Los Angeles, Calif. – Printing Industries Association, Inc. of Southern California (PIASC) announces the selection of Janet Steiner, former CEO of Thoro Packaging in Corona, California, as it’s Executive of the Year. PIASC is the largest affiliate of Printing Industries of America, the national trade association for the printing and graphic arts industry. “Janet was chosen for this honor because she is held in such high regard as the leader of an innovative and very successful folding carton company,” says Janet Green, PIASC Public Relations Chair.

Thoro Packaging was originally launched by Janet’s father in 1967. Janet got involved out of a desire to help him achieve his goals. One thing led to another, and in 1982 she took over as President, eventually buying the business. Under Janet’s 36 years of leadership Thoro Packaging grew exponentially—from about $2 million in annual sales to nearly $38 million—and became an industry-leading packaging solutions company.

“I always loved the business!” Janet shares. “I loved that we could create excellent packaging for our customers that helped them sell their products. It was fun to stretch our imaginations and abilities, and push the envelope in terms of what could be possible.”

This drive for quality and innovation resulted in Thoro Packaging receiving numerous industry awards. Between 2009 and 2017 Thoro won 14 Best of Category Awards and a People’s Choice Award in PIASC’s Print Excellence Awards program. The company was also recognized by the Printing Industries of America as one of the Best Workplaces in the Americas in 2012, 2014 and 2015, and received a number of awards in the Paperboard Packaging Council’s annual Carton Competition as well.

Janet has also personally been the recipient of numerous awards, including the Inland Empire’s prestigious Spirit of the Entrepreneur Award in 2017, the National Association of Women Business Owners – Inland Empire’s Business Woman of the Year Award in 2006, and more.

Janet served on PIASC’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2017, and also served on the Board and Auditing Committee of the Paperboard Packaging Council.

Although Janet sold Thoro Packaging (which is now known as Autajon Packaging Thoro) in 2018 and retired from the business, today she is still quite active in the community. In addition to serving on three Boards, she is also involved with speaking, mentoring and philanthropic work. “One of my goals now,” says Janet,” is to continue to be an inspiration to business people, especially young entrepreneurs and managers, and to provide encouragement for women. We can persevere. We can do it!”

The presentation of the Ben Franklin Executive of the Year award will take place at PIASC’s annual Graphics Night on Friday, May 3, 2019, at the Pacific Palms Resort in Industry Hills.

Contact Kristy Villanueva at 323.728.9500, ext. 215 for more information about Graphics Night and the Executive of the Year award.