Pittsburgh, Pa. – Printing Industries of America is pleased to announce that Ms. Laura Lawton has been named the 2019 Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. Established in 1950, the Lewis Award pays homage to business leaders who have made major, long-term contributions to the graphic arts industry and have been a significant force in shaping the business of printed communications. The award was presented on November 15, 2019 at the Ben Franklin Honor Society Award Dinner during the Fall Administrative Meeting of Printing Industries of America in Houston, Texas.

This year the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award honors Ms. Laura Lawton, a dedicated professional in the printing industry. Laura is the president of Lawton Printing, Inc. and File-EZ Folders, Inc., both located in Spokane, WA. She is the fourth generation to join the family business, working full-time beginning in January 1991 and becoming president in October 2001. Laura graduated from California Polytechnic State University with a bachelor’s in Graphic Communication and a concentration in Printing Management.

"Laura is someone who gives back to her industry and community. She has served Printing Industries of America (PIA) since 2002. She was a Board member, where she was ultimately elevated to officer ranks until she was named chair of the Board in 2011. Laura is only the second female chair of the Board in the association’s history since 1887," said her nominator in listing Ms. Lawton's many contributions to the graphic communications industry.

"Additionally, Laura has served on numerous committees, such as research & development, annual planning, education, executive, finance, and government affairs/labor policy. Laura chaired the Young Professionals Group from 2004–2015. On the local level, Laura has served Pacific Printing Industry Association (PPI) since 2002 as a Board member and ultimately chairing the PPI board," continues her nominator. "Within her community she has been a Board member of the YMCA, active member, sustaining member, and Board of Directors member of the Junior League of Spokane, Saint George’s School finance committee member and Board member, Executive Committee Member for Greater Spokane Incorporated."

Please join Printing Industries of America in congratulating Laura on this tremendous and well-deserved achievement. More about the Lewis Memorial Award can be found at www.printing.org/lewis.