Pittsburgh, PA,  August 15, 2008-The world's largest and most prestigious graphic arts competition, the Premier Print Awards-symbolized by the Benjamin Franklin "Benny" trophy-attracted over four-thousand entries before judging was completed in June, sponsor PIA/GATF said today. The annual international contest recognizes those responsible for the creation and production of print communications; promoting excellence and rewarding companies and individuals who produce the very best in print media.

2008 Premier Print Awards sponsors are Adobe Systems, Inc., Canon U.S.A., Heidelberg USA, Hostmann-Steinberg, Inc., Kodak, Komori America Corporation, Verso Paper, Utica National Insurance Group, and Xerox Corporation.

Best of Category winners will be present to receive the coveted Benny Awards and meet with guests at the Premier Print Awards Gala being held at the Chicago Marriott on the Magnificent Mile. Guests will also view entries that garnered Awards in the Gallery of Winners.  Registration begins at 6:00 pm on the evening of October 26.

Michael Makin, PIA/GATF President and CEO, says that "On behalf of PIA/GATF, our 11,000-plus member companies, affiliates and partner organizations around the world, we congratulate the Premier Print Award winners. Their Benny Awards are irrefutable evidence of their graphic communications excellence. The winners and all the entrants are now part of a rich, 50-year tradition representing the continued vitality and quality of the print industry."

Award winners and their entries are listed on www.gain.net under programs and services, awards and recognition.

For information on the Gala and the Awards, contact Sara Welsh, PPA Coordinator, at 1-800-910-4283 extension 705 or [email protected].