PIA MidAmerica’s Graphic Excellence Competition (GraphEx) was created in 1989 to recognize the outstanding abilities of print producers to transform paper and ink into outstanding forms of communication. Since the industry is comprised of very diverse companies, the competition has over 300 categories in three different divisions. The categories reflect products such as: annual reports, brochures, letterheads, newsletters, direct marketing, presentation folders, cross media campaigns, and much, much more. Divisions are determined by size of firm. Division I – Small Firm (1-20 employees); Division II – Medium Firm (21-100 employees); and Division III – Large Firm (101+ employees).
GRAPHEX AWARDS 2022
CONGRATULATIONS!
PIA MidAmerica hosts the annual Graphic Excellence Awards (GraphEx) competition to recognize our industry’s outstanding technical achievements in innovation and print production. Hundreds of entries are submitted each year in an array of categories including brochures, magazines, calendars, campaigns, packaging and much more. Our independent judges select the extraordinary pieces in the competition to be recognized for Best of Show, Best of Division, Specialty, Best of Category awards and Awards of Recognition.
In addition, we want to recognize businesses and technical professionals who make up one of the industry’s largest regional trade associations in the United States. These professionals and award-winning companies demonstrate outstanding technical capabilities in print and finishing techniques. Distinguished industry leaders are recognized with Print Champion, Creative Print Champion and Executive of the Year honors. Join me in congratulating all the winners on their outstanding contributions that have made a positive impact on our region.
Best,
2022 EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR
Darrell Moore
Darrell Moore is President of Modern Litho-Print Co. and has led the holding company, Modern Litho, Inc., through a multi-decade period of growth and technological advancement. Through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, the company has grown to be recognized as one of the leading sheet-fed printing companies in the United States. Core to the company’s success has been Darrell’s formation of alliances with key suppliers, banking and equipment manufacturers and positioning the company to be nimble to respond to customer opportunities and market conditions. The privately held company, headquartered in Jefferson City, Missouri, has five production facilities including autonomously operating locations in Kansas City and St. Louis. Darrell has served as President of the Board of Managers for Graphic Arts Alliance and serves on the PIA MidAmerica KS/MO Advisory Committee.
David Anderton
David Anderton, founder and CEO of Integ, has been a leader in the printing industry for more than 28 years. David started Integ as a small two-press shop in Waco, Texas, and has grown it into a 140 employee, multi-faceted communications company. He consistently ensures the long-term viability of Integ by integrating new acquisitions. There are now five facilities located in Waco, Bryan, Temple and Austin, Texas. From the beginning, his vision was to build a workplace culture that focuses on employees as their greatest asset. David created a program called “The Integ Way,” which rewards employees who go above and beyond to exceed the expectations of their clients, team members and the community. With the help of his employees, Integ’s growth was accomplished through listening to its clients’ needs, understanding technology opportunities and aligning cultures when adding new acquisitions..
2022 PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
2022 EHS PROFESSIONAL
Ed Ciambrone
Ed Ciambrone’s career spans companies like Lawrence Journal – World, The Kansas City Star, McClatchy, and Tulsa World Media Co. He earned his bachelor’s in Printing Management and Technology from Rochester Institute of Technology. His first job out of college was the Production Coordinator for the USA TODAY. Under his leadership, the Lawrence Journal-World added a local edition of USA TODAY that boosted revenue considerably. His peers consider Ed an expert in print production, a smart and humble leader, and a team player always looking forward for solution. Prior to his most recent position at Tulsa World, Ed was the Regional Vice President of Production of the Midwest Region for the McClatchy Company, based in Kansas City. Previous to that, he was the Production Director at the Lawrence Journal-World in Lawrence, Kansas. Ed also spent 11 years in the Point-of-Purchase Display industry in various technical and management roles.
2022 PRINT CHAMPION KS/MO
Ryan Waggener
Action Mailing & Printing Solutions
Ryan Waggener is the heart and soul of Action Mailing & Printing Solutions. He is their go-to expert for designing of mail pieces and ensuring they meet all USPS regulations. He is also their liaison with all aspects of United State Postal Service Business and is a key member of the Postal Customer Council. As an industry expert, Ryan is continuously promoting to current customers and potential clients how print and direct mail can improve a company’s overall profit margin and make a positive impact on potential new business. While accomplishing all of this, Ryan will never be seen without a smile on his face or helpful, can-do attitude — along with a small side of orneriness to boot. Fellow staffers call it a true privilege to work with Ryan. His impact on their organization and the community shines brightly.
