This past week, the Kansas City printing community honored key executives as well as the winning entries of the 26th Printing & Imaging Association of MidAmerica’s Annual Graphic Excellence Awards Competition. Over 200 hundred attended this annual held at the historic Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. “This was truly a special experience,” stated PIA MidAmerica’s Chairman Evan James with James Printing Company. The venue. The attendance. The positive atmosphere. All combined to make it one of the most memorable industry events in years.”
After networking and dinner, the evening began with the recognition of Gary Jones, with Printing Industries of America, as the Association’s Environmental Health and Safety Professional of the year. John Wurst with Henry Wurst garnered the Print Evangelist award which was created this year to honor individuals who shared knowledge and insights freely to the rest of the industry. Nominees included: Bruce McSpadden, Martine Padilla, Joe Ruszcyk, and Angela VanHolland.
Steve Ratcliff with Shaughnessy Paper was presented the 62nd Annual Kansas City Executive of the Year award and received a standing ovation from everyone in attendance. The presentation of Best of Category, Best of Division and Specialty awards followed with over 15 Kansas City companies being honored with various level of awards. This year’s top entry from a Kansas City print provider was produced by Spangler Graphics for a presentation kit produced for Community America Credit Union. The entry won Best of Kansas City as well as achieving Best of Show Bronze award (4th best entry in the entire competition).
