[BRADENTON, FL] The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) has announced recipients of the Master Bookman and Signature Award, as well as three new members to the Cased-in Club.

The honors, which will be presented Monday evening November 7th at the Awards Banquet at the Fall Annual Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida, recognize BMI members who not only contribute to the success of their organization, but also to the continued success of the book manufacturing industry.

Matt Baehr, Executive Director of BMI, said, “This group of award winners has truly shaped the book industry for decades. I am very excited to celebrate their accomplishments, and the book industry as a whole.”

The Distinguished Master Bookman Award, bestowed upon a BMI member who has made an extraordinary contribution to the book manufacturing industry throughout a long career, will be given to Ken Fultz, formerly of Bookmasters. Ken spent over 40 years in the book manufacturing and distribution industry, working at places like Mazer and Thompson-Shore. He served on the BMI Board for 6 years, and as our President in 2007. Besides the book industry, Ken has always been an active volunteer in church ministries.

The Signature Award, given to a BMI member who has made a valued contribution to the welfare of the industry and/or the Institute through the display of superior leadership qualities on an issue of particular concern to the industry or, for exhibiting such qualities over an extended period, will be given to Mark Levin of HP and Joe Upton of Gasch Printing.

Mark Levin is currently Business Development Manager for HP’s Inkjet Global Business Unit, where he is helping the organization grow in the transaction, book, direct mail and commercial markets. With over 40 years in the industry, Mark held various positions at Harris Graphics, Heidelberg and Sun Chemical. He is currently on the BMI Board of Directors as President-Elect.

Joe Upton started his book industry career at his family’s book printing business, Malloy Incorporated. Joe spent the next 27 years working alongside his father, Herb, and brother, Bill, to lead Malloy and focus his effort on the sales side of the business. Upon leaving Edwards Brothers Malloy, Joe stayed in the industry working at Above the Treeline, and now Gasch Printing. A longtime BMI volunteer and Board member, Joe served as BMI President from 2019-2021.

Membership to the Cased-in Club is awarded each year to BMI members who have served in the industry for more than 20 years and have worked with the BMI with distinction. The 2022 recipients of this privilege are: Andy Fetherman of Muller Martini; Mark Hunt of Standard Finishing Systems; Jonathan Jacobsen of Bridgeport National Bindery.

When asked about the awards, Dave McCree, President of BMI and Past Chairperson of the Awards Committee, said, “It’s always exciting to come together to celebrate our industry and the printed book. This slate of award winners exemplifies an amazing amount of dedication and passion. We are lucky to have folks like these in the BMI and the book industry.”