ORLANDO, FL, August 23, 2004 –The Printing Association of Florida (PAF) is proud to announce that Warren Wilkins, President of Webcom Limited, Toronto, has been named the Graphic Arts Leaders of the Americas (GALA) North American Award Recipient for 2005. Established in 1982, the GALA Award is one of the printing industry’s most prestigious recognitions awarded to two outstanding industry professionals each year. GALA recipients (one each from North America and Latin America) are nominated by PAF and Conlatingraf members and chosen for their leadership in the areas of management, technology, business, and quality; as well as their contributions to the graphic arts industry, their community, and society in general. Since its inauguration 22 years ago, when it merged with the Latin American Leaders "Man of the Year Award" given by the Confederación Latinoamericana de la Industria Gráfica (CONLATINGRAF), the GALA award symbolizes not only industry excellence but also the linking of the Americas and two major industry associations. Commenting on Wilkins’ GALA Award, Mike Streibig, president of PAF, says, “The printing industries in both Canada and the United States have greatly benefited from the influence of Warren Wilkins. His hard work and dedication to Webcom Limited, the Canadian Printing Industries Association, and PIA/GATF, have earned him this honor. As Chairman of PIA, Warren along with Ray Roper, President, led the effort to establish the Graphic Arts Information Network (GAIN), the major industry portal for graphic arts.” (For more information on Wilkins’ accomplishments please see the attached biography.) Wilkins joins a distinguished group of industry notables who have earned this coveted honor. Past North American GALA recipients include: Robert Havrilla (1994), Wallace Stettinius (1995), Roy Winn Luckett (1996), Howard C. “Buzz” Webber, Jr. (1997), Donald Duncanson (1998), Mark G. Jorgensen (1999), Bob Murphy (2000), Joe Arriola (2001), Hans Peetz-Larsen (2002), Ray Roper (2003), and Jerry Williamson (2004). In 1999, former Conlatingraf “Man of the Year” winners from 1983 to 1993 were invited back to Miami Beach to be formally inducted in the Graphics of the Americas Leaders Hall of Fame and have their names inscribed on the Eagle bust that is on display at the PAF headquarters in Orlando. Wilkins will receive his award before hundreds of industry leaders and guests at the 22nd annual GALA Award Banquet and Reception, Friday, February 4th, 2005 in Miami Beach, Florida, during Graphics of the Americas 2005. Graphics of the Americas is one of the two largest annual printing, converting, and design trade shows in the Americas, with over 500 exhibitors filling more than half-million square feet and more than 20,000 domestic and international attendees. PAF, producer of the 22nd annual GALA awards and the 30th annual Graphics of the Americas Exposition, is an organization of graphic communications companies committed to improving the business environment and promoting the welfare of the regional/international printer and supplier members, as well as the entire graphic arts industry. The graphic arts industry is Florida’s largest manufacturing industry, with nearly 86,000 employees and more than $11.5 billion in projected annual revenues. For more information on PAF, its services or events call PAF headquarters at 407-240-8009 or visit www.pafgraf.org. 2005 GALA AWARD RECIPIENT: Warren Wilkins Biography Warren Wilkins, Chairman of Webcom Limited, is the Printing Association of Florida’s (PAF) 2005 North American Graphic Arts Leader of the Americas (GALA). Mr. Wilkins graduated with Honors in Political Science and Economics from the University of Toronto in 1951. In 1961, he formed Web Offset Publications Limited with Bob Chittick and purchased a Goss Suburban Web Offset Press, which was installed in a 3-car garage. The company became a pioneer in the web offset process in the mid 60’s when they installed Photons, a computerized photo typesetting process in conjunction with an IBM 2230. They purchased the fifth Opti-Copy camera ever made, and installed the first Otabind process in North America. The company is completely committed to the digital prepress process and operates two CREO computer-to-plate systems. In 1976, Mr. Wilkins formed Webcom Limited, of which he is now Chairman. Webcom Limited currently operates 20 units of full size web offset, 3 Timson lines, sheetfed presses, complete digital prepress facilities, utilizing saddle stitch, conventional, perfect bindery, and unique lay-flat Otabind binding as well as a complete high-speed digital book manufacturing operation. Webcom also owns Coatings Canada Limited, a trade ultra violet and film laminating company. Webcom for the past 20 years has not only continually embraced new technology but it was also among the first Canadian web companies to institute a profit sharing program for the employees. Mr. Wilkins served on the Board of the Ontario Printing Industries Association and in 1989, was elected Chairman of the Government Affairs Committee of the Canadian Printing Industries Association in Ottawa. In 1991, he became Chairman of the CPIA and in 1992 joined the Board of PIA representing the CPIA. In 2000, he assumed the Chairmanship of PIA. Mr. Wilkins was the founding President of the Canadian Book Manufacturing Association in the late 70’s. The company has always been committed to industry associations over the years. Mr. Wilkins is the first recipient of the CPIA Honorary Lifetime Membership introduced in 2004.