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Game-Changing TFL on Plywood Solution, EverPly+, Unveiled by Garnica and Genesis Products

Raleigh, North Carolina – February 19, 2026 – Garnica, a leading manufacturer of premium sustainable plywood recently announced the launch of EverPly+, an advanced thermally fused laminate (TFL) on plywood solution developed in collaboration with Genesis Products. The panels were showcased at the Kitchen & Bathroom Industry Show (KBIS) 2026, one of the industry’s leading events, in Orlando earlier this month.

EverPly+ combines Genesis’s expertise in decorative surface systems with Garnica’s high-performance, sustainably-sourced plywood. The result is a solution engineered to address longstanding challenges in decorative panel fabrication, including thickness variability, core consistency, weight, and durability. While TFL is commonly applied to particleboard or MDF, plywood has historically been more difficult to use due to core variability, splicing requirements, and machining limitations. EverPly+ overcomes these barriers by using Garnica’s virtually void-free Efficiency Poplar plywood as the core, enabling:

  • Precise thickness accuracy for consistent fabrication and assembly.
  • Lightweight performance. EverPly+ is approximately 15% lighter than particleboard.
  • Improved machinability and extended tool life due to a less abrasive core.
  • Enhanced strength and moisture resistance compared to traditional composite substrates.

“This collaboration reflects Garnica’s long-term commitment to engineering high-performance solutions that also meet the sustainability expectations of modern construction and design,” said Álvaro González, CEO of Garnica. “As material expectations continue to evolve across cabinetry, closets and interior construction, EverPly+ represents a step toward more integrated, performance-driven panel solutions for the North American market.”

“By pairing our decorative surface expertise with Garnica’s advanced plywood technology, we are delivering a solution that simplifies specification while improving real-world performance for manufacturers and designers,” added Jon Wenger, CEO of Genesis Products.

EverPly+ demonstrates how responsibly-sourced plywood can deliver precision and durability without compromising on aesthetics.

About Garnica

Garnica is a global leader in the production of innovative and high-quality plywood, designed to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. Rooted in a strong respect for nature, people, and the community, the company works with wood from sustainable and renewable sources to preserve ecological balance. With over 1,100 employees, Garnica operates a total of seven production centers in Spain and France, strategically located to the main poplar plantation basins in Europe. Additionally, it has three offices including its headquarters in Logroño (La Rioja), support offices in Madrid, Spain and Raleigh in the United States. To strengthen its international presence, Garnica opened a warehouse in Savannah, US in 2024.

About Genesis Products

Genesis Products is a leading supplier of laminated panels, wood components and custom molded solutions serving OEMs across a growing spectrum of industries including RV, Manufactured Housing, Building Materials, Healthcare, Office & Education, Cabinet & Storage, Furniture, Transportation, and Heavy Truck.

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

 

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Here’s what matters more than the next ‘great idea’

Pulse by Zenergy

Ideas in Action

Your monthly dose of expert insights, trends, and strategies in marketing and communications.

This month’s theme: Commitment

Commitment is often mistaken for intensity: working harder, moving faster, saying yes more often. In reality, commitment is often quieter and more deliberate. It shows up in consistency, follow-through, and in the decisions organizations continue to make long after the initial excitement fades.

In business, commitment is what turns strategy into practice and relationships into partnerships. It’s what sustains momentum when results take time and progress isn’t immediately visible. Organizations that treat commitment as an operating principle — both internally and externally — tend to see stronger results. Consistently meeting internal deadlines builds trust within teams and extends that reliability to clients.

Commitment is What Happens After the Strategy is Set

Many organizations invest significant time defining strategy, vision, and goals. Fewer invest the same energy in what comes next: sustained commitment to execution.

Where commitment breaks down, initiatives stall. Messaging becomes inconsistent. Priorities shift prematurely. Teams lose confidence in what’s worth investing in.

Try This: The Commitment Test

Before approving a new initiative, campaign, or shift in direction this quarter, run it through a simple commitment filter:

1. Time test
Would we still support this six months from now if early results are quiet?

2. Resource test
Are we willing to assign real ownership and budget or is this a ‘nice-to-have’?

3. Consistency test
Does this reinforce what we’ve already said we stand for, or pull us in a new direction?

4. Trade-off test
What are we willing to pause or stop to make room for this?

If an initiative can’t pass at least three of the four, it may be an idea worth parking.

Key takeaway: Commitment isn’t about doing more. It’s about choosing fewer things and backing them long enough to matter.

“Commitment is an act, not a word.”

– Jean-Paul Sartre –

This Month's Theme: Architecture and Design

#IndustryInsight

In 2026, architecture and design firms aren’t competing on aesthetics alone — they’re competing on how clearly they reduce uncertainty for clients.

Across residential, commercial, and institutional projects, clients are navigating tighter budgets, longer approval timelines, and more stakeholders at the table. As a result, many are choosing firms based on one question: “Who will make this easier to get done?”

