NEW YORK, NEW YORK, July 2, 2007— Printing Industries Alliance (formerly the Printing & Imaging Association of New York State) announced June 27th that it will host its “first” Franklin Event in the Big Apple this fall.
Delivering the news to a room of 60 industry and media executives at Manhattan’s famed Friars Club, PIA President Tim Freeman noted that the organization’s name was changed to better reflect its recent trade territory expansion into northern New Jersey. The organization represents the interests of the $18 billion printing and graphic communications community throughout New York State, northern New Jersey, and northwestern Pennsylvania.
“We are happy to have the opportunity to host the Franklin Event which has been held for over 50 years. Our Board of Directors chose to resurrect it under our independent banner rather than allow this glorious industry tradition to expire,” added Board Chairman Stephen Zenger (The Zenger Group).
The gala will be held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at Pier Sixty, New
York City (5:30-9:00 pm).
Franklin Event Committee Co-Chairs Diane Romano (HudsonYards) and Gary Marron (Hiflex) announced award recipients and sponsors.
“This Event is going to be the most enervating networking event in our industry’s history. While we will be announcing our Franklin Award honoree very shortly, you may rest assured that it is a person who will generate incredible excitement,” noted Franklin Event Co-Chair Diane Romano (HudsonYards).
Honorees in additional award categories are:
- Power of Communications for Printing: Lester Samuels, Pictorial Offset Corporation, Carlstadt, NJ
- Power of Communications for Advertising: Michele Unger, Grey New York,
NY, NY
- Power of Communications for Publishing: David Orlin, Conde Nast, NY, NY
- Zenger Medal:  Betty Maul, FrontEnd Graphics, Pennsauken, NJ
Power of Communications Awards are given to talented individuals who deserve recognition for achievements they have attained within their respective sectors of the graphics industry.
The Zenger Medal is awarded to an individual employed in the printing industry who has exhibited exemplary character in the form of selfless courage, charity, activism or service (military or community). Ms. Maul is being recognized for her efforts on behalf of Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome, a not-well known but debilitating disease that affects thousands of people, including many young people.
“Close to 20 companies are sponsoring the event and we have not even put out any publicity about it yet,” noted Co-Chair Gary Marron (Hiflex). “Additional sponsorships are anticipated and welcomed. To date, the following companies have signed on: Astoria Graphics, CGI North America, Continental Web, Dalim Software, Gould Paper, H A Metzger, Hewlett-Packard, HudsonYards, International Paper,
L. P. Thebault, Mohawk Fine Paper, Pictorial Offset Corporation, Pitman Company, Ramsey Press, Sandy Alexander, Inc., Southern Lithoplate, Inc., and Xerox Corporation.”
“Further, continued Marron, “the following companies sponsored tonight’s pre-event reception/press conference: Astoria Graphics, Neenah Paper, HudsonYards, Pictorial Offset, Sandy Alexander and The Zenger Group.”
Romano and Marron both strongly encouraged other firms to participate and/or sponsor the fall event, jointly noting “you simply won’t want to miss it!”
Sponsorships are available at two levels: Platinum ($5,000) which provides for a reserved table of 10 and Gold ($2,500) which provides for a reserved table of five. At both levels, sponsoring organizations will enjoy prominent recognition throughout PIA’s extensive media campaign, printed program and venue signage. Individual tickets are also available at $350 each.
To register, sponsor or receive additional information, contact PIA Vice President, Vicki Keenan, at 908/276-4482, [email protected].