ROCHESTER, N.Y., June 13 -- Venkat Purushotham, General Manager and Vice President of Digital Printing, Kodak's Graphic Communications Group (GCG), started his career as a young entrepreneur in the imaging industry. Today he is considered one of the premier Asian American business executives in the United States by the Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC), which included Purushotham on its 2006 “Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award” list. The AABDC presents its annual “Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award” to recognize individuals who have built successful businesses or who have distinguished themselves in their communities. “Venkat's business career epitomizes the values we celebrate with our ‘Outstanding 50 Asian Americans in Business Award,'” said John Wang, President, AABDC. “From his entrepreneurial start in the printing industry to his leadership, vision and dedication as an executive at Kodak, Venkat has distinguished himself as an undeniable business success.” Purushotham will be honored at an award ceremony on June 16 at the New York Hilton and Towers. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton will address the winners as the featured keynote speaker. “I'm honored to receive this award and be included with my fellow winners,” said Purushotham. “To me, being successful in business depends on your ability to find new ways to help your customers, employees and your own company grow. I feel fortunate to work for a company that embraces this same philosophy and I look forward to continuous innovation in solutions for our customers.” Kodak appointed Purushotham to General Manager and Vice President of Digital Printing for its GCG in April 2005. He previously served as president and CEO of NexPress Solutions, Inc., a position he held since its formation in 1998. Purushotham entered the printing industry in 1970, when he established three small businesses providing printing and prepress services over six years. Purushotham has received various degrees in India, England and the United States, including a master's degree in imaging science from the Rochester Institute of Technology. He is active in various community organizations, including the Board of United Way of Rochester, Board of Trustees for Center for Governmental Research, and Board of Directors for Center for Youth in Rochester. He was inducted to the New York State Commission on Independent Colleges and Universities' Alumni Hall of Distinction in 2005. Established in 1994, the Asian American Business Development Center is a not for profit organization that assists Asian American business executives to increase their capabilities in order to better compete in the mainstream market. Each year, AABDC recognizes the individual accomplishment of Asian Americans in business and industry and, in doing so, carries out its mission of enhancing the Asian American voice and role in public policy.