We’re seeing three shifts in how A&D firms are positioning themselves to win:

1. From portfolio-led to problem-led marketing

Clients increasingly want to see how firms think through constraints; zoning, approvals, timelines, cost pressures — not just finished projects. Firms that frame their work around challenges solved (rather than images alone) are standing out earlier in the selection process.

2. From broad capability to selective focus

Generalist positioning is losing ground. Firms that clearly signal what they can and cannot take on, whether that’s project size, sector, or geography, are being perceived as more credible, not less. Clarity is reducing friction in client decision-making.

3. From reactive business development to visible momentum

Rather than only marketing when chasing RFPs, firms that maintain a steady public presence are staying top of mind when opportunities arise.

What this means for A&D firms:
The firms winning consistently are the ones making it easier for clients to understand fit, feasibility, and confidence before the first meeting ever happens.

If you’re rethinking how your firm communicates fit, feasibility, and confidence, Zenergy works with architecture and design teams to clarify positioning, strengthen visibility, and support growth.

Connect with us to continue the conversation.

#Poll: Which aspect of commitment matters most at work?

Answer our poll here.

Reach 250,000+ Attendees at Toronto's ICFF – Lavazza IncluCity Festival 2026

Every summer, Toronto becomes a cultural playground — and this year, your brand could be part of the city’s most unforgettable celebration.

The 15th edition of the ICFF – Lavazza IncluCity Festival returns from June 11 to July 19, 2026, transforming the Distillery District into a six-week showcase of cinema, music, food, sport, and innovation.

With 250,000+ attendees, 150+ films, 50+ live concerts, World Cup watch parties, and interactive brand activations, ICFF offers a powerful platform to connect with experience-driven audiences at one of Canada’s most vibrant summer festivals.

Sponsorship opportunities are now open. We’d love to explore how your brand can be part of this milestone 15th edition.

📩 Contact us to learn more: info@zenergycom.com

Commitment Is How Trust Is Built

Trust isn’t created through one strong campaign or announcement. It’s built through repeated signals over time.

Organizations that communicate commitment clearly tend to:

• Build stronger relationships with media, clients, and stakeholders

• Navigate uncertainty with greater credibility

• Maintain confidence during periods of change or scrutiny

When commitment is visible, audiences know what you stand for and what you won’t compromise. Without it, even strong strategies risk appearing opportunistic or inconsistent. 

Action to consider: Look at your external communications over the last six months. Do they reinforce a steady commitment, or do they reflect frequent shifts in focus?Zenergy works with organizations to express commitment clearly through PR, strategic messaging, media training, and reputation management.

Let’s talk about how your commitment shows up externally.

Share Your Perspective with 20,000+ Readers!

#BeOurGuest

Have an insight, lesson, or point of view worth sharing? Pulse by Zenergy welcomes guest contributors who want to spark thoughtful conversation around strategy, communications, and leadership.

Get in touch to learn more.

Planning a Website Redesign or New Build? Read This First

#ZenergyBlog

Websites are often an organization’s first impression — long before a call, meeting, or email.

A new design should strengthen that impression, not just modernize it.

Before jumping into visuals, there are strategic questions every team should answer around purpose, structure, performance, and alignment.

We’ve outlined the essentials to consider before a website redesign or new build, from defining objectives and success metrics to messaging, navigation, SEO, and post-launch planning.

👉 Click here to read the full blog.

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Local ≠ small brand impact

#FeelGoodStory

At speeds reaching 90 mph, downhill skiing is one of the most dangerous sports in the world.

Now, athletes competing at this year’s Winter Olympics in Italy will wear smart airbag vests that deploy during serious crashes — helping protect skiers without slowing them down.

It’s a powerful example of how innovation can push performance forward while putting safety first.

Read the full story here.

“Commitment is choosing what matters most — and continuing to show up for it, even when progress isn’t immediate.”

Linda Farha
President and Founder
Zenergy Communications

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Planning a Website Redesign or New Build? Read this first

For many organizations, a website is the first place people learn who you are, what you do, and how you position yourself. Before a sales call, before a meeting, before an email is answered, your website is often doing the work of a modern receptionist: setting expectations, directing visitors, and shaping credibility.

What many teams underestimate is that designing a website isn’t just a creative exercise. It’s a business infrastructure project that touches messaging, navigation, performance, and internal workflows all at once.

When designs underperform, it’s rarely because of design quality alone. More often, the strategic thinking behind the project was never fully clarified. Project directors chase aesthetics instead of outcomes, and the design ends up amplifying whatever thinking already exists — good or bad.

So, before starting a website redesign or new build, these are the essentials that should be considered.

1. Start With Why — Not How

If you can’t clearly answer why you’re launching a new site or redesigning, you’re not ready to move forward. Success should be tied to clear business goals and measurable outcomes — not opinions, preferences, or trends.

