PHILADELPHIA, PA — North American Publishing Company (NAPCO), the leading voice in business-critical information for the consumer electronics industry, has announced the formation of Picture Business, a new publication dedicated to the photo specialty and imaging mass-market channels.

Picture Business will focus on the important business issues effecting today's imaging retailer. In addition to covering the imaging industry from a business perspective, it will also keep tabs on the latest innovations that continue to change the face of the imaging market.

Picture Business' Publisher, Eric Schwartz, is the President of The Consumer Technology Publishing Group (CTPG), a division of NAPCO that also publishes Dealerscope, E-Gear and Custom Retailer magazines. In addition to those titles, Schwartz's group provides a Custom Publishing service. CTPG is the publisher of The Source, the official news and information source for Brand Source members, HTSA Quarterly, the magazine for the Home Theater Specialists of American and the Consumer Electronic Association's (CEA) tradeshow guide, pre-show planner and source book.

"We're very excited by the potential of Picture Business to serve its target audience", explained Schwartz. "The last ten years have brought change and innovation to the photo retail industry. We feel that the market is ready for a fresh and vibrant new title to turn to for news and product information."

In each issue, Picture Business will focus on tools, techniques, strategies and advice for the imaging retailer that wishes to maximize its potential and profitability in this ever changing market.

"The digital imaging market is exploding now, and the industry needs a magazine that can address business issues and retail strategy", explained Grant Clauser, Editorial Director for the Consumer Technology Publishing Group. "Picture Business will provide imaging retailers relevant coverage to help them plan and execute their businesses."

Picture Business is slated for a September 2004 release.

The North American Publishing Company was established in 1958. NAPCO successfully operates 15 magazines, 2 trade shows and 5 subscription services for the various markets it serves. Picture Business is NAPCO's fifth magazine launch since 2002. For more information on NAPCO visit our website at www.napco.com