Pittsburgh, Pa., January 21, 2002 — The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has issued an industry-wide call for nominations for the InterTech Technology Awards. The deadline for nominations is May 31, 2002. Inaugurated in 1978 to foster awareness and understanding of advanced graphic arts technology, this prestigious award honors innovative technology excellence for the graphic communications industries. The criteria for nomination stress that the technology be recently developed, proven in industrial application, but not yet in widespread use. Historically, the awards have proven an accurate indicator of significant trends, alerting the industry to forthcoming technologies that will have a major impact on production and profitability. Awards have usually mirrored industry interest in environmental issues, standards, quality control, electronic controls and systems, digital printing, and desktop production. Of the prior award winners, over 80 percent have proven commercially successful in the marketplace. Last year, nine innovative technologies were chosen from 38 submissions. Technologies honored in 2001 included an innovative computer-to-plate system and hardware raster image processor (RIP). The 2001 awards also included a web offset system that integrates the dryer and the chill roll section, an in-line book finishing system, and a fully digital web offset press. Although GATF is the sponsor of the award and coordinator of the award process, the Foundation does not select the recipients. The independent award selection committee is comprised of industry technical experts and users. It is not necessary to be a member of GATF to nominate or be nominated for an award. Representatives of the selected technologies will receive a custom-engraved InterTech Technology Award—a colorful multi-layered, hand-crafted Lucite™ sculpted star at a reception and dinner which is traditionally a highlighted event of the GATF/PIA Fall Administrative Meetings. Next scheduled for November 14–17, 2002 in New Orleans, Louisiana, this forum hosts an impressive audience of industry leaders including boards of directors and committee members for GATF and its Society of Fellows; Printing Industries of America (PIA) and its Ash Khan Society; and the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF). The entry fee for each nomination is $1,250 and must be postmarked before May 31, 2002. To receive a nomination form, call the GATF/PIA fax-on-demand line at 888/272-3329 and request document number 14000. For additional information on the award, contact John Lind, associate research director, by phoning 412/741-6860 extension 585, faxing 412/741-2311.