The Binding Industries Association (BIA) is pleased to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 2012 Product of Excellence Awards. This contest recognizes outstanding craftsmanship in the binding, graphic finishing, and custom loose-leaf manufacturing industry.

These awards celebrate all aspects of finishing and cover nearly forty different areas of the industry that range from mechanical folding to cut-flush binders. With a comprehensive catalog of categories, finishers can showcase their expertise and be recognized for mastering and advancing a specific aspect of finishing.

The competition is judged by a panel of distinguished experts in the graphic arts community. These judges come from around the world and are chosen for their extensive knowledge and years of experience in producing graphic finishing and custom loose-leaf products. The judges carefully examine every entry for superiority in the manufacturing and quality. Pieces that truly exemplify the category they are entered in receive a coveted Product of Excellence Award.

Recipients of an award will be listed in The Binding Edge as well as featured on www.bindingawards.com, where potential customers can review the winning pieces. In addition, winners will receive a self-promotion kit to help capitalize on their success.

Recognition from the Product of Excellence Award competition helps graphic finishers and custom loose-leaf companies stand apart from their peers and impress customers. Norm Beange, president of Anstey Book Binding Inc., said “Winning this award means that our attention to detail and our high quality of workmanship has been recognized. With this award, we can highlight our achievement in company advertisements in industry publications and promote the award on our company website.”

The deadline for entry is March 30, 2012. For entry information please visit www.bindingawards.com or contact Justin Goldstein at [email protected] or call (800) 910-4283 ext. 806.

The Binding Industries Association wishes to acknowledge and thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Bensons, Best Graphics Inc., Tech-ni-Fold USA, Fixyourownbindery.com, Gane Brothers & Lane, Holliston, Duplo, Update LTD., Nor-Cote International, US Ring, Dura Pro, bielomatik jagenberg, C.P. Bourg, Standard Finishing, KOLBUS, WCJ Pilgrim, The Newark Group, Nordson, MBO America, Challenge Machinery, IFS Industries, Inc., Colter & Peterson.