Darwin and Lisa Buehler, owners of Little Rock-based Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas, Inc., were recently awarded the Arkansas Business of the Year by Arkansas Business. For more than 20 years, small businesses, nonprofits and executives have been recognized with the annual awards. Allegra captured the win in Category 1 for companies with up to 25 employees.

"I’m proud of what we’ve done during the past 20 years," said Lisa Buehler, vice president of sales and marketing. "We share the honor with all of the people who work with us and our dedicated team who have helped us to build our business from the ground up." Small to medium-sized businesses in central Arkansas represent the heart of Allegra’s clientele, and the firm’s reach extends around the state and beyond. 

Since opening their award-winning Allegra location in 1991, the Buehlers have consistently placed a mong the top 10 percent in profitability among Allegra Network’s nearly 300 marketing/print franchise members across North America. The 2009 acquisition of Fulton Press in Little Rock helped to boost Allegra’s revenue stream and talent pool.

More recently, the recession has been a great motivator for the printing industry to diversify, as traditional printing services are challenged by digital media. The Buehlers have been part of Allegra Network’s vision to offer cross-media and marketing services to small and mid-sized businesses.

"Darwin and Lisa serve as role models for their business integrity, adaptability and commitment to giving back to their community," said Allegra Network President and CEO Mike Marcantonio. "The recognition is well deserved."

The company is a 2007 recipient of the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation Award from the Arkansas Community Foundation. Through the Allegra FootPRINT Fund^® for nonprofit fr iends, the Buehlers have awarded tens of thousands of dollars in free printing and graphic services to nonprofit organizations in and around Little Rock. This is in addition to their many volunteer hours, product donations and contribution of funds to various charitable organizations throughout the year.