The fourth annual Phoenix Challenge Fund Raising Luncheon, organized to support the 2007 Annual International Phoenix Challenge Flexo Skills Competition and the new PC College Competition, took place recently in Charlotte, NC, USA, and boasted a record attendance of more than 100 participants. Five speakers addressed the group of flexo industry professionals.

“We are grateful for a terrifically successful luncheon,” says Bettylyn Krafft, Phoenix Challenge Foundation (PCF) chairman, of the event. “We appreciate the generous benefactors who sponsored full tables at this luncheon, as well as the loyal backers who support us in smaller numbers.”

The luncheon’s guest speaker, Dave Harris of JR Cole Industries, shared wisdom about his experience in the flexo industry and what he’s learned during his career.

Companies sponsoring tables included Alden & Ott Printing Inks, Appalachian State University, Avery Dennison, CL & D Graphics, Environmental Inks and Coatings, Ron and Katherine Harper, Harper Corporation of America, Water Ink Technologies, and Workflow One.

Proceeds from the luncheon will help cover travel expenses for students traveling to Charlotte from throughout the US and Canada during the March 2007 Annual International Phoenix Challenge Flexo Skills Competition, as well as provide housing and meals for the student teams. The competition’s annual cost is now in excess of $40,000, as it enters its tenth year. The Challenge is a two-day skill-based competition with hands-on and written testing in operating a flexo press, prepress, plate-making, and overall flexo knowledge. Winners are eligible for scholarships funded by the Phoenix Challenge Foundation.  To date, $16,000 in scholarships has been awarded to encourage students to pursue further education and a career in flexography.