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 2023
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 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, and Executive of the Year honors as well as our professionals of the year. Join me in congratulating all the winners on their outstanding contributions that have made a positive impact on our region.
2023 EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR
Ralph Myers
Ralph Myers with his wife Dana and son Byron opened MPress LLC in June 2001. Beginning his career in banking and real estate, he was ready for a change when his long-time friend, Paul Kivett, convinced Ralph to join him in his new offset printing operation later known as Colorworks. As the son of an architect, Ralph found his creative side enjoying the technical, sales and artistic parts of the business. It was here Ralph learned the business from the best in the industry. In 2000 Ralph saw an opportunity to start with new equipment, facility and staff. There are plenty of hurdles opening a new business and adapting to changes in the economic world and online access to information. MPress credits their incredible staff for successfully meeting the needs of clients quality of work and service. Employees are empowered to take ownership of their work and meet the challenges of their positions to produce the best product possible.
David DeLana
David DeLana is the president of Heritage Integrated, a print, promotional, and fulfillment firm in the Oklahoma City area. DeLana was a Past Chairman of the PIA President’s Conference and a past Chairman of the Ben Franklin Honor Society of the Printing Industries of America Board. In 1983, he was Oklahoma’s Small Businessman of the Year. He served as past President of the El Reno Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation and is a third-term El Reno City Councilman. Delana also served as a past Chairman of Frontier Country, past member of the Board of Directors Oklahoma Arts Council, and other civic projects. David and his wife Jan of 50 years have 2 daughters and 5 grandchildren. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Oklahoma State University, is a member and elder of the First Presbyterian Church, and a member of Rotary Club 29. David enjoys yard work, playing guitar, group singing, and playing all the golf he can.
2023 PROFESSIONALS OF THE YEAR
2023 PRINT CHAMPION KS/MO
Jim Tomblinson
Modern Litho
Working over forty-two years in the printing industry is an accomplishment. Working for the same company those forty-two years is an achievement. Contributing to the success of that company every single day of those forty-two years is beyond admirable and an attribute of this year’s Print Champion. Jim Tomblinson’s career at Modern Litho has included every aspect of print production. To say he’s played a key role in the company’s growth and success is an understatement. Now serving as Modern Litho’s first Chief Operating Officer, Jim oversees operations at the company’s five different production facilities. Jim’s been integral in Modern Litho’s development of strategic partnerships with key suppliers and manufacturers and maximizing those relationships for mutual benefit. He has a relentless commitment to continuous improvement and lean manufacturing processes which include automated workflow development and implementation. And he always pushes the organization to meet or exceed customer expectations with a “say yes” mentality while never compromising quality. Jim and his wife Cheryl have been married 42 years, have three children and five grandchildren.
2023 PRINT CHAMPION OK/TX
Lena Thompson
ColorDynamics
Lena Thompson has over 3 decades of experience in the print industry. Lena’s love for the print industry is found in the combination of producing high-quality, award-winning pieces for her clients and working with the behind-the-scenes print industry teams that bring it all to life; a perfect blend of beautiful design, print knowledge, technique, and print technology. She is dedicated to her clients and actively involved in her community, serving in leadership roles and supporting important causes. Since joining ColorDynamics in 2014, Lena has been committed to delivering reliable, high-quality printing services that exceed her client’s expectations. She believes in pushing the boundaries of commercial print and has consistently delivered outstanding results. Lena is a true industry leader who champions print as a valuable tool for improving brand image and profits, earning her numerous top awards. She is deeply committed to mentoring and consistently demonstrating excellence.
2023 ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY PROFESSIONAL
James Halteman
Xpressdocs
James Halteman is a seasoned professional in the printing industry with over 40 years of experience. He began as a 4-color proofer with Heritage Press in Dallas in 1978 and quickly moved up the ranks, eventually becoming Plant Manager for 4 years. He continued to grow his expertise in print production as Plant Manager at Cockrell Printing in Fort Worth in 2010. James joined Xpressdocs in 2016, managing the Conventional Printing department, where he values the unique business model and enjoys working with a talented team. James prioritizes safety and is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for everyone while educating others about potential hazards. Despite his experience, James remains humble and fair to everyone he works with, always keeping in mind that he too can sweep the floors. He is a true industry leader with a passion for print production, safety, and fairness.
2023 CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Gregg Heinrich
J&J Printing
”Gregg encourages and supports our customers and team goals, bringing positive energy and inspiring our team to excel.”