Common (but weak) reasons include:

• “It deels outdated”

• “Our competitors redesigned”

• “We want something more modern”

Stronger reasons are grounded in purpose:

• The site no longer supports business goals

• Messaging no longer reflects positioning

• User behavior has changed

• Conversion paths are unclear or ineffective

A website overhaul doesn’t fix underlying problems — it amplifies them. If goals are unclear or success isn’t defined, a new site tends to make those gaps more visible.

2. Clarify the Role of Your Website

Trying to make a website do everything usually means it does no one thing particularly well. Before design begins, teams need to agree on the role the website plays within the business and the customer journey. In other words: what job is the site meant to perform?

Is it primarily meant to:

• Act as a lead-generation tool

• Educate and inform audiences

• Support sales conversations

• Serve investors, partners, or other stakeholders

Strong websites don’t try to serve every audience the same way. Rather than presenting everything at once, they guide different audiences through intentional paths — much like a receptionist directing visitors to the right resource.

Clearly defining the role a website plays becomes increasingly important as sites grow more complex. Modern sites rarely operate in isolation; they connect to internal systems, content libraries, sales tools, and partner resources. When a website is treated as a standalone deliverable instead of part of a broader operational ecosystem, it often struggles to scale over time.

3. Define What Success Looks Like

Once the objectives of the website are clear, success needs to be defined. Without clear targets, a new design is just a visual reset. Teams should align on what success means for the website before design begins — and how it will be measured after launch.

That might include outcomes such as:

• Generating more qualified leads

• Improving conversion rates

• Increasing engagement with priority audiences

• Clarifying pathways to key content

• Improving performance metrics like load speed or bounce rate

Without agreed-upon targets, design decisions become subjective — and it becomes difficult to assess whether the new site is performing better than the one it replaced.

4. Messaging Comes Before Design

Once goals and success metrics are defined, the next critical step is ensuring the website clearly communicates what it’s meant to say.

Many websites fail because:

• Design is finalized before messaging is clearly defined

• Content is treated as a later step rather than a foundation

• Teams assume visuals will fix clarity issues

Design should support messaging, not mask confusion. Clear positioning improves user experience far more than animation, motion, or visual effects alone.

The most effective websites don’t start with inspiration boards or the latest trends. They start with audience needs and key messaging — and then use design, structure, and features to reinforce understanding.

5. Navigation is a Trust Signal

Users don’t read websites, they scan them. And when internal teams struggle to agree on navigation, that confusion almost always shows up for users.

Poor navigation:

• Creates friction and hesitation

• Increases bounce rates

• Signals disorganization or lack of focus

Good navigation:

• Reflects how users actually think and search

• Prioritizes clarity over clever labels

• Guides action naturally toward next steps

6. SEO and Performance Should Be Built In — Not Bolted On

SEO and performance should be considered early in the design process. They directly affect how easily people find your site, how they experience it, and whether it supports lead flow and revenue.

Common pitfalls include:

• URLs changing without proper redirect mapping

• Existing search equity being lost overnight

• Page speed and performance being overlooked until close to launch

• Analytics not properly configured or validated after launch

Web designs that treat SEO, performance, and measurement as afterthoughts often experience visibility drops that take months or longer to recover from. If success can’t be measured, it can’t be managed.

7. Internal Alignment is the Hidden Make-or-Break Factor

Web design delays are rarely technical. They’re more often the result of how decisions are made, owned, and aligned internally across teams.

Common issues include:

• Too many decision-makers

• No clear owner

• Endless revisions

• Conflicting opinions

The most successful web builds establish clear decision authority, defined roles, and alignment early, not at the approval stage. Without this foundation, timelines slip, budgets stretch, and momentum is lost.

8. The launch is the Beginning, Not the End

A new website or redesign is not a finish line; it’s the start of an ongoing performance cycle.

After launch, teams should be prepared to:

• Monitor user behavior

• Review performance data

• Refine content

• Optimize pathways

Many sites lose momentum post-launch because ownership, training, and optimization responsibilities were never clearly defined. The most effective websites continue to evolve as real users interact with them.

Design With Intention

A website redesign or new build is one of the most visible investments an organization can make. When approached intentionally, it strengthens credibility, improves performance, and supports long-term growth. When rushed or misaligned, it becomes a costly reset.

Whether you’re considering a full web revamp or questioning whether your current site is still doing its job, Zenergy helps teams approach website projects strategically — from messaging and structure to execution and launch.

In Part 2, we look beyond strategy to the execution details that protect performance, scalability, and long-term value. Read Part 2 here.

Let’s talk before design begins.


Zenergy Communications
info@zenergycom.com

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Garnica Appoints Jonathan Martínez as Chief Human Resources Officer

Logroño, Spain, February 5, 2026 — Garnica, a leading manufacturer of premium sustainable plywood, recently announced the appointment of Jonathan Martínez as Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO). He has been part of Garnica’s leadership team since 2021.

As CHRO, he is responsible for aligning talent and organizational development with Garnica’s long-term strategy, supporting sustainable growth, and strengthening the company’s corporate culture across all operations.