2022 PRINT CHAMPION OK/TX
Trey Laverty
The Slate Group
Trey Laverty, Director of Sales Development, has been pushing the boundaries of print and proving the impossible, possible for 17 years. Trey continuously inspires those around him as a servant leader while having fun doing it. Since graduating from Texas Tech University with a bachelor’s in advertising, he has achieved multiple ADDY Awards and attended several graduate programs such as Dale Carnegie to continue his growth as a business professional. His career path started in selling direct mail, which grew into print and then into design services. Then realizing his passion of inspiring customers with engaging concepts he captured the entire process. Trey then took his passion into transforming the culture and direction of the company which is now Slate Group. Inspiration, creativity, and a willingness to elevate their customers’ brands in new engaging ways has become Slate Group’s identity.
2022 CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Angela Rose
NextPage
“Angela has wowed the NextPage customers and has an impeccable reputation for quality customer service.”
2022 CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Iris Renfro
ColorDynamics
“She is described as experienced in every type of print and knows how to get it done. She handles any task thrown at her in a fast-paced environment. She is respected among her peers and is the go-to trainer for new production coordinators. She takes pride in her projects and even the hard to please customers love her. She has a passion for print that shows every day.”
2022 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Mike Leavey
MEDiAHEAD!
“Mike has years of experience managing workflow. He has worn many hats and is a master at communicating project details. This honor goes to an individual that has dedicated decades of industry service.”
2022 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Dale Burnum
Horizon Printing
“Dale is always ready and willing to help. She expertly manages the workflow and communicates effectively with team members on status. She has taken on the role of writing and approving purchase orders for all paper and vendor services. She handles shipping and CSR duties when there are absences and keeps the shop running smoothly.”
2022 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Zach Fargo
STOUSE
“Zach brings a positive attitude and works to overcome even the most difficult challenges. His dedication and respect for others has earned him a respected reputation with his clients and team members.”
2022 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Lorenzo Salazar
The Slate Group
“Lorenzo started in the print industry but left and couldn’t be recruited back for years. The Slate Group convinced him and he quickly learned to use his creativity to grow his personal brand. In January 2021, he set his goals high and mapped out the actions needed to get there. He not only met his goal but surpassed it by 30%. His dedication to print and marketing has earned him a remarkable amount of respect and made him an inspiration to his customers, production staff and other account executives.”
2022 OUTSTANDING TEAM KS/MO
Changsook Harsch, Jason Kilmartin, Marty Rooney, Bethany Still, Jen Thomas and Melodie Woike
H&H Color Lab
“Despite the hurdles of operating several departments on different shifts, under some of the most pressing deadlines, they continue to achieve what often appears to be unachievable. Their ability to work together to exceed expectations never surprises their leadership team.”
2022 OUTSTANDING TEAM OK/TX
Craig Owens and Tate Rodriguez
C&R Bindery
“This team is serving the market with exceptional quality and service. They exceed expectations to meet client needs by working overtime when necessary while keeping cost down. They have been described as making the impossible happen. They are not a vendor but a partner that makes a big difference by offering solutions to challenging projects.”
BEST OF SHOW
PLATINUM
Blanks Printing and Digital Solutions
St. Jude’s Hospital Pop-up Book
Ten-page + cover pop-up book produced on an Heidelberg XL using .010 C2S Tango stock.
GOLD
ColorDynamics & Universal Bookbindery
Razoo’s Cajun Café Brand Book
Open spine, case-bound, Smyth-sewn, foil-stamped book with fabric wrapped slip case all produced with an HP Indigo 1200. Case foil stamped front and back with thumb notch. Cover is Classic Crest, text pages Mohawk Superfine Eggshell Ultra White and end sheets Quartz Stardream.
SILVER
NextPage
UMB Debit Card Carriers
Credit card carrier with insert produced on HP 12000 Indigo. Exterior is foiled, die cut, hand assembled with 100lb Classic Crest Epic Black Smooth cover. Insert card is 100lb Endurance Gloss cover.
BRONZE
Registermarks
Flower Form Wedding Reception Menus
Menus with three dimensional tiers of six petals foil stamped and die cut in two designs for attachment to chair backs. Produced on a hand-fed Yawa with hand assembly using Neenah Stardream Kunzite and Amethyst 105 covers.
