Pittsburgh, Pa., January 24, 2003 — The Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (GATF) has issued an industry-wide call for nominations for the InterTech Technology Awards. This prestigious award honors innovative technology excellence for the graphic communications industries. The criteria for nomination stress that the technology be recently developed, proven in industrial application, but not yet in widespread use. The nomination deadline is May 30, 2003. Established in 1978 as an industry service, this award promotes an understanding of advanced technology in the graphic arts. The award has a proven history for predicting which technologies will have a major impact on the printing industry. Awards have usually mirrored industry interest in environmental issues, standards, quality control, electronic controls and systems, digital printing, and desktop production. Of the prior award winners, over 80 percent have proven commercially successful in the marketplace. Last year, 12 innovative technologies were recognized, several reflecting innovations in areas that do not often see revolutionary improvements: bindery, new inks, and coating blanket preparation. Furthermore, several technologies addressed productivity needs for the growing demand of shorter runs by reducing makeready times instead of increasing equipment speeds. One technology synchronizes and optimizes all aspects of the print production line. Although GATF is the sponsor of the award and coordinator of the award process, the Foundation does not select the recipients. The independent award selection committee is comprised of industry technical experts and users. It is not necessary to be a GATF/PIA member to nominate or be nominated for an award. Representatives of the selected technologies will receive a custom-engraved InterTech Technology Award—a colorful multi-layered, hand-crafted Lucite sculpted star at a reception and dinner which is traditionally a highlighted event of the GATF/PIA Fall Administrative Meetings. Next scheduled for November 13–16, 2003 in San Antonio, Texas, this forum hosts an impressive audience of industry leaders including boards of directors and committee members for GATF and its Society of Fellows; Printing Industries of America (PIA) and its Ash Khan Society; and the Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation (PGSF). The entry fee for each nomination is $1,250 and must be postmarked before May 30, 2003. To receive a nomination form, visit InterTech on GAIN. For additional information on the award, contact John Lind, GATF’s director of research, by phoning 412/741-6860 extension 585.