With over 20 years of experience in human resources, Jonathan has built his career across several industrial sectors including packaging, automotive, recycling, and the paper industry. He has also led HR functions in large production plants, managed multi-site operations, and contributed to international industrial projects and growth initiatives.

“Jonathan brings deep industrial HR expertise and a strong understanding of complex, high-demand operating environments,” said Álvaro González, CEO of Garnica. “His experience leading people strategies across multiple sectors and geographies has been instrumental in supporting Garnica’s growth and transformation and this appointment reinforces the strategic role of people and culture in our business. At this time I am especially proud to note the completion our C-level team through internal appointments, recognizing the talent, commitment, and long-term dedication of the people who grow with Garnica.”

“Garnica is a company with a strong operational base and a clear commitment to sustainable growth,” added Jonathan. “In my role as CHRO, my priority is to ensure that our strategy supports the business, empowers our teams, and fosters an environment of safety, continuous improvement and professional development as we navigate ongoing transformation.”

Martínez holds a Law degree and a Master’s in Human Resources and Occupational Risk Prevention, with specializations in Safety, Hygiene, Ergonomics, and Psychosociology. He also completed an Executive MBA at ESIC Business & Marketing School in Zaragoza.

As Chief Human Resources Officer, Martínez will focus on operational excellence in people management, talent development, workplace improvement, and supporting Garnica’s strategic and transformation initiatives.

About Garnica

Garnica is a global leader in the production of innovative and high-quality plywood, designed to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. Rooted in a strong respect for nature, people, and the community, the company works with wood from sustainable and renewable sources to preserve ecological balance. With over 1,100 employees, Garnica operates a total of seven production centers in Spain and France, strategically located to the main poplar plantation basins in Europe. Additionally, it has three offices including its headquarters in Logroño (La Rioja), support offices in Madrid, Spain and Raleigh in the United States. To strengthen its international presence, Garnica opened a warehouse in Savannah, US in 2024.

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

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2026 SALARY INCREASES: CANADIAN BUDGET FORECASTS REMAIN TIGHTLY ALIGNED WITH SUMMER PROJECTIONS

  • Average increases of 3.0% projected for 2026.
  • Employers increasingly pressed to rethink compensation and total rewards strategies amid ongoing uncertainty.
  • 42% of organizations plan to secure additional budgets to address compensation challenges.
  • Slow but steady decline in salary increase budgets observed since 2023.

Toronto, Ontario,  January 21, 2026 – Normandin Beaudry, a leader in actuarial and total rewards consulting services, has released the findings of its Salary Increase Pulse Survey, with nearly 400 Canadian organizations participating during the last quarter of 2025. Results indicate that Canadian organizations are expected to continue slightly scaling back their salary increase budgets, with an average projected increase of 3.0% in 2026, excluding salary freezes. This is a further reduction of 0.1% compared to results from summer 2025.

“As economic and trade uncertainty continues to shape Canada’s market, organizations are taking a cautious, gradual approach to salary increase budgets. At the same time, heightened expectations for transparency are pushing organizations to refine and clearly articulate the holistic employee experience and total rewards they offer,” said Darcy Clark, Senior Principal, Compensation at Normandin Beaudry.

HIGHLIGHTS

Organizations making salary budget changes have varying intentions

Results indicate that nearly three-quarters of organizations (74%) are not planning any changes to their initial salary increase budget projections from last summer. For the 26% of participating organizations planning adjustments to their initial budget, more than half will be making a reduction and the rest are intending to increase their initial budget.

The Canadian national average salary increase budget, originally projected at 3.1% excluding wage freezes, has now decreased by 0.1%. This reduction is aligned with the steady decline observed since 2023. In addition to the traditional salary increase budget, 42% of respondents have allocated an average of 0.8% of payroll for additional budget funds.

Total rewards strategies at centre of employee experience

Organizations are also focusing internally on their total rewards foundations in 2026, with strategies aimed at:

  • Employee engagement: 58%
  • Compliance with legislative requirements (pay equity and transparency): 47%
  • Employee communication: 42%

With employees expecting greater levels of transparency, organizations are focused on developing and refining their broader employee experience and total reward strategies.

Workforce increases projected

Other economic indicators remain positive with almost half of organizations (47%) expecting their annual incentive plan to pay at or above target and 35% of organizations planning an increase in their workforce during 2026.

The full report and interactive tool, with details by province, industry sector, size and type of organization, are available on the Normandin Beaudry website.

About Normandin Beaudry

Founded in 1992, Normandin Beaudry is recognized for its leading-edge total rewards consulting services. Independent and wholly owned by an ever-growing number of its professionals, Normandin Beaudry has an ownership structure that puts it in a unique position as one of the few major firms in the field with exclusively Canadian interests. From offices in Montreal, Toronto and Quebec City, a team of over 350 professionals serves an enviable list of clients across Canada that includes organizations of all sizes and industries from the private, public, para-public and not-for-profit sectors.

