APA Open Community

Hello everyone I'm new to APA. I actually didn't know that it existed until I received a postcard about the upcoming Expo. I look forward to being part of this organization and feel that it is a good fit for our business. We have been in business since January 2007. We are a quick printer that specializes in wide format printing. We have grown over the years to include personalization by way of heat transfers, rotary engraving and sublimation. Our newest adventure is laser engraving. We haven't received our machine yet, but hopefully it will be here soon. So if anyone has any great advise on how to flatten the learning curve, I would greatly appreciate it. Look forward to meeting you all soon.

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Wendy OHern
Graphics Etc LLC
McComb MS
601.249.3101
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Welcome Wendy! Hopefully, you've had a chance to explore some of the on-demand training materials here on the APA site. Depending on the type of machine you're getting, you may also find help in Facebook user groups. And, of course, attend the Expo where you can pick the brains of people who know laser engravers inside out.

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Judi Brown, Owner
Tacoma Trophy
4021 100th St SW #B, Lakewood WA 98499
253.302.5566
judi@tacomatrophy.com
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Hi Wendy, welcome to the APA.  You've made a great decision and definitely have the foundation already to make the laser engraving learning curve a breeze.  The APA website has a wealth of information for you to absorb.  Between this forum, recorded webinars and seminars, they are gong to keep you busy.  The trade show and live education opportunities there will be of great value to you. 

If you have time for a road trip you might reach out to John Burton at Burton Awards up in Meridian.  John owned and operated a highly respected picture framing business there and expanded that business into awards and engraving.  From my observation he was successful in doing that and may be an excellent resource for you at this stage.  I wish you the best.

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David Takes
Expressions Engraved
Saint Joseph, MO
816.232.6000
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Welcome to the APA Wendy and it's nice to see you on the forum too. If you're able to, you should definitely consider coming out to the APA Expo in Las Vegas February 24th through February 27th, 2026. Tuesday 2/24 is an education day and the show floor is open Wednesday 2/25 through Friday 2/27. It's a great way for you to learn, network, meet your suppliers, etc. There will also be a first time attendees session that you may enjoy. You can see all of the information regarding the Expo here: https://personalizationpros.org/tradeshow/

Hope to see you at the Expo and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions about the Expo or APA in general. 

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Debbie Susdorf
Netsoft Studio, LLC
Director of Sales & Marketing
Carlsbad CA
775.996.1343
dsusdorf@bizwiziq.com
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Welcome to APA Wendy!! You are defiantly in the right place to look for support and all kinds of feedback, so glad you joined. The Expo has an exceptional lineup of education and the trade show floor is fantastic. Please reach out to any of us if you have questions, need to know about product or just need that extra set of eyes!! It's what makes APA unique, we want to see everyone succeed. I look forward to meeting you at the Expo!! 

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Megan Raymond
Owner, Raymond's Trophy & Awards
Bakersfield, CA
661-323-4015
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