BEST OF KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
J&J Printing / Allied LItho
Hand Painted Wall Coverings
Hand-folded, 40 x 56” brochure — finished size 10 x 14” — with wallpaper sample inside produce on Manroland UV using 70lb White Offset.
GOLD
Modern Litho
St. Teresa’s Academy Presentation KIt
Twenty-eight page + cover viewbook includes stickers, 11 x 11” mailing envelope and 8 x 9” trifold brochure produced on Heidelberg XL-105 using 120lb Lynx Opaque cover and 100lb Lynx Opaque text.
SILVER
Trabon
Iron Hill Beverage Menu
Ten-page + cover, 11.5 x 5” menu produced on an HP 7900 Indigo with HP Electro Ink using 12pt C2S for text pages and laminated with 1.7 matte. Pages scored and cut to various lengths for stair-step effect. Cover on 18pt C2S and also laminated. Drilled and fastened with two screw-post fasteners.
BRONZE
J&J Printing
Killswitch Engage Poster
Six-panel, accordion cover with three books stitched between three folds. Produced on a Ryobi 750G LED UV using 100lb Cougar Smooth cover and 100lb Cougar Smooth text.
BEST OF REGIONAL OKLAHOMA / TEXAS
CENTRAL TEXAS — PLATINUM
Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions
Plank Seafood Provisions
Installed wall and ceiling murals produced on HP560 latex printer and matte laminated on 3M IJ180 adhesive. Window art produced on HP560 on Orafol opti clear material and Avery gloss laminated.
CENTRAL TEXAS — GOLD
Capital Printing
Capital Printing Company Planner
Planner produced to promote various printing techniques. Wire-O spiral-bound, 114 pages and five tabs with silver metallic ink, black foil & blind emboss cover. Produced using Komori Lithrone 540 Hybrid LED/UV, Ricoh 9210, Digimaster HD150, Jeti Tauro H2500 LED Hybrid, Tauro Flatbed and Kluge EHD Letterpress with various varnishes & coatings.
CENTRAL TEXAS — SILVER
Integ
When Cotton Was King Booklet
Booklet produced on VersaFire using 100lb Classic Linen cover in Patriot Blue with foil stamped, embossed front cover and Cougar Opaque Smooth cover 80lb Natural fly sheet.
CENTRAL TEXAS — BRONZE
Capital Printing
Woodbury Taxidermy Booklet
Twenty-page booklet produced on 40” Komori 5-color LED using metallic PMS and black inks with dull spot varnish and dry-trap, LED high-gloss coating. Includes vellum fly sheet.
DIVISION I
PLATINUM
MetroVCS
West Ranch Wedding Invitation & Folder
Die-cut, digitally printed & foiled invite, RSVP cards and envelopes in custom pocket folder with snap.
GOLD
AlphaGraphics Kansas CIty
Clark Enersen Anniversary Casebound Book
Leatherette 260-page, 12 x 9.75” casebound book with blind deboss on cover and foil stamp on front and spine. Produced on Ricoh 7210SX with clear and white toner on Blazer 100lb Gloss cover, Blazer 100lb Gloss text, 80lb Classic Crest Epic Black Smooth cover and 80lb Classic Crest Epic Black Techweave cover.
SILVER
Optigraphics
Taylor Swift RED POP Large Lenticular Poster
Printed on Lenstar 18 mil 75 LPI lens with a 2.3 mil soft-touch poly-backer using a Koenig & Bauer 24×28 UV press with Top Level inks and flatbed trimmed..
BRONZE
J&J Printing
Zero to Three Annual Report
Six-panel, accordion cover with three books stitched between three folds. Produced on a Ryobi 750G LED UV using 100lb Cougar Smooth cover and 100lb Cougar Smooth text.
DIVISION II
PLATINUM
Xpressdocs / Impact Stamping / Graphic Converting
Debutante Ball Invite
Foil-stamped, die cut & hand assembled invitation and sleeve with custom braded spinner. Produced using a Kluge.
GOLD
Dimaco / Specialty Performance Service
City of Carrollton 2021-2022 Goals Brochure
Brochure with windowpane cover & accordion fold. Pages inserted into a self cover with fold-over, double-thick back and final biscuit cut. Produced on hand-fed Yawa.
SILVER
Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions
‘Tetris Austin’ Art Reproduction
Original artwork scanned, color adjusted and printed on Canon ipF9400 using LexJet Archival Matte substrate and Canon LUCIA inks.