Excellence spans the globe! As an independent and equal shareholder in MBWL International since 2023, Normandin Beaudry’s reach now extends to 50+ countries.

About our compensation expertise

Normandin Beaudry’s team of over 40 compensation consultants is one of the largest in Canada. Through the sound and innovative use of data and technology, our versatile and creative experts provide clients with unique and simple solutions that address their strategic and operational needs. For more details, visit https://www.normandin-beaudry.ca/en/areas-of-expertise/compensation/

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

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Garnica Appoints Jaime Álvarez as Chief Marketing Officer

Logroño, Spain – January 20, 2026 — Garnica, a leading manufacturer of premium sustainable plywood, recently announced the appointment of Jaime Álvarez as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). In his new role, Jaime will lead Garnica’s global marketing strategy, with a focus on brand development, market expansion, and aligning the company’s value proposition with the evolving needs of architects, designers, and industry partners worldwide.

With over 15 years of experience in marketing and commercial strategy, Jaime began his career in the consumer electronics technology sector, where he led product marketing initiatives and strategic projects. His professional background includes full-scope marketing management, pricing strategy, product development, business intelligence, and the execution of growth and digital transformation initiatives.

“Jaime has played a central role in shaping Garnica’s marketing, pricing, and product strategy over the past decade,” said Álvaro González, CEO of Garnica. “His extensive understanding of our business, combined with his strategic mindset and experience across global markets, positions him to lead our marketing department as we continue to grow internationally. This final appointment to our C-level team reflects our commitment to developing talent from within and building a leadership team rooted in dedication, continuity, and shared values.”

“I am excited to step into this new role and help build a strong, consistent global brand while staying closely aligned with the needs of our customers and partners,” said Álvarez. “Garnica has a clear value proposition rooted in innovation, sustainability, and performance, and I look forward to working across teams to ensure that value is clearly communicated and delivered in every market we serve.”

Alvarez holds a degree in International Economics and a Master’s in Marketing and Commercial Management from ESIC Business & Marketing School. He has also completed specialized programs in Digital Marketing at IESE Business School and international studies at the University of Warsaw.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Jaime will focus on strengthening Garnica’s global brand, supporting market-led growth, and reinforcing alignment between product innovation, sustainability, and customer needs across regions.

About Garnica

Garnica is a global leader in the production of innovative and high-quality plywood, designed to meet the needs of the most demanding customers. Rooted in a strong respect for nature, people, and the community, the company works with wood from sustainable and renewable sources to preserve ecological balance. With over 1,100 employees, Garnica operates a total of seven production centers in Spain and France, strategically located to the main poplar plantation basins in Europe. Additionally, it has three offices including its headquarters in Logroño (La Rioja), support offices in Madrid, Spain and Raleigh in the United States. To strengthen its international presence, Garnica opened a warehouse in Savannah, US in 2024.

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Media Contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

 

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Expo Design Announces Strategic Alliance with INT.DESIGN

COLLABORATIVE EXPERTISE IN DESIGN, ARCHITECTURE, AND THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT SET TO DELIVER UNPRECEDENTED VALUE TO EXHIBITORS AND VISITORS

Montréal, Québec – January 20, 2026 – Expo Design, the leading tradeshow dedicated to interior and exterior design materials, is pleased to announce its strategic alliance with INT.DESIGN, the flagship platform of PID Agency in anticipation of its 11th edition taking place in Montreal on October 7 and 8, 2026.

Produced by Design Spec Rep (DSR), Expo Design has become the must-attend event for architects, designers, cabinetmakers, woodworkers, manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and other industry professionals seeking inspiration, innovation, and networking opportunities.

“Expo Design is the ultimate event for industry professionals to connect with clients, prospects, and suppliers. This new relationship with PID Agency who has been active in the design industry for nearly 40 years, will enable the show to progress to its natural next level,” said Johanne Munger, Director and Events Manager at Design Spec Rep.

Most notably, PID Agency was the driving force behind SIDIM – The Design Show for over 30 years and is well known for its industry platforms INT.DESIGN and the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN, which celebrate creativity and excellence in design, architecture, landscape, and the built environment. In 2026, one of the two annual GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN Galas will take place on October 8, immediately following the closing of Expo Design, and will bring together over 550 professionals, clients, and suppliers from the industry.

Brigitte Gadoury, Co-President, of Agence PID continued: “We have chosen to unite with Expo Design recognized for the quality of its event, team and leadership. Together, we will develop complementary content that will give the show a distinctive and attractive identity. This initiative aligns with our commitment to promote excellence in the fields of design, architecture, landscape, and the built environment.”

Companies and brands wishing to exhibit at the show are encouraged to email expodesign@cpcl.ca for more information.

