Feb. 18 2008 - The Graphic Arts Association has named Francis Ciociola as the 2008 Neographics "Unsung Hero."  With a span of forty-six years in the printing industry, Francis has demonstrated what a true "Unsung Hero" is throughout the duration of his career. Fran will receive this award of recognition at the Neographics dinner and awards ceremony on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Crystal Tea Room, Wanamaker Building, 9th Floor, 100 Penn Square East, Philadelphia, PA at 7:00 p.m. 

Born a son of a printer, Francis graduated from South Philadelphia High School and immediately started his career at Colorcrafters advancing from feeder operator, four color pressman to pressroom foreman.  In 1979, Fran joined Innovation Printing and Lithography as five color pressman and pressroom foreman.  In 1985 he was promoted to 2nd Shift Plan Manager and in 1988 to Vice President of Production.  During Fran's twenty-six years of supervision, Innovation Printing won countless, regional, national and international awards for "printing excellence" including five Neographics Power of Print Awards.  In 2005, Fran retired from Innovation Printing and Communications.  Throughout his career, Fran unselfishly shared his knowledge, expertise and extended a helping hand to others so they could become better at printing. 

    The Graphic Arts Association is the only regional trade association for the printing industry in Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey and Delaware.  The mission of the Graphic Arts Association is to be the leading resource for the printing and graphic communications industry in advocacy, education and information to enhance the strength and profitability of its members.