Dear Robin Adams,

This is the inaugural release of the ArcWest Architects Quarterly (E) Newsletter. The goal with the e-Newsletter is to share insights, industry trends, observations and current events at ArcWest.  We want to keep this a casual and open forum of information.  We welcome your thoughts and comments as we are already thinking about and preparing for our next issue.  We wish everyone all the best with the end of the year.

ArcWest | The Short Story

ArcWest Architects centrally located at 2406 W 32nd Ave in the Highlands neighborhood of Denver. The company is directed by veteran industry professionals: Rick Ruffino, Todd Heirls, Kevin Anderson, and Robin Adams. The business group maintains extensive architectural and consulting experience relevant to facilities, operations and equipment for the newspaper publishing and printing industries.

Newsroom Investment Now

For those of us that see a future for newspapers as a reputable source of news and editorial content there must be evolution and investment in the content of what is provided to the reader. This means investment in the Newsroom.

A newsroom that responds to dynamic change in the way content is gathered, disseminated and delivered will enable newspapers to provide what readers want and how they want it now and in the future.

Mark Fitzgeralld’s article “What’s Next for Newspapers?” provides valuable insight on how to invest in a newspapers future now that the cuts in manpower and product are showing improvements to the bottom line.

ArcWest Architects is an innovator in incorporating dynamic change principals into each unique environment by integrating new media, promoting cross training of employees, eliminating barriers and designing a motivational environment.

Rick Ruffino Joins ArcWest

ArcWest Architects is pleased to announce that Rick Ruffino joined the ArcWest teamas a Partner on August 3rd, 2009 .

Mr. Ruffino is a veteran newspaper and publishing executive who brings his corporate experience in planning, project and business management to ArcWest’s existing strengths in architecture and engineering. His experience in developing and implementing sustainable outsourcing solutions and guiding complex software and equipment projects is unmatched.

Mr Ruffino was the Director of Manufacturing, for the US outsourcing group at Transcontinental, Inc. and continues to assist that team with the successful start up of the new Fremont, CA facility printing the San Francisco Chronicle.

If you would like to speak with Rick to learn more about how the ArcWest team can assist your organization thrive in this challenging market, please contact him directly at:

Office 303.455.7741

Mobile 303.881.3445

rruffino@arcwestarchitects.com

Current Strategies for Facility Operations

First - Strategy for an automated printing plant:

The automation and computer-integrated-manufacturing standards have been established for many years but many (software and hardware) manufacturers still do not comply. We as buyers of technology do not insist that they do. The solution is to engage a systems integrator very early on in the process. Together the owner, project team and a systems integrator can craft an architecture and solution that will save a newspaper time and money.

Second – Printing Rival Products:

If you follow these three steps, a newspaper will be successful printing competitor’s products. First and foremost, establish a service level agreement that keeps the relationship at arm's length while defining as much detail of the operating plan as possible. Second, build new connections between each organization that are built on trust and cooperation. Third, build a pricing model that is sustainable over a long term.

Third – Retain a Consultant to Improve Processes

A newspaper today can (without spending a lot of capital dollars) investigate ways to improve their processes, and process improvement by retaining our services. Our blend of implementing lean-manufacturing principles with actual practical operating experience consistently produces value many times greater that the fee involved. Finally, we have a unique expertise in modeling all aspects of the outsourcing model, from manufacturing planning and distribution through contract formulation and pricing.

Finally – Implement Revenue Streams with Optimization

Every newspaper operation is different and occupies a different state of optimization. That said, most newspapers are well along in this process. What we really need to do as an industry is implement revenue streams that stem from the content we produce to get the most return on their investment.

ArcWest particiates in GREAT BUILD

Kevin Anderson (and Robin Adams) participated in a neighborhood volunteer effort organized by KaBOOM to build a new playground for Chaffee Park in close proximity to the ArcWest offices in Denver. Rome may not have been built in a day … But a playground was. After 6 weeks of planning and diligence, the big BUILD day occured Thursday October 22nd when the final playground was built in a day. There were numerous volunteers, too many to list, who all participated.

ArcWest Architects enjoyed the experience and would like to express our thanks to KaBOOM and the Sunnyside community for helping the vision of a new playground become a reality for the neighborhood.

Next Issue

• 2009 - A brief look back
• What's the next project look like?
• Contact us with your ideas or suggestions for next month's topics.

For more in-depth information and latest news visit our website: www.arcwestarchitects.com