About INT.DESIGN (Agence PID)

PID Agency is a Quebec-based media and communications agency with nearly 40 years of experience in the design, architecture, landscape, and built environment sectors. Recognized for its strong design-driven DNA, the agency is a trusted partner to the design industry. Through its flagship platforms—the GRANDS PRIX DU DESIGN awards program and the INT.DESIGN magazine and digital portal—PID Agency connects designers, studios, manufacturers, and brands with a global audience, fostering creativity, visibility, and dialogue across international markets. Its initiatives actively contribute to the international positioning and influence of the Canadian design ecosystem.

About Expo Design

Expo Design, produced by Design Spec Rep (DSR), was created to meet the needs of companies targeting designers, architects, and woodworkers by creating a trade show focused entirely on relevant materials. Considered a not to be missed event for industry insiders including architects, designers, kitchen designers, cabinetmakers, woodworkers, manufacturers, contractors, builders/promoters, and other related professionals, Expo Design is the perfect place for companies to launch new product, present their latest innovations, and connect with clients, prospects, and industry professionals.

– 30 –

Media contact:

Zenergy Communications

media@zenergycom.com

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Trends and Insights for 2026

Pulse by Zenergy

Ideas in Action

Your monthly dose of expert insights, trends, and strategies in marketing and communications.

This month’s theme: Vision

In business, vision shapes more than strategy; it influences what you prioritize, what you say no to, and how you show up in moments that matter — whether that’s responding to market shifts, entering a new phase of growth, or deciding which opportunities truly align with your goals.

As the year unfolds, vision becomes less about aspiration and more about alignment: ensuring that actions, messaging, and momentum are all moving in the same direction.

It’s what bridges the space between where you are and where you intend to go.

Vision Without Execution Is Just a Statement

A strong vision statement is only the starting point. What differentiates high-performing organizations is their ability to embed it into decisions, communications, and priorities across the business.

Too often, vision lives at the top of a strategy deck but fades in day-to-day execution. Budgeting decisions drift. Messaging becomes reactive. Teams lose sight of what they’re building toward.

Signs Your Vision Is (or Isn’t) Working

You likely have vision clarity if:

• Teams understand priorities without constant clarification

• External messaging sounds cohesive across channels

• Decisions are made with confidence, even when trade-offs are required

You may be losing clarity if:

• Messaging becomes reactive

• Priorities shift without explanation

• Communications focus on outputs, not direction

Key takeaway: Vision gains power when it’s reinforced through consistent action and communication, not just words.

If you’re revisiting priorities or setting direction for the year ahead, Zenergy helps organizations translate vision into clear, strategic messaging and action. 

Reach out to start the conversation.

“Vision without action is merely a dream. Action without vision just passes the time.”

– Joel A. Barker –

This Month's Theme: Professional & Business Services

#IndustryInsight

Each month we dive into a specific industry to offer tips, trends and insights. If this month’s topic isn’t relevant to you, feel free to scroll on by!

Across consulting, legal, recruitment and advisory firms, clients are taking more time to choose who they work with. In professional and business services, differentiation is no longer driven by capability; most organizations can do the work. Now, it’s more about how clearly they articulate their point of view. In markets where expertise is assumed, clients are paying closer attention to how firms frame problems, make trade-offs, and take positions. Ones that communicate their thinking — not just their credentials — reduce perceived risk and shorten decision cycles by making it easier for clients to say, “This is how we think too.”

We’re seeing a shift toward:

• Clear, opinion-led positioning that signals judgment, not just capability

• Consistent messaging across partners and practice areas, reducing fragmentation as firms grow

• Thought leadership designed to guide decisions, not simply demonstrate knowledge

#Poll: What best describes your outlook on the tech- and AI-driven future?

Answer our poll here.

Communicating Vision Builds Trust

Vision isn’t only for internal purpose. Clients, customers and stakeholders want to understand where you’re going before they decide to follow.

Organizations that communicate vision effectively tend to:

• Build stronger credibility with media and investors

• Navigate change with greater confidence

• Maintain consistency during moments of uncertainty

Clear communication turns vision into something others can believe in. Without it, even strong strategies risk being misunderstood or overlooked.

Action to consider: Review your external communications; do they reinforce a clear direction, or do they reflect short-term reaction?

Zenergy works with organizations to articulate vision clearly through PR, strategic messaging, media training, and reputation management.

Connect with us to explore how your vision is communicated externally.

Share your insights with 20,000+ readers!

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Showcase your ideas and discuss what’s on your mind by being a guest columnist in our newsletter! With a reach of more than 20,000 monthly readers and an average open rate of over 35%, our platform ensures you capture the attention of industry leaders directly.

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10 Printing Tips Every Marketer Should Know

#ZenergyBlog

Ever sent a beautiful design to print and the colors came back…not so beautiful?

You’re not alone. Print is full of technical rules that many aren’t aware of.

We pulled together 10 things every marketer should know before sending files to print, straight from one of our go-to print experts at Groupe PDI.

These tips will save you time, stress, and your budget.

Read Part 1 of the blog here.

