Local Spotlight: Wilcox Press, Hamburg, NJ

Hamburg, NJ; a quaint little town the Wallkill River runs through. Mostly known currently for the Golf Courses and Crystal Springs resort, the Gingerbread Castle brings memories forward in remembering days gone by. Wilcox Press, originally owned by the Wilcox Family nearly a century ago, still stands proud and still functions as a printing company on Main Street. Jodi Palmasano is now the present owner, and only the fourth since it's conception. Her parents purchased it when she was a teen and have since passed it down to her. Growing up she was always amazed at how the whole process was done. It was like some sort of magic, the creativity made it the natural fit for her to continue on after her parents.

The steps that were necessary to create the final product were a story in themselves. Shoot the negative, create the plate then go to press. The evolution of the press and how the process is done today has advanced so much. Even though we are in the digital age, there’s so much more involved in the production process that that's where the magic happens and the image comes to life. That’s what is so cool.

Jodi gave me a tour of the old presses that are displayed in the back corner of the building, then we went down the old staircase that was made of century old planks and sandwiched between field stone walls. She showed me the modern day presses and inks and a few finished pieces she was working on for customers. It amazed me at how far we've come and yet the mechanics and parts of the presses definitely resemble each other.

Her love of the artistry of printing is only enriched by the customers she gets to interact with while they are creating together. Brainstorming, sketches, stick figures, then finally, the finished product. A true piece of art.

The industry has changed so much, a click you can order online and have it shipped to you. But Jodi’s customers are why she does what she does. They want that personal interaction, the ideas flowing back and forth, they appreciate being guided through the creative, they are eager for suggestions and they absolutely know that Jodi's hands are the ones their project needs to be in. Some of her customers have been coming for so many years they are they now 2nd and 3rd generations of families that were raised frequenting Wilcox Press. "Sometimes a customer will walk in and just be taken back to memories of their childhood of coming in with their parents". They come back for the experience, the personal touch, They know that Alice will be ready to lend assistance as soon as they walk in. She’s been working there for 28 years now. Love’s her work, loves the business, loves the customers.

Their client base varies from small local businesses, local schools throughout the area, to county offices needing letterhead, presentations, forms, anything they need. Wilcox is their go to for printing. They now even offer promotional items such as pens, tee’s, banners, signs and magnets to name a few. There’s the occasional bride and groom looking to experience the touch and feel of the paper selection and want something unique for their wedding invitations. Beyond the printing and promotional items, they have office supply products and they offer fax service, copy service and are a UPS drop off. The locals of the area are happy that they can stop into pick up some supplies or even have a fax sent and not have to travel across the county. All of this history and state of the art equipment are nestled in our very own Hamburg, NJ on the quaint Main Street where you can browse the antique center, the jewelry store, hit the bakery or enjoy an amazing Thai meal. Check us out on facebook, or come in for visit.