Large-Format Product Manager. Before joining Sawgrass, he managed sales and product marketing duties for several high-tech firms including ITC Holding Group, Pearson International and Netsurfer, Inc. Bernat, a Clemson University graduate, lives in Charleston, South Carolina.

	David Conrad, Neschen Americas David Conrad is Product Manager for the equipment line at Neschen Americas – SEAL and Neschen Brand Products. He has over 15 years of experience in the laminator market, and successfully combines his industry expertise and innovative ideas to keep SEAL and Neschen machines ahead of the pack. Prior to Neschen Americas, David worked within the industry at Avnet / Hall-Mark Computer as a Marketing Manager and with Tekgraf as a Wide Format Product Manager. Being an expert in the field has presented him with numerous opportunities to speak at industry conferences and events about a wide variety to topics including, laminators, industry trends, and complete graphic solutions. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Stevens Point and has BS in Business and Marketing.

	Dave Dennings, KIWO Inc Dave has worked in the screen printing industry for 20 years. He currently holds a position as Product Manager/Screen Making Products with KIWO Inc. based in Seabrook, TX. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Technology degree in Visual Communications Technology from Bowling Green State University. He is a member of the Academy of Screen Printing Technology and has received the 2006 Swormstedt award for his article on Standardization of screen printing.

	Art Dobie, Sefar Printing Solutions Inc Art Dobie is Manager of Screen Technology for Sefar Printing Solutions, Inc., Lumberton, NJ. He has been with Sefar 26 years since receiving his BS in Graphic Communications (specializing in Screen Printing Technology) in 1980 from California University of Pennsylvania. Art is a Life Member and a Fellow of the Society of IMAPS, and was the 2006 recipient of the IMAPS John A. Wagnon Technical Achievement Award for outstanding technical contributions to screen printing technology as related to microelectronics. Inducted into the SGIA's Academy of Screen Printing Technology in 1998, Art is an active member of the ASPT's Technical Review Committee.

	Paul Drago, Ulano Corporation, December Class only Paul Drago, Application Specialist, Ulano Corporation After graduating with a BA degree in Advertising Art and Design from the State University of New York, Farmingdale. In 2000, Paul joined Ulano as an applications specialist. In addition to performing product testing and evaluations, he provides technical support to Ulano's distributors, sales managers, customers, Quality Control and Research & Development Departments. He continues to be active in SGIA, lending support to the Foundation, and serving as a judge for the annual Golden Image Competition.

	Tim Quinn, Nazdar Consulting Services Tim Quinn Nazdar Consulting Services, Chromatix Consultant Tim has extensive experience in prepress production in the preparation of electronic files for reproduction in all of the major print processes. Tim has 20 years of experience in the printing industry, including prepress, color management and print production analysis. Prior to joining the Nazdar consulting services team, he served as project manager and sales for ReyHanPGF. His previous experience also includes prepress production, production management, facility startup management & operations management. Tim has an arts degree and graduated from the Graphic Communications International Union Technical School. Tim is thorough and pays attention to all the detail necessary in the prepress areas he concentrates in.

	Jim Raymont, E I T Insturment Markets Jim Raymont Director of Sales & Marketing, EIT Inc. Jim Raymont has been with EIT for 14 years and is currently the Director of Sales & Marketing for EIT Inc. EIT provides electronic manufacturing and engineering services to medical, telecommunications, analytical, instrument and industrial process control customers.

	Mike Ruff, Nazdar Consulting http://www.nazdar.com Mike Ruff, Chief Technology Officer of Nazdar Consulting Services, has more than 35 years of experience in the graphic arts business. In 1993, he founded PGF Megafilm, which became ReyHan PGF and is now part of Thrall Enterprises —- the parent company of Nazdar Ink Co. Ruff travels 45 weeks a year, providing productivity improvement consulting work in North America. He’s an internationally known speaker, author of many trade journal and magazine articles and member of SGIA's Academy of Screen Print Technology.

	Mark Snelling, Hasco Sales Inc Mark Snelling is partner and co-owner of Hasco Sales Inc, which is an independent rep group for Neschen Americas - Seal and Neschen Brand Products, Miller Weldmaster, KoroGraphics Wallcoverings and Collect Inc. Along with his brother, Hasco partner and co-owner Michael Snelling, he has expanded the business to encompass both North and South America. Mark grew up in the specialty graphics industry and brings a wealth of experience to both his leadership role and to his role as National and Key Account Manager. He has taught over 30 training classes on lamination, and is a frequent speaker at industry and conference events. Mark Snelling has a degree in Marketing from Loyola University Chicago.

	Charlie Taublieb, Taublieb Consulting http://www.taubliebconsulting.com With more than 35 years of experience in the screen printing industry, Charlie Taublieb, Owner of Taublieb Consulting, trains technical personnel for new and existing shops, helps design new plant layouts and provides state-of-the-art instruction in new procedures and techniques. Taublieb graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in fine art. He was a Vice President at Great American Screen Designs for six years and President of Bullseye Screen Printing Supplies for 13 years. Taublieb is a repeat instructor for several popular SGIA workshops. He is also a member of the Academy of Screen Printing Technology (ASPT).

	Marc Tischer, Neschen Americas Marc Tischer, LCS Sales Specialist for Neschen Americas, is the company’s foremost authority on both liquid coating systems and their liquid coatings. Due to his family’s long-term involvement in the specialty graphics industry and his experiences traveling the world selling, installing and trouble shooting liquid coating systems he has developed an extensive knowledge of these machines and their market.

	Bob Wellen, Murakami Screen USA Inc Rob Wellen has been in the screen printing industry for 32 years. The last 16 ½ years have been spent with Murakami as the Technical Manager for U.S. operations. Robs extensive knowledge about stencil making, printing, and problem solving have earned him the respect of the entire industry. Intimate knowledge of the manufacturing of stencil making materials and chemistries plus his overall experience in the industry has given Rob an extensive library of information that includes tips and tricks to make your stencil making as easy as possible.

	Bron Wolff, Pratt Corporation Bron Wolff Quality Manager, Pratt Corporation Bron has a unique background both in education and screen-printing. After serving in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War, he entered the teaching field. In 1972, he began his career as a production artist and screen printer. After holding management position with several graphic arts screen-printing companies, Bron combined both his areas of experience and became the Technical Education Associate with SGIA International. At the Association, he developed the very popular Graphics Four-Color Process workshop and continues as the principal instructor of that course. Bron is a regular contributor to Screen Printing magazine and was inducted into the Academy of Screen Printing Technology in 2002.