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#FeelGoodStory

Every community has stories that remind us of the impact one person can make when they look at challenges not as barriers, but as opportunities. In Chicago, one such story is unfolding on the South Side, where vacant lots once ignored are now blooming with purpose. Quilen Blackwell, recently named CNN’s 2025 Hero of the Year, and his nonprofit are transforming these neglected spaces into flower farms that employ and train local young people, offering both meaningful work and a renewed sense of hope for the neighborhood. This initiative reflects how creativity and commitment can reconnect communities with dignity, economic opportunity, and beauty in unexpected places.

Read the full story here.

“A strong vision gives teams direction when the path isn’t obvious. It’s what keeps decisions aligned even when the pace accelerates and conditions change.”

Linda Farha
President and Founder
Zenergy Communications

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10 Printing Tips Every Marketer Should Know (Part 2)

Production, Formats, Binding, and Packaging

In Part 1, we covered the fundamentals of print production: color, file preparation, and choosing the right printing method.

Missed it? You can read tips 1–5 in Part 1 here.

We now turn our attention to what happens when files move beyond design and into physical execution — including bleed, formats, binding, pagination, and packaging. These are the details that quietly drive cost, efficiency, and timelines, and they’re often where avoidable mistakes occur.

6. Bleed is non-negotiable

Printing involves mechanical variation — trims are never perfectly exact. As paper moves through presses and finishing equipment, slight shifts are inevitable, which is why bleeds exist. Bleeds are the extra image area that extend beyond the final trim edge, ensuring background colors or images run cleanly to the edge even when trimming shifts occur. This creates a professional, edge-to-edge finish.

Without a bleed, even small trimming variations can result in unwanted white edges. A standard bleed typically ranges from 1/8” to 1/4”, depending on the job and finishing method, but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late.

Tip: Always build a bleed into your files and confirm exact requirements with your printer before export.


7. Some final output formats are extremely inefficient (and expensive)

Design choices don’t just affect how a piece looks — they directly impact how efficiently it can be produced. Certain formats, particularly square or highly custom sizes, may feel modern or distinctive but don’t align well with standard press sheets.

When a format doesn’t fit efficiently on a press sheet, paper is wasted during trimming, production takes longer, and costs increase. This inefficiency can also carry through to mailing, where non-standard sizes often result in higher postage rates.

Press-friendly sizes, such as 8.5” × 11” or other standard formats, maximize paper usage and streamline production, helping keep both printing and distribution costs under control.

Tip: If you’re considering a non-standard size, consult your printer early to avoid unnecessary cost and production issues.


8. Page count matters: saddle-stitched booklets must be in fours

Saddle stitching is a common binding method where folded sheets of paper are nested inside one another and stapled along the spine. Each folded sheet creates four pages, which means that documents bound this way must always have page counts divisible by four (4, 8, 12, 16, and so on). This technical requirement is often forgotten early on, especially during the creative process.

When the final page count doesn’t align with this structure, content may need to be added, removed, or redesigned late in the process, leading to delays, added costs, or rushed compromises that affect quality.

This issue isn’t a printing mistake — it’s a planning one.

Tip: Consider pagination early, before final layout begins, especially for brochures, booklets, and programs.


9. Perfect binding is risky under tight timelines

Perfect binding is a common binding method where pages are trimmed flush and glued along the spine, creating the clean, square edge seen in books, reports, and magazines — often chosen for its polished, professional appearance.

Because perfect binding relies on glue, it requires sufficient time and the right conditions to fully cure — a reputable printer will never proceed without that time built into the schedule.

Issues arise when project timelines don’t allow for this. In those cases, teams may need to adjust schedules or consider alternative binding methods.

Tip: Perfect binding delivers a refined finish, but only when timelines allow. For tight deadlines, more forgiving options like saddle stitching are often the safer choice.


10. Packaging files: there is no margin for error

Packaging files carry the highest stakes in print production. Unlike flat print (such as brochures, flyers, and posters), packaging involves folds, cuts, and three-dimensional assembly — leaving very little room for interpretation once files go to press.

Measurements must be exact and dielines followed precisely, as even a small miscalculation — such as a misplaced fold or a fractional measurement error — can affect the entire production run.

Unlike flat print pieces, packaging errors can rarely be corrected with a quick fix. Once production begins, mistakes often require materials to be scrapped and the job to be restarted — increasing cost, waste, and timelines.

Tip: Double-check all dimensions and review collaboratively prior to approval. Use low-resolution PDFs and 3D mockups to review layout, content, and dielines before creating final production files.

From strategy to press

Print outcomes are shaped long before a file goes to press. When production details are treated as strategic decisions and not afterthoughts, teams save time, protect budgets, and avoid unnecessary stress.

Whether you’re planning a simple print piece or managing a complex production, Zenergy can help you get it right the first time. Let’s talk print — contact us.

Zenergy Communications
info@zenergycom.com

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10 Printing Tips Every Marketer Should Know (Part 1)

Color, File Prep, and Choosing the Right Method

Have you ever sent a project to a printer only to have the colors come back wrong, or the final output look nothing like it did on screen? You’re not alone.

