Regional Associations Combine to Form National, Tricia Judge Named Executive
FREEHOLD, NJ — In an unprecedented show of solidarity, the remanufactured
imaging supplies industry has worked together over the last year to create the
International Imaging Technology Council (ITC), a new national trade association.
ITC joins vendors, remanufacturers and industry supporters together to plot
the course for industry education, advocacy and communications.
"This has been an incredible group effort," says Pam Adzima, acting
chair of the Northeast chapter of ITC. "But we have a long way to go to
build the type of association that represents everyone in this industry and
gets things done." The northeast chapter, formerly the Northeast Cartridge
Remanufacturing Association, was the first to vote to dissolve in favor of joining
ITC as a chapter.
The leaders of each of the current remanufacturing associations have been actively
involved in the formation of ITC and many have voted to cease operations and
dissolve their organizations' current status and become chapters of ITC.
"ITC intends to offer the members of each chapter a range of options to
help them grow and manage their businesses," said ITC regional planning
chairman Doug Walley, who also serves as chairman of the new Washington D.C.
chapter.
The Association trade show, the Imaging Technology Conference, is scheduled
for May 16-17, 2002 and will be held at the Atlantic City Convention Center.
Expo East has been renamed the Imaging Technology Conference. The show will
introduce new ITC-sponsored certification programs along with marketing, business
and technology education targeted to the imaging supplies sales and service
provider.
"Remanufacturers have discovered the best way to keep up with changing
markets is through networking at our shows and meetings," said Howard Topal,
chairman of the ITC Show Committee. "We found out there is definitely strength
in numbers."
Rochester Institute of Technology is working with ITC to develop a certification
program for members, which includes classroom education and testing for various
levels of expertise in remanufacturing. RIT's National Center for Remanufacturing
and Resource Recovery has already developed a three-tier certification program
that will be launched at the Imaging Technology Conference (ITC) sponsored by
ITC in Atlantic City in May. "Certification of Imaging Products is a new
opportunity for imaging industry members to advance their knowledge in the science
of what they do," said Dr. Nabil Nasr. "We have embarked on this exciting
program to satisfy a need in the industry for effective and focused training.
Our collaboration with ITC will only make this program more effective and relevant."
ITC's initial board of directors is comprised of representatives from
the existing associations, along with representatives from industry powerhouses
like Static Control, Optical Technologies, GRC, Teckn-o-laser, Oasis, and Future
Graphics. "ITC is the path to the future for remanufacturing. Supporting
it and benefiting from what it offers go hand-in-hand," said Lester Cornelius,
president of Optical Technologies Corp. and a director of ITC. "Whether
its a lobbying effort or public awareness campaign, the imaging supplies industry
will be well-represented as ITC is structured to make it happen. ITC is also
truly global in nature, and that is necessary to protect the future of the imaging
supplies aftermarket as international movement of goods affects our business
on many levels."
Tricia Judge Accepts Appointment as Executive Director
A successful association requires the commitment of a skilled executive director.
A unanimous vote was cast for Tricia Judge, executive editor of Recharger Magazine,
to serve in that capacity. Judge has been a fighting force for the industry
for many years and has a firm grasp on the issues and challenges facing the
remanufacturing world.
"The imaging supplies remanufacturing industry has risen as a powerful
economic force, despite ruthless efforts by its competitors to belittle or frustrate
it," Judge said. "It will have its own powerful presence now."
In addition to the five years Judge has spent addressing issues affecting cartridge
remanufacturers as executive editor of Recharger Magazine, she also has experience
as a trial lawyer and held political and association-related positions for many
years. "Tricia is equal parts fighter and diplomat, but she is wholly committed
to this industry," said Bob Daggs, president of GRC. "The quest we
started with the Office of Industry Advocacy (OIA) will be realized with the
ITC."
ITC offers members opportunities to pursue industry initiatives like standardized
test methods, education and certification, ongoing legal and legislative advocacy
and public relations campaigns. ITC will also offer member benefits like health
insurance and discounts on business goods and services.
To join ITC, call Karen Helfgott at 732-431-3339, visit the ITC Web site at
www.i-itc.org or e-mail info@i-itc.org.
This article originally appeared in the January 2002 issue of Recharger.