BRONZE
Brodnax 21C Printers
Agape Care Group Presentation Folder
Four-panel pocket folder with spot color and spot satin holding four large, staggered and four small die-cut inserts. Folder produced using 2020 Heidelberg CDXUV 640 on 14pt Tango C2S cover. Inserts produced on HP Indigo 7900 using 12pt Tango C2S cover.
DIVISION III
PLATINUM
ColorDynamics
Perennials & Sutherland Yachting BOok
Four-panel dust cover wraps outside + 68 French-folded text pages. Laminated cover produced on Komori LS Perfector 10 Color UV Press with spot UV and raised UV coatings. Perfect-bound, and used Sterling Premium Gloss cover. Sterling Premium Gloss text with spot gloss and spot dull coatings.
GOLD
Walsworth
Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft
Hardboard spine, 256-page hobby book depicting color-rich illustrations includes scuff-free matte laminate with 80lb black SCS-COC Rainbow Antique ESH FSC.
SILVER
ColorDynamics, Inc.
Dallas Zoo TO DO Invitation
Invitation, follow-up cards and envelopes produced on HP Indigo 12000 and Konica Minolta 1070. Invitations are 110lb Ultra Digital Ice Pearl cover with silkscreen. Thank You Cards are 120lb Accent Opaque cover. Envelopes are So Silk Beauty Pink.
BRONZE
NextPage
Mahomes Oakley Poster
Poster, designed to highlight the art and energy of Patrick Mahomes, produced on HP Indigo 12000 using 12pt Rainbow Mirri C1S cover.
BEST OF DIGITAL
PLATINUM
Blanks Printing and Digital Solutions
Chinati Protect and Preserve
Thirty-two-page + cover, machine-sewn brochure produced on HP 12000 using 80lb McCoy Silk Digital cover and 80lb Mohawk Superfine Eggshell White cover.
GOLD
ColorDynamics
ACCELERATE Night at the Museum Invitation
Multi-piece invitation and reply envelopes with matching carrier include silver foil, curved die cut and tip-on produced using an HP Indigo 12000 and Konica Minolta 1070 on 105lb Stardream Crystal Smooth cover, 60lb Cougar Opaque text and 80lb Stardream Crystal text.
SILVER
Trabon
Stephens & Associates Marketing Book
Perfect-bound, 8 x 10” 26 page + cover book produced on HP 7900 Indigo using 100lb Classic Crest Stipple Epic Black cover and 65lb Cougar Smooth White cover. Features emboss and foil.
BRONZE
Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions
‘Sara’ Art Reproduction
Original artwork scanned, color adjusted and printed on Canon ipF9400 using LexJet Archival Matte substrate and Canon LUCIA inks.
SPECIALTY AWARDS KS / MO
JUDGE’S CHOICE
NextPage
End of Year Mailer Package
Iron-cross self mailer produced on 8-Color Komori GL-840P HUV using 100 lb Endurance Gloss cover.
BEST USE OF PAPER
J&J Printing
Porter Teleo Collection Guide
Square-back, 60-page + cover book produced on Ryobi 750G LED UV using 80lb Mohawk Eggshell Ultra White cover and 70lb text.
BEST USE OF INK
Raven Printing
Magnus Comic Issue No. 3
Illustrated, 40-page + cover comic book produced on Canon C850 with in-line booklet maker using 100lb and 80lb Blazer Gloss text.
BEST PREPRESS
Allen Press
Mineralogical Record – Mexico
Perfect-bound magazine produced on a Komori Lithrone S40P using 100lb FSC Flo Gloss No. 3 cover and 70lb FSC Flo Gloss No. 3 text. Inserts produced HP Indigo 7900 using Knight Digital C1S 93 Bright.
BEST INNOVATION
Largeprinting.com
Happy Holidays Ornament Box
Custom box to mail 3-D printed ornaments, all designed and produced in-house. Produced using Modix Big 60 and Creality 3-D printers, Agfa JetiTauro and Kongsberg C-64. Ornament is white silk PLA, box and insert are e-flute using six colors plus white UV ink.
BEST USE OF SUBSTRATE
Custom Color
Savers Store Remodel
Complete store update with SEG frames and fabrics, up to 280 x 110” in size, using black back blockout fabric on a FabriVu 340.