2023 CUSTOMER SERVICE PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Candie Garcia
Clampitt Paper
“There is not a single problem that Candie can’t solve. We are beyond lucky to have her on our team.”
2023 HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Edie Bettinger
NextPage
”Edie brings balance and provides steady counsel to both ownership priorities and the needs of NextPage employees.”
2023 HUMAN RESOURCES PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Sara McLean
JPS Books + Logistics
“Sara understands the value of bringing strong culture to the workplace and has worked diligently to ensure our 5-core values are part of all employee engagements.”
2023 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Chris Kent
Posty Cards
“Chris excels at building a positive team culture and inspiring plant employees to pursue their best work for our customers.”
2023 PRODUCTION PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Gina Eselin
Varispark
“It only takes a few minutes of watching Gina in action to realize that she sets the gold standard not only in the her work product, but how she leads others.”
2023 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL KS/MO
Sam Sewell
NextPage
”Sam embodies a love of print. He works closely with his clients to create awesome solutions that generate real results.”
2023 YOUNG PROFESSIONAL OK/TX
Brent Beavan
Performance Specialty Service
“Brent is on the production floor daily – moving stock, approving jobs, giving advice and constantly bringing new and fresh ideas to his team and clients alike.”
2023 OUTSTANDING TEAM OK/TX
Jose Macias,
Maria Acevedo,
Armando Coronado, Gustavo Rivas,
Hortencia Lopez
Shweiki Media
“They are extremely organized and focused on continuously learning and developing best practices to manage routine activities both efficiently and effectively.”
ORDER OR PERSONALIZE CERTIFICATES & TROPHIES
ADDITIONAL ORDERS ARE CLOSED.
IF YOU NEED TO PURCHASE ADDITIONAL AWARDS CONTACT
US AT INFO@PIAMIDAM.ORG.
BEST OF SHOW
PLATINUM
Brodnax 21C Printers
The Quad Book
24-pg, 3-panel cover, 4 outer 4-pg booklet with sleeve produced on HP Indigo 7900, Xerox Iridesse, and MGI JetVarnish. Produced using 80lb Classic Crest Solar White Linen cover, 100lb Opus Dull cover, & 100lb Polar Bear Velvet cover, and 13pt Touche Black cover for sleeve.
GOLD
NextPage
Burns & McDonnell Best Practices
Forum Invite
12-pg invitation produced on HP Indigo T200 using 100lb uncoated cover, 80lb gloss cover.
SILVER
J&J Printing
Porter Teleo Collection 2022 Catalog
92-pg + cover + dust jacket catalog perfect bound with short sheets throughout the book, emboss dust jacket using Ryobi LED UV Press & Heidelburg – Bobst Embossing Press using Mohawk Eggshell White 80lb text & 100lb cover.
BRONZE
MetroVCS
Custom Wedding Invitation and Envelope
Produced on Heidelberg Windmill with 100lb Mohawk Superfine White cover for the envelope alongside the Yawa for hand-fed foil stamping, embossing and die cutting, and cover produced using 236lb Savoy Natural White.
BEST OF KANSAS / MISSOURI
PLATINUM
LARGEPRINTING.COM
2022 Royals POS Display
Custom cut, v-notched, folded, assembled display produced on Agfa JetiTauro. Precision cut acrylic and UV ink. Utilized 2nd surface color and white, with mirror.
GOLD
NextPage
Oakley NFL Foldup
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
MPress
Art Deco Exhibition Boxes
Interactive display boxes of various sizes. Produced on Canon One Arizona XT Flatbed Printer using UV Inks on corrugated B flute.
BRONZE
Walsworth
Walsworth Possibilities
Self-promotion piece with 4-color Smyth-sewn covers, incorporating spot grit UV coating and a Chamois headband, with debossed matte copper, hot foil, and hot foil on spine. Back cover incorporates blind debossing.
BEST OF CENTRAL/SOUTH TX
PLATINUM
Integ
Aggie Impact Gala 2022 Book
Book produced on HP Indigo 7000 using Digital Gloss 80lb text and 100lb cover, perfect-bound, shiny gold foil using Scodix, UV/Soft touch laminate.
GOLD
Horizon Printing & Mailing
Crowdstrike CXO Summit
Capacity slip case produced on a Xerox Iridesse Digital Press using 130lb Dull cover.
SILVER
Sunset Press, Inc.
