BOULDER, COLORADO -November 1999. . . . A delegation of eleven Russian publishing executives visited Johnson Publishing Company today, and enjoyed a three-hour presentation on the commercial printing, book manufacturing, and book publishing industries. Johnson Books marketing director Richard Croog provided insights into the marketing and distribution of trade books, while Johnson Printing marketing manager Steve Iwanicki presented an overview of the book manufacturing business. The presentation was followed by Q&A and a tour of JP facilities.

President Jerry Johnson stated, "We are excited to have the opportunity to host the Russian executives. Since much of their stay in our country is dedicated to study of the newspaper industry, we are especially pleased that our organization was selected as the sole book printer and publisher on their itinerary."

The Russian delegation’s three week visit is organized by the Center for Citizen Initiatives Productivity Enhancement Program (PEP), and sponsored in part by the Longmont and Boulder Rotary Clubs. PEP brings Russian business leaders to the United States to study with their American industry counterparts. The program is premised on the experience of the Marshall Plan, which rebuilt Europe after World War II and demonstrated to the world that a change in surroundings can change thinking.

Johnson Printing provides complete prepress, printing, binding, and related services to publishers, computer software and hardware firms, associations, and educational institutions primarily in Colorado, other Rocky Mountain states, and California.

Johnson Publishing Company, parent of Johnson Printing and Johnson Books, was established by Ray and Ada Johnson in Boulder in 1946 and is one of the oldest family-owned enterprises in the city. Johnson Printing has been a leading printer for over fifty years. Johnson Books publishes and distributes trade books, primarily in the natural history, archaeology, guidebook and travel categories, and was established in 1979. The firm employs 105 at its Boulder facility.