Hudson, NH Presstek, Inc., the leading developer of thermal direct imaging and printing plate technologies for the printing and graphic arts industries, together with the Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF), today honors Robert Howard, Presstek’s founder and former member of the Board, at the dedication of the GATF Robert Howard Center for Imaging Excellence (CIE). Established April 1995, the CIE serves as both a hands-on electronic pre-production training facility and the in-house prepress department for GATF. As a training center, the CIE offers students exposure to a full spectrum of production equipment and techniques, including the latest digital workflow solutions as well as traditional methodologies. As a production department, the CIE is a working model of a modern prepress facility. Presstek’s $100,000 contribution, given in Mr. Howard’s name, will be used to update GATF’s CIE with the latest prepress technologies. Presstek is also installing its new Dimension CTP system. Robert Hallman, Presstek CEO, is presenting at today's ceremony. Says Hallman, “Robert Howard shaped the industry, when his dream of making the printing press a computer peripheral came true. Thanks to Bob’s vision, direct imaging is now widely accepted throughout the industry. We are pleased to recognize his efforts through our support of GATF and the Robert Howard Center for Imaging Excellence. "GATF is happy to recognize Bob Howard's leadership role in advancing digital imaging technology for the printing and publishing industry," says George Ryan, President of GATF. As well as founding Presstek and several other ventures, Mr. Howard is associated with the development of the dot matrix printer, the laser printer, and digital printing. Robert Howard was a Presstek Board member from September 1987 to December 1, 2000 and was Chairman of the Board from June 1988 to September 1998. He served as president and treasurer of the company from October 1987 to June 1988. Mr. Howard was the recipient of the 1998 Rochester Institute of Technology Cary Award for his technological innovation, adherence to the highest standard of quality and meaningful advancement of the graphic arts and related industries. He has also received the Albert Einstein Technology Medal from the Jerusalem Fund of Aish HaTorah.