WASHINGTON, DC – The Worldwide Printing Thermographers Association (WPT) has announced the winners of its Eighth Annual Excellence in Thermography Contest – the FREDDIEs. The FREDDIE award recognizes companies for their use and application of the thermographic (raised printing) process on items including business cards, envelopes, letterheads, social announcements, folders, posters, promotional materials, invitations and more. This year's contest drew nearly 400 entries in 19 categories from companies engaged in the thermographic printing process across the United States. Ink & Paper Magic Makers, Inc. won the 2005 FRED NICOTERA AWARD for “BEST OF THE BEST” acknowledging Excellence in Ensemble of Letterheads, Envelopes and Business Cards, Thermographed with an Additional Process. FREDDIE awards were awarded to the following companies: Anderburg-Lund Printing Company – St. Louis Park, MN Artco – Rexburg, ID Birchcraft Studios – Rockland, MA Business Card, Inc. – Tullahoma, TN Carlson Craft Business Solutions - North Mankato, MN Dewberry Engraving Company – Birmingham, AL DOT Thermography, Inc. – Addison, TX Flashcards, Inc. – Austin, TX Ink & Paper Magic Makers, Inc. – Arlington, TX WPT Thermography Awards -- Page 2 Jansson – Milford, MA Northeast Thermography – Wallingford, CT Regency Thermographers – Waynesboro, PA Tatex Thermographers – Waco, TX Utley Brothers, Inc. – Troy, MI West Texas Printing Co. – Brownwood, TX Entries were judged at the WPT headquarters in Washington, DC based on: (a) quality of thermography including color control, (b) printing excellence including design and registration, and (c) use of thermography as it enhances the piece overall. Entries were also judged on the number of colors involved as well as the use of additional processes such as embossing, foil stamping, die-cutting, engraving and lithography. Any company involved in the thermographic process was eligible to enter. The 19 award categories included excellence in thermography for: business cards, envelopes, letterheads or personal stationery; social announcements or invitations; foil stamping; and self-promotional work. All entries were displayed by category at the WPT annual conference, held in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. The Excellence in Thermography Contest is appropriately named the “FREDDIE” to honor Fred Nicotera, who is known within the industry as the Father of Thermography. Fred's contributions to the thermography industry span 45 years. He started in 1945 as a jogger at the end of the thermography machine and retired in 1995 as the founder and president of Faust Thermographic Supply, Inc., one of the industry's largest powder manufacturers. Fred developed many products and processes that continue to benefit thermographers worldwide. His numerous contributions to the industry have linked his name forever to thermographic excellence.