Vochill Wine Chiller Kit
Kit produced on Heidelberg 74, outer carton and insert printed on 24pt C1s Ancora. Brochure printed on 100lb dull silk. 6-color (coater/perfector), die-cut with a Heidelberg SBG Cylinder Press. Folded & glued with a Moll Folder Gluer machine.
BRONZE
Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions
Katie Maratta Houses with Tumbleweeds
and Hay Bales
Original artwork scanned, color adjusted and printed on Canon ipF9400 using LexJet Archival Matte substrate and Canon LUCIA inks.
BEST OF SOUTH TEXAS
Bayside Printing
RMHH 40 Years Decades of Dedication Invite Set
Invite produced on 29” Heidelberg Speedmaster 6-color Press using 110lb Gloss cover. Mailing insert and reply envelope produced on Kodak Nexpress S3000 Digital using 110lb Gloss cover and Cougar Opaque A-6 envelope.
DIVISION I
PLATINUM
Print Time
Truman Library Mailer
3-panel mailer produced on Xerox iGen 150Press on 100lb gloss cover, with gold foil front and back and a soft touch laminate varnish using Konica Minolta MGI Jet Varnish 3DS.
GOLD
MetroVCS
Custom Corporate Apartment Brochure
8-pg + folder cover brochure produced on a Heidelberg Press using 80lb Accent Opaque cover. Die cut on a Yawa, folded and saddle-stitched with a hand-deckled edge on each cover.
SILVER
Miller Imaging & Digital Solutions
Salvador Rodriguez Big Bend South View
Original 30 x 30” canvas artwork scanned, color corrected to matched and printed on Canon ipF9400 using LexJet Archival Matte substrate and Canon LUCIA inks.
BRONZE
OptiGraphics
CAROLINE ROSE 3D Album Cover Jacket
3D Album Cover Jacket produced on 28 x 40” UV offset Koenig & Bauer Press using Tango 24pt C2s paper along with 100 LPI 22 mil Special Deep 3D lens.
DIVISION II
PLATINUM
RegisterMarks, Inc.
Grit to Glamour
Program produced with foil stamping, embossing, die cutting, crash printing & hand assembly tape, using 100lb Classic Crest Imperial Red and Cobalt Blue.
GOLD
Impact Stamping
TCU Student Brochure
Brochure produced on a Heidelberg and Bobst using cover weight stock. Embossing detail registered to the print image and finished with foil stamping.
GOLD
Impact Stamping
Grand Masters Box
Box produced on Kluge and Bobst Media using cover sheets and 4 foil stamp and register emboss passes.
SILVER
Litho Press, Inc.
Set of 7 Recipe Cards
Recipe cards printed on 5-color 40” Heidelberg Press using 12pt C2s, 4CP with AQ coating and laser die-cutting.
BRONZE
LARGEPRINTING.COM
CBE Champions Wall
Print, assemble, and wallpaper installation on 36.5’ wall. Printed on IJ180c and HP 3100 latex printer, laminated on 3M 8520 matte laminate on Kela Arkane 1650 laminator. Additional components printed on brushed gold Maxmetal using the Agfa Jeti Taura printer with UV inks.
DIVISION III
PLATINUM
Capital Printing
San Antonio Foundation Impact Report Mosaic
Stepped PUR perfect-bound book, 5-color LED coat spot varnish, blind emboss, and die-cut produced on Komori LED Press using Mona Lisa 104lb Matte cover and 78lb Mona Lisa Matte cover.
GOLD
ColorDynamics
Freixenet/Mionetto Dual Holiday Door Display
In-store POP display produced on AGFA Jeti Tauro 3300 using 200lb B Flute W2S and die-cut to engineering assembly specifications.
SILVER
Modern Litho
Experiences Magazine The Peninsula New York
144-pg + cover magazine printed using 4-color process and a Saphira soft aqueous double pass, foil outside covers, and perfect bound. Produced on Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106, 10-color perfector, Kluge using 80lb Endurance Silk cover and book.
BRONZE
Modern Litho
2022 3 x 3 Directory
256-pg + insert + cover directory printed using 4-color process and matte laminate on cover. Perfect bound produced on Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106, 10-color perfector using 100lb Endurance Silk cover and book.
BEST OF DIGITAL KS/MO
PLATINUM
Print Time
Golden Showcase Booklet
Saddle-stitched booklet produced on Xerox Iridesse Production Press and MGI JET Varnish 3DS on 120lb Sterling Premium dull, and 70lb Lynx white.
