New York, NY - Kelly Erickson, Group Account Director for the Sawtooth Group (Woodbridge, NJ), is slated to receive the John Peter Zenger Medal at the 2011 Franklin Event.  

The popular gala, sponsored by Printing Industries Alliance (PIA), will be held on Wednesday, September 21 (5:30-10:00 pm) at The Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers in Manhattan.  

The Zenger Medal is named for John Peter Zenger (1697-1746), a New York City printer whose arrest, imprisonment, trial and acquittal in 1735 set the foundation for freedom of the press in colonial America. It is awarded to an individual employed in the NY/NJ/PA metro area's graphic communications industry who has demonstrated, in a clear and convincing way, exemplary character in the form of selfless courage, charity, activism or service. Ms. Erickson is being honored for Community Service centering around her inception and implementation of a unique project for homeless families living at shelters.

Also being feted at the Franklin Event are New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly who will receive the Franklin Award for Distinguished Service, the industry's highest recognition, and three Power of Communications Award honorees:
For Printing:  Michael Graff, President & CEO, Sandy Alexander, Inc. (Clifton, NJ); For Publishing: Laura Reid, Vice President, Production, Hearst Magazines (NY, NY); and For Retail Advertising: Rita Little, Vice President, Marketing, Bed Bath & Beyond (Farmingdale, NY.)

Platinum sponsors to date include Hewlett-Packard, HighRoad Press/Phoenix Lithographing, HudsonYards, Oce′ North America, Publishers Press, and Xerox Corporation. Gold sponsors include Dalim Software, Design Distributors, Graphic Paper, Inc., HIFLEX Corporation of North America, and SendMyAd.

Early bird discounted pricing is in effect until June 15 for firms wishing to sponsor the event. Platinum sponsorships (reserved table of 10), normally $5,000 are $4,000. Gold sponsorships (reserved table of 5), normally $2,500 are $2,000. Individual tickets are $350. Sponsors receive prominent visibility throughout the Association's extensive pre- and post-event media campaign, website roster, printed program, table and venue signage. Final deadline for sponsorships is September 2. Interested parties may contact PIA Vice President Vicki Keenan, [email protected], (908) 233-4124.

The Franklin Event recognizes individuals making a significant positive 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 purpose. For further information on scholarship opportunities, contact Printing Industries Alliance.