Orlando, Florida—March 1, 2006—The Printing Association of Florida (PAF) today announced that Harold Yankelevitz, director of membership and public affairs for the association, has been awarded membership director of the year for 2005 by PIA/GATF. Yankelevitz and the PAF was selected by a vote from 24 affiliate membership directors and managers. To qualify, the candidate should demonstrate success in membership growth, be effective and participate in the membership list serve, submit marketing materials to the PIA/GATF membership manager and demonstrate innovative recruitment and retention strategies. In six months, Yankelevitz helped sign up new 42 members, representing an 8.55% increase in membership and a 94.9% retention rate. “I’m honored and proud of the recognition and for contribution to the membership goals of both the Printing Association of Florida and the PIA/GATF,” said Harold Yankelevitz, director of membership and public affairs, for the Printing Association of Florida. “I also want to thank all of the staff in both the Orlando and Miami offices, who assisted in the association’s membership efforts.” The membership marketing recognition program was established in May of 2005 as a program that encourages membership growth and recognizes professional excellence. Several categories and awards were defined including membership director of the year, greatest percentage of increase and highest member retention rate. Michael Makin, president and CEO of the PIA/GATF will award each recipient with a plaque and gift funded by PIA/GATF, recognizing the outstanding contributions to the membership group and for growth and retention for membership. The ceremony will take place at the June 2006 membership directors’ meeting, hosted by the Printing Industries of Northern California in San Francisco. Harold Yankelevitz has been with the Printing Association of Florida as director of membership since 1997 and just recently, took responsibility for the association’s legislative affairs as well. Prior to the PAF, Yankelevitz was director of publications advertising for the national office of the American Automobile Association in Heathrow, Florida and served in numerous other capacities during his 27-seven year career with the AAA—the largest membership association in the country and the largest publisher of travel information. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Washington & Jefferson College and an MBA from Long Island University. “I would like to thank all the membership directors and staff for all their hard work and dedication in 2005,” said Michael Makin, president and CEO of the PIA/GATF. “All of us are looking forward to 2006 as being a strong year for new and existing members.”