GOLD
NextPage
Kansas City AIGA Catalog
Design awards catalog produced 4-color process on HP 7600 Digital Press for cover and HP 12000 Indigo Press for text using 80lb Silk cover and 80lb uncoated text.
SILVER
Johnson County Community College Print Shop
Some Enchanted Evening
Invite, program, and table tents printed on Xerox 1000 and Canon Pixma g1010 using CTI Stardream Crystal 105lb cover and Crystal A7 envelopes.
BRONZE
Raven Printing LLC
H&H Perfect Bound Laminate Catalog
Softouch laminate catalog printed on Canon C850 using Blazer Satin 80lb cover, Blazer Satin 100lb text. The covers were scored and perfect bound.
BEST OF DIGITAL OK/TX
PLATINUM
Blanks Printing & Imaging, Inc.
Jay Shinn AUF DER SEITE DES LICHTS
Book produced on HP Indigo 12000 on 130lb Cougar Opaque Super Smooth White cover, 100lb Accent Opaque Super Smooth text.
GOLD
Performance Specialty Service
Poo-Pouri Folding Carton
Folding carton produced and die cut using Yawa 40” hand-fed, foil stamp with Brausse 38” hand-fed. Fold and glue with signature folder gluer.
SILVER
The Voom Group
Shark-Fold Hoo Ha Ha!
Printed four-color process on the HP Indigo 7800 using 100lb Pro Digital Gloss cover. Laminated on the Komfi Laminator, scored on the Horizon Smartslitter and fed into the MK Laser LC340. Die-cut front panel with the galvo laser.
BRONZE
JPS Books + Logistics
Drawn by Fire
Firefighter cartoon editorial printed on Canon iX3200, PUR on Vareo Binder, cased in on GPs SC-2 & AC-20X using 54lb PaperTyger cover and Pro-Digital 80lb Silk text.
SPECIALTY AWARDS KS / MO
JUDGE’S CHOICE
Walsworth
Lyman High School Yearbook – It’s the Little Things
Offset, accordion bound 3-panel flip book using 160 pt binder’s board divided into 2 equal sections. Cover is a 4-color lithograph with matte lamination and clear silk screen on the theme copy. Produced on a Heidelberg press and casebound.
BEST USE OF PAPER
Stouse
Furever Northern Drink ‘N Peel Label
Produced on a HP Indigo 6K Digital Press and finished using an ABG Digicon Lite 3 and Matik SEI Labelmaster laser cutter.
BEST USE OF INK
Vahalla Studios
Star Wars – Revenge of the Sith
Poster with fluorescent powders added to all ink-colors; then layered transparent inks to replicate RGB. Produced on M&R Saturn Platinum ll with automatic clam shell poster presses.
BEST INNOVATION
J&J Printing
Cloud Saver – Promotional Gift Box, Slide
Card Brochure, Kiss Cut Labels
Digital print corrugated display box and insert produced on digital flatbed printer and router, Ricoh Pro C7210X, Ryobi LED UV Press, Heidelburg Windmill Die Cutter using corrugate, 100lb Blazer White cover, 100lb MPC Gloss cover, and 4mil Vinyl Label.
BEST USE OF SUBSTRATE
Herff Jones
Lake Mary High School Yearbook
Smyth-sewn, hard cover yearbook produced on Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106, MBO B26, Muller Martini, Aster 180, Sakurai 102A2, Kolbus DA270, Kluge, Coherent Laser M2C using Verso/Anthem Plus, KMI Ink.
BEST USE OF FINISHING
NextPage & Post Press Specialties
Burns & McDonnell 2022 Holiday Card
Company holiday greeting card produced on Komori GL 840P 8-color HUV Press using 100lb LYNX Opaque Ultra cover and 100lb Petallics Beargrass.
BEST OF SIGNAGE
Gill Studios
Big Country Seeds
Sign screen printed on 27” General Screen Press with 6 Diecut cutouts and rounded corners using 35 pt. polyethylene plastic
BEST OF COLLABORATION
Trabon & KBB Bindery
Compadres Cigar Booklet
Perfect bound booklet, 24-pg + cover produced on HP Indigo 7900 Digital Press. 80lb cover, laminated 1 side with soft-touch lamination. 100lb text, printed in collated order.
