The City of Arlington and UT Arlington are continuing to look for and find new ways to partner with each other. Now after the successful College Park project, the two entities are embarking on a first-of-its-kind Arlington public collaboration in printing.

Representatives of the University and City began discussions about a print shop partnership in 2011 as both organizations were working to reduce expenses and save money. Consolidating the printing functions of both organizations is expected to reduce costs and improve print quality.

"UT Arlington enjoys its successful, collaborative partnership with the City of Arlington," Spaniolo said. "We both are looking for ways to work together for greater efficiency and for the benefit of our community."

After issuing a Request for Proposals, the entities selected Canon Business Solutions, Inc. as the provider to operate the joint print center.

"Managing output and print technologies can be tricky business for our public sector clients. However, because of the huge opportunity for improved efficiencies and cost savings, we"ve found more and more of our clients moving toward managed output and outsourcing programs. Canon Business Solutions" Business Services Division is excited to be partnering with the City and University to assist them in working toward long-term cost savings, operational improvements and contributions towards environmental stewardship," said Valerie Belli, Canon Business Services Vice President.

"We are eager to open up this solution to additional public sector participants," Mayor Cluck said. "President Spaniolo and I both understand that times are difficult for all of us in the public sector these days. We hope that the Canon Print Center will be able to assist others by offering a more efficient solution to printing."

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck, UT Arlington President James D. Spaniolo and Canon Business Services Division Vice President Valerie Belli will celebrate the opening of the new Canon Print Center at Arlington City Hall, 101 W. Abram St., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on March 6. The Canon Print Center will be open for tours following the ribbon cutting and remarks.