Customers of both businesses will be able to work with AlphaGraphics through a personalized, online ordering system, said Tom O'Hara, vice president of O'Hara Enterprises/dba AlphaGraphics Store #283.

VIP staffer Barbara Keck has joined the team at AlphaGraphics, which includes production manager Becky Masters, digital services specialist Bethany Luckenbach, and pressman Pete Cressman.

AlphaGraphics has retained all of VIP's existing art work and invoices.

O'Hara would not disclose the amount paid for the acquisition.

Since AlphaGraphics is a franchise, O'Hara said it has a nationwide program to encourage the acquisition of additional independent printers into the franchise, particularly those businesses in the Lehigh Valley.

With the acquisition effective as of July 2, VIP closed its location on 17^th St. in Allentown; the owner is selling or renting the building, said O'Hara.

Rapid changes in the printing industry are also fueling growth in the expansion of digital offerings and AlphaGraphics is considering additional acquisitions.

"The print industry is very competitive in the Lehigh Valley," said O'Hara. "Throughout the nation, it's contracting as people use less print. It wouldn't be a bad idea to reduce competition a little bit."

O'Hara said the move is already bringing in higher revenues and he considers it to be fully successful after three weeks.