Graphic Media Alliance

03/28/2023

Print Week 2023 Conclusion

South

Located downtown Cincinnati directly across from the Aronoff Center, The Backstage Event Center was a beautiful location for this year's Southern Region Print Week Reception. Featuring a mix of modern and rustic décor, everyone enjoyed the spacious area indoors, as well as the balcony over-looking the arts community and a line of the Cincinnati Bell Connector Trolley Service.

Barry Henry of Flottman Company, the 2019 recipient of the Printer of the Year award, and longtime friend, introduced Kevin Murray as the 2023 Printer of the Year. Barry has known Kevin since high school and his first introduction to printing was when he bought printing from Bramkamp and Kevin’s father. He remembered the experience, as well as Kevin and his father, as helpful and encouraging. Barry remarked on how Kevin has always been involved and in touch with the industry as evidenced with his participation in GMA, PIEF scholarships, the Annual Leadership Conference, and the Southern Advisory Council. He has always remained humble and only looks to how to benefit others. Barry said this award was “a long time coming.”

Kevin graciously accepted the award and said that his dedication to printing began when he went to work with his father during a terrible blizzard when he was young. He saw how much his dad put into everything he did and realized he wanted to have that same passion and dedication to the industry and the company. Kevin then talked on his recent health struggles. He has discovered during this time that it is best to lean on the 3F’s: Faith, Family and Friends. He has done this during uncertain times and has benefitted greatly from this support system. Kevin mentioned he is recovering and heading in the right direction. He is happy to be here and to accept this award.

Philip Weinrich of Roberds Converting, the 2022 recipient of the William Maxwell Award introduced Graphic Village as the 2023 Maxwell Award winner. He talked on the history of the award and what it means to honor a company with this accolade. He then divulged Graphic Village’s history of being a leader in the southern print family, as well as the Blue Ash and Cincinnati community. Philip said that Graphic Village is a worthy recipient.

Mark Weinstein and Pat McMullen graciously accepted the award on behalf of Graphic Village and were tremendously honored by this recognition.

Central

We hosted our 2023 Central Region Print Week Reception in a new and exciting location! Brick & Mortar showcased rich textures, exposed brick, dark wood beams, and a manicured courtyard. The intricate history and longstanding beauty of the Smith Brothers building was showcased in this one-of-a-kind urban space.

Jim Cunningham, former president of GMA and last year’s recipient, presented Chuck Gherman with the Franklinton Award for 2023.

He spoke of how Chuck’s grandparents came from Romania in 1958, with Chuck following four months later with his mother, as she was pregnant with him at the time. After arriving in America, Chuck’s mother began working at Danner Press and informed him that he should never go into the printing industry. Chuck did not follow her advice and decided he wanted to pursue the printing industry regardless.

Chuck attended Ohio Northern University where he first laid eyes on his wife, Rhonda, as she bicycled across the campus. He won her over while playing volleyball on a university team. At the time, he didn’t not realize that her parents owned a printing company! After marriage, his father-in-law offered him a job at the business. As he moved up the ladder and learned new processes and technologies, he continued to increase sales. Eventually, Chuck and Rhonda were able to buy out the company.

After joining GMA, formerly PIANKO, Chuck began to participate in events all throughout GMA’s regions, in addition to serving on the Advisory Council and then serving as Chair of the Board of Directors. Chuck and Rhonda are mostly retired now, and Chuck hopes to take a river cruise of the Rhine.

Andrew Schall, current president of GMA, added that when he first joined GMA as a member several years ago, he had also decided to join the Advisory Council. He recalled that Chuck was the first person to reach out and welcome him and offer his support.

Chuck accepted the award saying it was a surprise, but such an honor. He has enjoyed being a member of GMA and recalled his favorite part was during the merger discussions with our friends in Michigan. Chuck said it has been a pleasure giving back to GMA, and a joy working and volunteering over the years. He thanked Rhonda, who convinced him to join the Association, and the other organizations he has been a part of. He also thanked her for always being there to support him.

Chuck thanked Jim Cunningham for his leadership, guidance and friendship. He thanked Andrew Schall and the GMA team for continuing the excellence of the Association. Finally, he thanked all of his industry peers for supporting him.

North

The 2023 Northern Region Print Week Reception was held at the gorgeous, Tuscan themed, Cibrèo Privato. This venue, formerly the 14th Street Theatre, was a 288-seat theater built in 2002 as part of Playhouse Square. Originally built for Second City Cleveland, the theater closed in 2013, and has since been turned into the private dining facility of Cibrèo Italian Kitchen, an award-winning Playhouse Square Italian restaurant.

Fellow Hall of Distinction members David Kaufman, Brothers Printing and Jim Leitch , Wikoff Color Corporation introduced the 2023 Hall of Distinction inductee, Travis Mlakar.

Jim began by be discussing the history of the Hall of Distinction. In 1978, the Graphic Arts Council of Cleveland decided they wanted to recognize outstanding men and women and their contributions to the industry and the greater Cleveland area during the annual print week events. The first year that it was created, 27 illustrious members were inducted, and the tradition of honoring industry legends has continued.

David said that Travis Mlakar is an exceptional businessman, family man, community leader, and industry expert. It is an honor to recognize him as the recipient of the 2023 Hall of Distinction award. Travis is the president of Millcraft, which was founded by his great-grandfather, Harold Keil, in 1920. Travis, his father, Chuck Mlakar, and his grandfather, Stu McKinney, have all contributed to the company's incredible success, making it a staple in the paper industry for over 100 years. Travis has been recognized by his peers for his contributions to the paper industry. He served as the Past Chair of the National Paper Trade Association (NPTA), as well as the Chairman of Two Sides North America. This is a true testament to his leadership abilities and his commitment to his profession.

Travis graciously accepted the honor and thanked Jim, Dave, GMA President Andrew Schall, and his peers.

When Travis looks at the list of esteemed members of the Hall of Distinction, he sees customers, competitors, friends and legends. He recalls the stories he heard while growing up about those previously inducted. He mentioned that being involved with a family business, it is hard to accept the award alone. His family helped to build the foundation and instilled his love for the industry, and the over 270 team members that he works alongside every day inspire him to better serve the graphic communications industry. He accepted the award on behalf of all of them and the three generations that came before him to make Millcraft what it is today.

He appreciates all of his peers who nominated him and humbly and graciously accepts the honor. 

Michigan

We held our Michigan Region Print Week Reception at the Suburban Collection Showplace, located in Novi. 

We were thrilled that we were able to continue our workforce development efforts started last year with FOREtheWIN with many students in attendance who were able to make connections with future employers.

It was great to catch up with industry friends and make new ones.

Check out all of the photos from the events!

We would especially like to thank our sponsors. We couldn't have put on such great events without your support!