Commercial print production is full of technical nuances that can make or break timelines, budgets, and brand consistency, so we spoke with a trusted print expert from Groupe PDI to pull together the most important things every marketer should know before sending files to print.

Here are the first five of 10 practical tips to help you avoid costly mistakes, save time, and reduce stress before your next print run.

1. Pantone vs. CMYK colors: the effects on brand consistency

One of the most common print mistakes marketers make is assuming Pantone and CMYK colors are interchangeable. They aren’t, and choosing the wrong one can subtly (or dramatically) change how a brand appears in print.

• Pantone uses premixed, solid inks, making it ideal for packaging, and colors that require precise, saturated reproduction.

• CMYK is a four-color process (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) that blends inks to create color. It’s a more flexible and cost-effective way to reproduce images and artwork, but a less precise alternative.

The key difference? Pantone colors are pre-formulated to be exact, while CMYK colors are recreated on press through ink combinations. When Pantone colors are converted to CMYK without intentionally selecting, testing, and approving the CMYK build, color shifts are almost inevitable.

Tip: Discuss your color accuracy needs in advance and never assume precision based on how a design looks on screen.


2. Color conversion requires extra care

Pantone workflows have shifted in recent years, affecting print outcomes. Adobe no longer includes built-in Pantone libraries unless designers pay for a plugin, which means colors are often manually converted to CMYK during file preparation.

At the same time, printers update their Pantone libraries annually. If designers, printers, and clients aren’t aligned on which libraries or conversion methods are being used, even a familiar brand color can print differently from one job to the next.

The result is subtle color drift — often difficult to detect on screen but clearly visible in print — particularly when projects span multiple vendors, regions, or timelines, where files may be handled, converted, or reproduced differently.

Tip: Always provide both Pantone and CMYK color specifications and confirm with your printer how colors will be converted, proofed, and approved before production.


3. Digital vs. offset printing: why the distinction matters

Digital and offset printing are often treated as interchangeable, but they’re designed for very different production needs. Choosing the wrong one can quietly impact cost, quality, and timelines.

• Digital printing is best suited for short runs, quick turnarounds, and flexibility. It doesn’t require printing plates, which makes it more efficient and cost-effective for smaller quantities or last-minute changes.

• Offset printing is best for larger volumes, delivering more consistent color reproduction and efficiency at scale by using printing plates.

Problems arise when the printing method is locked in too early — before quantities, timelines, or final specifications are confirmed. As those variables change, what was once the right choice can quickly become inefficient or unnecessarily expensive.

Tip: Let your printer guide the decision. They understand how different production methods impact cost, efficiency, waste, and timelines — and that expertise can save both time and budget.

But even when the right printing method is chosen, file setup still plays a critical role in how a project ultimately prints.


4. RGB vs. CMYK: color on screen and print behave differently

One of the most common sources of print frustration is reviewing work on screen and assuming it will reproduce the same way on paper. The reason comes down to the two different color systems used for digital and print.

• RGB (red, green, blue) is used for screens and digital viewing, where color is created with light.

• CMYK is used for print, where color is created with ink.

Because screens emit light while paper reflects it, colors that appear vibrant digitally can look muted or shift once printed.

To bridge the gap between what you see on screen and the final printed result, professional print proofs are recommended. Tools like Epson proofs simulate how CMYK ink will behave on paper far more accurately than screen previews, helping teams catch issues before they become costly reprints.

Tip: Supply print files in CMYK unless your printer has explicitly confirmed their workflow supports RGB.


5. Black ink choice can make or break a design

Not all black is created equal in both digital and offset printing. Choosing the right black ink is key.

• 100% black (K only) should be used for small text to prevent blur and misregistration.

• Rich black (e.g., 60C / 40M / 40Y / 100K) is best for large backgrounds and solid fills, where deeper, more saturated blacks are needed.

Problems arise when the wrong black inks is used in the wrong place. Small text built from multiple inks can appear fuzzy, while large areas of flat black can look dull or uneven if they’re not richened properly.

Tip: Set black usage intentionally in your design files, especially for typography and large color areas, rather than relying on software default settings.


Bonus tips from the print floor: file prep matters more than creative flair

Even the strongest design can fail if files aren’t prepared correctly. InDesign is the preferred tool for most print layouts, fonts should always be outlined, and images embedded. When source files aren’t required, high-resolution PDFs are ideal. In practice, most print delays and reprints aren’t caused by the printer — they’re caused by small file-setup issues upstream.

Print success starts with prep

Great print results don’t happen by accident. They happen when technical details are treated as strategic decisions — and when marketers, designers, and printers are aligned early in the process.

If you’re navigating a complex print project or want a second set of expert eyes before files go to press, Zenergy can help you get it right the first time.

Contact us to ensure your materials are truly print-ready — and your budget stays intact.

In Part 2, we explore the production details that often make or break print projects once files move beyond design and into execution. Read Part 2 here.

Zenergy Communications
info@zenergycom.com

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