PRINTING United Alliance is grateful to serve its members who make such significant impacts on the printing industry. Through our Membership Spotlights, we continue to recognize our members, and help our community get to know their peers better, both professionally and personally. The following is a Q&A with Alliance member Julio Rosado, director of the printing section at the NYPD.
Can you please provide a brief background on your experience in the printing industry and your role within the NYPD?
I’ve been in the print industry since high school when I exchanged language classes for graphic arts classes. During my senior year I was printing most of the projects for the school. The NYPD employs approximately 55,000 people with a wide range
of roles from law enforcement officers and civilians serving the city of New York. My role within the NYPD is as the Director of the Printing Section. We are an in-plant printer with a current staff of 34 civilian employees. However, there have been cops
in out unit over the years. We have a very diverse workflow with a wide variety of equipment to meet the goals and requests from our customers.
What did you enjoy the most about this year’s Expo held in Atlanta? Were there any show floor features or educational sessions in particular that stood out the most to you?
I learned a lot during the show by visiting vendors that I thought could help my shop with products and solutions. I believe that the automation of the printing equipment was by far the most impressive for me. I was very happy to attend the induction of my friend from the University of Oklahoma Print and Mail Service, John Sarantakos into the Ben Franklin Honor Society. John became the first selected member of the Honor Society from an in-plant printing organization. John has been a pioneer during
his career in printing, has an amazing resume and I was glad to be in attendance for the ceremony. Hopefully this will open the door for future in-plant managers who are very deserving of the honor.
Were there any new technologies
you learned more about while walking the Trade Show floor?
There was some really impressive equipment on the floor. I’m going to look at some of the uses of wide-format to create Braille for all our facilities. I was also impressed by
some of the integrated systems used in automation. We’re not big on automation yet due to the level of oversight required by the Department.
Why did you decide to join the Alliance?
I wanted to be a part of an organization, PRINTING United Alliance, which has brought most of the printing industry into one unified organization, which in turn allows for representation for all. With everything under one roof, the industry becomes
stronger and can have a voice in government, as well as creating standards that everyone can adhere to. This matters because many people are influenced by corporations that want a paperless society simply because they would like to cut expenses. Unified, we have a voice and can be heard.
Aside from engaging with PRINTING United Expo, what resources do you plan to utilize or have already taken advantage of through your membership?
I don’t get out much, but I take advantage
of reading everything that moves our industry forward. The Alliance keeps me in the know on a regular basis. I also enjoy the webinars and available trainings provided by the Alliance's iLEARNING+ program.
What
is the best way for Alliance members and the industry to reach you further to learn more about you or your organization?
I have been fortunate to have contacts and have made some friends within the Alliance over the past few years. They
know where I am and are welcome to visit or call on me anytime.
I never get enough of printing! I’m looking forward to 2024 in
Las Vegas and I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to attend.