BEST OF BINDING
Herff Jones
Herff Jones Portfolio Showcase Book
Smyth-sewn, hard cover yearbook produced on Heidelberg Speedmaster XL106, MBO B26, Muller Martini Aster 180, Sakurai 102A2 using Verso/Anthem Plus, KMI Ink.
BEST OF POP
Trabon
Pumpkin Promo Table Display
Display with insertion tab, satin aqueous coating, Tango 24pt C1s cover, using Komori GL640, Heidelberg MK Easymatrix 106 C.
BEST PRODUCT ASSEMBLY
Single Source Printing
Pop-Up Box
Christmas pop-up box card produced using Konica Minolta C7100 on 14pt stock.
SPECIALTY AWARDS OK/TX
BEST OF BINDING
The Voom Group
Live-Hinge Wood Covered Workbook
Workbook digitally printed on HP Indigo 7800 4CP, 1-sided on 100lb uncoated text-white. The back cover is 16pt and wire bound using the Ultima Wire Binding to a wooden cover that was cut and engraved on the Trotec, Speedy-360.
BEST OF COLLABORATION
ColorMark & Impact Stamping
Vizient Culture Book
Book produced on Heidelberg 640 using Opus Dull cover, 4CP
Satin AQ, Scodix.
BEST EMBELLISHMENT
Impact Stamping
Wakanda Forever Box
Box produced on Scodix and turned edge box machine on text and chipboard with digital foil.
BEST USE OF FINISHING
ColorDynamics & MetroVCS
10 Years of Inspiring Minds A Night at the Museum
Custom invitation package with carrier, invite, insert, and envelope produced on HP Indigo 12000 combined with die cutting and foil using 105lb Stardream Crystal Smooth cover, 100lb Mohawk Superfine Ultra White Eggshell cover, 81lb Stardream Silver Smooth.
BEST USE OF PAPER
Brodnax 21c Printers
Boundless Collection Sales Book
40-page, perfect bound with foil stamped cover. Produced on HP 7900 using 100lb Classic Stipple and 100lb Opaque Smooth text, 40lb Glama Natural Translucent.
BEST USE OF INK
ColorDynamics
Zoo to Do 2022
Invitation suite with mailing envelope and mini poster produced on HP Indigo 12000 and HP Indigo 7800 using 100lb and 80lb Royal Sundance White Felt cover.
BEST OF PACKING
Impact Stamping
Blue Goose Spirit Box
Box produced on a large-format Mimaki, using text weight stock with silk screen spot UV. Finished with film lamination and turned-edge.
BEST OF POP
Blanks Printing & Imaging, Inc.
Always POP Spinner
Produced on Heidelberg XL 105, Speedmaster 6-color, Bobst SP106E die cutter using 15ml white rigid vinyl, 4cp gloss UV coating.
BEST OF PREPRESS
SixB Labels
Jackson Vaughn Holiday Candle Labels
Labels produced on Mark Andy 7” 2200 press using kraft paper and Seigwerk Ink. The labels
were re-registered and stamped on a Newfoil Hot Stamp Press.
PRODUCT ASSEMBLY
Lone Star Container
Rock Star Motocross Pallet Topper
16-component design replicating a motocross competition bike produced on HP Scitex 15500 flatbed digital printing press using 200lb Kemi E Flute corrugate.
BEST USE OF SUBSTRATE
Spartan Printing
Doctors Hemp Canine POP Display
POP display produced on large format Vutek GS2 on vinyl and mounted to 18pt SBS board and router cut with Kongsburg Router.
BEST OF KITTING
Varispark
ACS Presentation Kits
Book, cards, and flyers produced on HP Indigo 7900. Trimmed to various sizes using Mohr Polar Cutter using 130lb Polar Bear Gloss cover, 100lb Blazer Gloss cover, 100lb Blazer Gloss text.
BEST OF INNOVATION
Optigraphics
Magazine The West Virgina
Produced on 28 x 40” UV offset Koenig & Bauer press along with a Bobst die cutter, and a Kruger folder gluer machine. Special glue plates constructed using an 18 mil 75 line Spartech lens along with 80lb cover paper along with UV offset inks.
STUDENT AWARDS
FIRST PLACE
Kaylea Robertson
Program guide for regional AAF awards
SECOND PLACE
Kansas City Art Institute
Posters for Folly Theater
THIRD PLACE
Kansas City Art Institute
Kansas City Art Institute Senior Show 2022 Catalog, “-ing”
THANK YOU TO OUR 2022 SPONSORS
