July 22, 2004 -- WASHINGTON, DC - The Worldwide Printing Thermographers Association (WPT) has announced the winners of its Seventh Annual Excellence in Thermography Contest - the FREDDIEs. The FREDDIE award recognizes companies for their use and application of the thermographic (raised printing) process on items including business cards, envelopes, letterheads, social announcements, folders, posters, promotional materials, invitations and more. This year’s contest drew nearly 400 entries in 19 categories from companies engaged in the thermographic printing process across the United States. The Jansson Chase Company won the 2004 FRED NICOTERA AWARD for “BEST OF THE BEST” for Excellence in Social Announcement or Invitations, 100% Thermographed. The invitation uses thermography to create the look of Chinese brocaded silk fabric. The names of the bride and groom and other pertinent information also feature thermography adding an elegant look and texture to the piece. FREDDIE awards were awarded to the following companies*: Anderburg-Lund Printing Company - St. Louis Park, MN Birchcraft Studios - Rockland, MA Business Card, Inc. - Tullahoma, TN Carlson Craft - North Mankato, MN DOT Thermography, Inc. - Addison, TX Flashcards, Inc. - Austin, TX Hodgins Engraving - Batavia, NY Ink & Paper Magic Makers, Inc. - Arlington, TX Jansson Chase - Milford, MA Lallie, Inc. - Millersville, MD Northeast Thermography - Wallingford, CT Regency Thermographers - Waynesboro, PA Shamrock Raisdletter & Printing Co. - St. Louis, MO Team Concept Printing & Thermography - Carol Stream, IL Utley Brothers, Inc. - Troy, MI West Texas Printing - Brownwood, TX Entries were judged at the WPT headquarters in Washington, DC based on: (a) Quality of Thermography including color control, (b) Printing Excellence including design and registration, and (c) Use of Thermography as it enhances the piece overall. Entries were also judged on the number of colors involved as well as the use of additional processes such as embossing, foil stamping, die-cutting, engraving and lithography. Any company involved in the thermographic process was eligible to enter. The 19 award categories included excellence in thermography for: business cards, envelopes, letterheads or personal stationery; social announcements or invitations; foil stamping; and self-promotional work. All entries were displayed by category at the WPT annual conference which was held in Jackson, Wyoming. The Excellence in Thermography Contest is appropriately named the “FREDDIE” to honor Fred Nicotera, who is known within the industry as the Father of Thermography. Fred’s contributions to the thermography industry span 45 years. He started in 1945 as a jogger at the end of thermography machine and retired in 1995 as the founder and president of Faust Thermographic Supply, Inc., one of the industry’s largest powder manufacturers. Fred developed many products and processes that continue to benefit thermographers worldwide. His numerous contributions to the industry have linked his name forever to excellence in thermography.