Pittsburgh, PA -- Printing Industries of America's Binding Industries Association (BIA) is pleased to announce that Bill Eckhart of Eckhart & Co., Inc., former chairman of the BIA, is the 2009 inductee into the BIA Hall of Fame.
 
Bill's first involvement with the BIA was an invitation to attend a discussion on the binding industry at a Detroit hotel in the late 1950's. This meeting was beneficial enough that the men decided to schedule another meeting, thus the founding of the BIA. During Mr. Eckhart's fifty-plus year association with the BIA, he served as secretary, treasurer, and vice president; he was president from 1972 to 1974. Additionally, Bill served on the board of directors for fourteen years.
 
"I can't think of a more fitting occasion to honor Bill than at the 2009 BIA Mid Management Conference," said Richard Senior, managing director of Duraweld Ltd. "Bill was the driving force behind the initial beginnings of the BIA and provided key leadership to help advance the industry."
 
Mr. Eckhart will be inducted during the 2009 BIA Mid Management Conference, May 4-6, 2009, in Las Vegas, NV. The conference targets the middle management of graphic finishing, information packaging, and custom loose-leaf manufacturing companies; trade binderies; and the suppliers to those industries. Conference sessions include "Financial Metrics in a Tough Economy: How to Survive in the Binding Industry," "So You Think You Know Your Customers? Think Again!,"  "Being a Lean Manufacturer in the Binding Industry," and "Increasing Productivity with Your Existing Equipment."

The BIA Hall of Fame is conferred to an individual who has made a dedicated effort to advance the betterment of the industry. The recipient is an individual who has gone above and beyond the call of duty, and who has been a strong supporter of the BIA. This award is designed to perpetuate the lifelong careers of the people in the trade and loose-leaf industry, recognizing them as a major influence that brought about positive change.
 
BIA Hall of Fame finalists included Peter Broustis of Booklet Binding, Aaron Silberman of American Thermoplastic, Marty Anson of Bindagraphics, and Jack Rickard of Rickard Circular Folding. All of these industry notables will be automatically considered for the 2010 BIA Hall of Fame.
 
For more information about the BIA Hall of Fame or the BIA Mid Management Conference, visit www.bindingindustries.com or contact Justin Goldstein at 412-259-1806 or [email protected]
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