BEST OF PACKAGING
Modern Litho
Hugo Tea Boli Boxes
Set of two folding cartons produced on 6-color 40” Komori using 18 pt Tango C1S then die cut, scored and folded.
BEST USE OF FINISHING
NextPage
2021 Holiday Pop-Up Mug Greeting Card
High-end employee engagement invitation produced on 8-color Komori GL-840P HUV using 100lb Starbrite cover and 80lb Starbrite text. Envelopes produced on W+D 320 envelope converter.
BEST OF INNOVATION
Largeprinting.com
Happy Holidays Ornament & Box
Custom box to mail 3-D printed ornaments, all designed and produced in-house. Produced using Modix Big 60 and Creality 3-D printers, Agfa JetiTauro and Kongsberg C-64. Ornament is white silk PLA, box and insert are e-flute using six colors plus white UV ink.
BEST OF SIGNAGE
Custom Color
T-Mobile Holiday Refresh
Back-lit fabric graphics — 20,000+ produced and kitted for 1,200+ locations — finished with silicone edging using AGFA Tauro 3300, Samba Back-lit Fabric and UV digital ink.
BEST OF COLLABORATION
The ALC Group
MidAmerica ‘Price is Right’ Gala Ceterpiece
Designed and produced to display “Print Is Right” theme with customized company names on arrow stickers. Wheel rotates freely using metal hardware. Produced on an Acuity Advance Select HS flatbed using brown corrugate with white ink.
SPECIALTY AWARDS OK / TX
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Optigraphics
Heritage Auction Full Wrap Lenticular Cover
Printed on 10pt C2S using a Koenig & Bauer UV press, then roll coated with heat-activated adhesive. Stereo embossed with OPTIpan flexible lens.
BEST USE OF PAPER
Millet The Printer
Dick Patrick New Orleans Promo Book
Promo book with variety of uniquely sized papers and a foil-stamped cover, all coil bound. Produced on 6-color Heidelberg CD using 28lb UV Ultra II translucent, 80lb Mohawk Light Pink & Light Blue covers, 65lb French Poptone Sour Apple & Lemondrop cover, 100lb Mohawk Superfine White Eggshell text and 111lb Cover Keaykolur Sequoia.
BEST USE OF INK
Blanks Printing and Digital Solutions
The Kramer Collection
Perfect-bound, 274-page + cover book produced on HP 12000 using 130lb Polar Bear Velvet cover and 100lb Polar Bear Velvet text. Laminate cover & Smyth sewn.
BEST PREPRESS
ColorDynamics
Perennials Luxury Performance Rugs
Perfect-bound, 236-page + 4-page soft cover catalog with color-match production. Produced on Komori LS Perfector 10-Color UV Press using 80lb Mohawk Via Felt Pure White cover and 70lb Mohawk and 70lb Options Crystal White Smooth text with UV inks.
BEST USE OF SUBSTRATE
Blanks Printing and Digital Solutions
Toyota Tundra Car Magnet
Large car decal produced on H5 Vutek 4-color inkjet using .024 PVC magnet.
BEST OF PACKAGING
Impact Stamping / Graphic Converting
Ruby Orchid Product Box
Multifaceted, turned-edge box with video screen produced with clamshell and hand assembly.
BEST USE OF FINISHING
Registermarks
Spectro ‘A Paperboard Story’ Sappi Paper
Nine forms of printed, coated sheets die cut on Bobst 106E. High volume of linear inches steel rule cutting knives plus scores intricately conforming to detailed graphics.
BEST OF BINDING
ColorDynamics / MetroVCS
SMU Ignited Case Statement Booklets
Double booklet with white and red foil-stamped z-fold cover with elastic banding and red wire for stitching. Produced on Komori LS Perfector using 100lb Classic Crest Red Pepper cover and 80lb Classic Crest Solar White text.
BEST PRODUCT ASSEMBLY
Registermarks
Dejah Delgado Quinceañera Invitation
Castle-shaped, multi-panel invitation with locked-in slide out and all foil-stamped graphics. Includes detailed register embossing. Produced on Curious Iceberg 80 text and hand assembled.
STUDENT AWARDS
— PITTSBURG STATE UNIVERSITY —
FIRST PLACE
Kaylea Robertson
Write In Recipe Book
SECOND PLACE
Jordan Quick
Christmas Coloring Book
THIRD PLACE
Matt Hendricks
Snack Virgin
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