From L to R: Matt Baehr, Mark Levin, Suzanne Wiersma, Dwight Vicks

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

The honors, which were presented Monday evening October 28th at the Awards Banquet at the Fall Annual Conference in Naples, 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 esteemed group of award recipients has made a lasting impact on book manufacturing over the years. I am delighted to honor their achievements, celebrating not only their personal successes but also the significant influence they have had on the entire book industry.”

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, was awarded to Suzanne Wiersma of Wallaceburg Bookbinding & Manufacturing.

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 2024 recipients of this privilege are: David Hetherington of Books International; Sheri Jammallo, formerly of Canon; Christian Schamberger of Mercury.

When asked about the awards, Dwight Vicks, President of BMI, said, " It’s truly inspiring to come together in celebration of our industry and the printed book. The recipients of these awards exemplify an exceptional level of dedication and passion. We are grateful to have such outstanding individuals that contribute so much to BMI and the wider book industry.”

BMI also held it’s Annual Meeting at the event which ushered in two new BMI Board Members. Chris Kurtzman of the CJK Group and Steve Zweber of Thomson Reuters – Core Publishing Solutions joined the BMI Board for three-year terms. Rolling off the Board were Jim Fetherston, formerly of Worzalla, and Cara Lahey of Publisher’s Graphics.