Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania - The Binding Industries Association (BIA) is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2011 Product of Excellence Awards (POE). This contest recognizes outstanding craftsmanship in the binding, graphic finishing, and custom loose-leaf manufacturing and is the pinnacle of success in the binding industry.

These awards celebrate all aspects of finishing and cover nearly forty different categories that range from mechanical folding to cut-flush binders. With specific categories, finishers can showcase their expertise and be rewarded for mastering and advancing a specific aspect of finishing.

Categories are judged by a panel of distinguished experts in the graphic arts community. These judges come from around the world and are chosen for their extensive knowledge and years of experience in producing graphic finishing and custom loose-leaf products. The judges carefully examine every entry for superiority in the manufacturing and quality. Pieces that truly exemplify the category they are entered in receive a coveted Product of Excellence Award. An Award of Recognition is given to runners-up while a Certificate of Merit is given to a piece that deserves recognition for quality craftsmanship.

Recipients of an award will be listed in The Binding Edge as well as featured on www.bindingawards.com, where potential customers can review the winning pieces. In addition, winners will receive a self-promotion kit to help capitalize on their success.

Recognition from the Product of Excellence Award competition helps graphic finishers and custom loose leaf companies stand apart from their peers and impress customers. Kris Bovay, General Manager, Pacific Bindery Services says, "For more than three decades, the BIA Product of Excellence competition has been committed to honoring quality craftsmanship. It's crucial to see how you stack up against your competition."

The deadline for entry is March 28, 2011.

The Binding Industries Association wishes to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Achilles, Challenge Machinery, Colter and Peterson, CP Bourg, Durapro Adhesives-IFS Industries, Biloematik Jagermark, The Newark Group, Bensons International, Fix your own bindery, Gane Brothers, Heidelberg, Holliston, LD Davis, WCJ Pilgrim Wire, Kolbus, Nordson, Norcote, Spiral Binding, Standard Finishing Systems, Technifold, Update Ltd., and US Ring.