New York, NY - New York City Police Commissioner Ray Kelly will receive the prestigious Franklin Award for Distinguished Service at the Printing Industries Alliance's 2011 Franklin Event on September 21 at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan (5:30-10:00 pm).

"Ray Kelly has served the City of New York with honor, diligence and grace under pressure," noted Event Co-Chair Gary Dolgins (Blanchard System, Inc.) "As a respected 40-year veteran of the Department, he served in 25 different commands before becoming the first person to head it as Commissioner twice under separate tenures of Mayors Bloomberg and Dinkins. We are privileged to add his name to a roster of outstanding Americans who have received the Franklin Award, our industry's highest recognition."

"Many people are unaware that this extraordinary leader and noted global security expert has also been a former Vice President of Interpol, Commissioner of the U.S. Customs Service, and Under Secretary for Enforcement at the U.S. Treasury Department," added Co-Chair Martin Maloney (Broadford & Maloney, Inc.)   "The more than 350 CEOs and senior executives from the printing, advertising, publishing and graphics sectors who attend the Franklin Event look forward to saluting his numerous contributions to our nation."

Early bird pricing for sponsorships is available until June 15. Platinum level (reserved table of 10), normally $5,000, is $4,000. Gold (reserved table of five), is reduced from $2,500 to $2,000 if reserved before June 15.  Regular prices apply thereafter. Individual tickets are $350 each.

Platinum sponsors to date include Xerox Corporation, HudsonYards and HighRoad Press/Phoenix Lithographing. Gold sponsors include HIFLEX Corporation of North America, Design Distributors, and Graphic Paper, Inc.  Interested companies may contact PIA Vice President Vicki Keenan, [email protected], (908) 233-4124 to sponsor or to register.

The Franklin Event recognizes individuals making a significant contribution to society and/or the graphic communications industry. Individuals are chosen for recognition by the Franklin Event Committee based on their accomplishments, irrespective of outside factors such as political affiliation and social status. Net Franklin proceeds have been designated to support the educational goals of metro NY/NJ students desiring a career in the graphic communications industry and are not used for administrative, legislative or other unrelated purposes. For further information on scholarship opportunities,  contact Printing Industries Alliance.