Complete Story
02/20/2024
Print Week 2024: Maxwell and Printer of the Year Award Recipients
Join us for the 2024 Southern Region Print Week reception, a celebration of the finest printing in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky. By popular demand, we will be hosting it once again at The Backstage Event Center in Cincinnati, a unique loft-style venue above Nicholson’s Fine Food and Whisk(e)y. Our event combines modern elegance with rustic décor inspired by the local artistic community.
Our Print Week traditions not only include celebrating our Print Excellence Award winners, but we honor individuals and companies who have greatly impacted the industry. This week, we congratulate our Southern Region special awards recipients.
Since 1963, the Southern Region Printing Week Council, in collaboration with the Cincinnati Litho Club, has recognized a Printer of the Year. The nominee should be actively engaged in any field of the graphic arts industry, have at least 15 years of experience and have distinguished himself/herself with contributions to the industry. Additionally, the nominee should be involved in the community and/or civic affairs.
This year, we are pleased to announce Tara Halpin of Steinhauser, Inc. as the 2024 Printer of the Year!
Tara Halpin, now the CEO and 100% owner of Steinhauser, Inc., a fourth-generation family-owned business with a rich history spanning 119 years, was immersed in the printing industry from a young age, often walking the halls of Steinhauser with her father, Bobby.
Graduating from Denison University, Tara embarked on her journey in May 1995, unaware of the challenges that awaited her, and the level of dedication and passion required for success. Her career path not only embodies a continuation of her family’s legacy but demonstrates her steadfast commitment to excellence and innovation within the custom label and shrink sleeve printing industry.
Tara’s early exposure to the business, learning directly from her father, laid the foundation. Working diligently across every department, Tara acquired invaluable insights into sales, marketing, operations, and finance highlighting a comprehensive understanding of the printing industry. Skills that have allowed her to lead Steinhauser into a growing, successful company.
In 2008, Tara made a pivotal decision to sell the commercial print business and focus on printing quality labels for consumer-packaged goods. This one decision changed the customer base from hundreds to one customer, but ultimately led to business growth and success.
Following this decision, Tara has been dedicated to not only growing the business but nurturing the company’s culture. She ensures that the values and vision of delivering an exceptional experience to everyone every day remain central to the day-to-day operations.
The business investment in multi-million-dollar technology, as well as time spent developing a comprehensive 5-year strategy, and cultivating a workforce aligned to the strategy, have been instrumental in driving Steinhauser’s success in recent years. Her strategic foresight and commitment to both business growth and cultural development are the key factors to the company’s most successful years.
Her dedication and commitment extend beyond the walls of Steinhauser by serving organizations both locally and nationally. Tara has held multiple positions on the GMA’s Board of Directors and served on the Southern Region Council for over a decade. Currently, Tara is on the Board of Directors for BE NKY, The Goering Center for Family and Private Business, and co-chair of the Engagement Committee for TLMI.
Tara’s hard work and dedication to Steinhauser has been recognized frequently, with the company being named KAO’s supplier of the year in 2021 and 2022. The Cincinnati Business Courier named Steinhauser one of its 2021 Fast 55 honorees, and one of the top 25 largest Cincinnati area women-owned businesses in 2022 and 2023.
While these awards highlight her professional accomplishments, her most cherished accomplishment remains her personal family. Tara’s commitment to her husband, Scott, of 28 years, daughter, Jordan, son, Aidan, and of course their family dog, CJ, reflects her true priority alongside her commitment to Steinhauser.
The William Maxwell Award is given to a graphic arts organization that has distinguished itself in the manner of the city’s first printer, William Maxwell. The organization should be forward-thinking, a market leader, and recognizable for its industry and local community contributions. The recipient of the 37th William Maxwell Award is The Cincinnati Type & Print Museum!
The Cincinnati Type & Print Museum is unique among Cincinnati museums because of its combined focus on history/historical preservation, modern-day community building, and job training and job placements for second-chance/at-risk people.
Their Purpose is Multifold:
- To preserve the history of printing and make people aware of the career opportunities in the print media world today. “Life Revolves Around Print’”
- To create an environment for people to make handmade paper and print letterpress items.
- To advance the Printing Industry by promoting new technologies.
- To break the cycle of any addiction by providing training, jobs, and dignity to the men and women of Price Hill.
Opened in 2016, the museum offers interactive museum tours that highlight Cincinnati’s historic, current, and future role in the still-thriving industry.
Its additional and growing focus on job training provides a viable path to well-paying jobs for Greater Cincinnati residents, most of whom are referred through the museum’s services-related affiliation with BLOC Ministries Inc. Eligible job trainees are women and men who are coming off of welfare, out of poverty, out of prison, and out of sex trafficking/prostitution and are typically considered to be unemployable.
Through their tours and engagements, the Cincinnati Type & Print Museum has encouraged a high percent of high school students to now see the printing industry as a good career choice.
Their goal is to create 120 skilled workers for the printing industry in the next 5 years.
We look forward to you joining us at The Backstage Event Center on Thursday, February 29 to honor these well-deserving award winners. Registration details can be found below.
Print Week Celebrations
In the Southern Region, join us at the annual Southern Region reception to celebrate the winners of the Print Excellence Awards and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award. We'll also be recognizing the recipient of the 37th Maxwell Award and unveiling the 2024 Printer of the Year. Save the date for Thursday, February 29, and the festivities begin at 6:00 pm.
The Backstage Event Center
625 Walnut St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
Join us at the Central Region reception on Thursday, March 7, at 6:00 pm, as we pay tribute to the winners of the Print Excellence Awards. Be part of the celebration not only for the outstanding print achievements but also to applaud the recipient of the prestigious 2024 Franklinton Award. Your presence will make the evening truly special!
Brick & Mortar
580 N. 4th St.
Columbus, OH 43215
Experience the perfect blend of enjoyment and recognition at the Northern Region event on Thursday, March 14, kicking off at 6:00 pm. Beyond honoring the Print Excellence Awards winner, we will also be inducting a distinguished new member into the Hall of Distinction. This promises to be the pinnacle of the print scene – an event not to be overlooked!
Cibréo Privato
1501 E. 14th St.
Cleveland, OH 44115
In the Michigan Region, join us in commemorating the Print Excellence Awards winners on Thursday, March 21, beginning at 6:00 pm. Be there to discover the outstanding printed pieces that clinched gold, silver, and bronze, and find out which companies will be honored with the Best of Region title and the coveted People's Choice Award. Don't miss this opportunity to witness excellence in print!
