Nashville, TN – Mr. David Merrick, President of The Merrick Printing Company in Louisville, Kentucky, was named by the Printing Industry Association of the South, Inc. (PIAS) as their Person of the Year. This honor was bestowed at a banquet held on June 25, 2013 during the PIAS Annual Convention at the Hilton SanDestin Beach Resort in Destin, Florida.

David is guided in life by his faith in God, love of family and friends and leadership in the printing industry. He was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky where he later became part of the tradition of their family business which dates back to 1902. He has been blessed with the opportunity of keeping his extended family together in the same city through their involvement in the printing industry. 

David started working part time at The Merrick Printing Company at the age of 16, the day he received his driver’s license. He graduated from the University of Louisville in 1982 with a degree in Business Marketing. After graduation, he began working full time at the printing plant. David’s father recognized at an early age that his son was the perfect choice to, in time be the key executive and have broad shoulder’s required to lead, steer and run a family held company and all the dynamics that can come with it.

David became a member of The Merrick Printing Company Board of Directors at the age of 26, became Manager of key accounts at age 28, Executive Vice President at age 30 with responsibility over operations of approximately 150 employees, and then became President in 1994 at the age of 35. 

As the Key Executive at The Merrick Printing Company, David has given of himself and his own potential awards to ensure that his sibling’s and children are also successful. During the tumultuous times of both post September 11^th, 2001 and in 2008-2009 he remolded & adjusted his company’s operations as needed in significant ways in order to maintain the company’s very strong foundation.

David served as Master Printers of America Trustee from 2000 – 2002. He also served on the PIAS Board of Directors for approximately ten years, serving as Chairman of the Board in 2007-2008.

In 1984 he married his beautiful wife Sue. Today they have 3 wonderful sons – Jeremy, Justin and Bryant, of which they are very proud, a beautiful daughter-in-law Andrea, as well as a grandson and another grandchild on the way.

The PIAS Person of the Year is chosen for service to the printing industry, community and betterment of the graphic arts industry as a whole.