Spring Garden

This issue highlights the winning entries in packagePRINTING's 23rd annual Excellence Awards competition. The judging took place in June and as usual, it was one of my favorite days of the year.

What a difference a year makes. About this time last year, oil prices were peaking around $150/barrel, and energy and materials pricing, in general, were following suit. Along with this, sustainability was right at the top of the list of global concerns.

There is no doubt we are facing some very difficult times. Businesses in virtually every segment of our society are struggling. Cities and states are facing significant budget deficits, and the Federal Government is putting together another spending package that’s closing in on a trillion dollars—that’s a one, followed by 12 zeros; one million millions.