Deserving Extra Credit--Michelson
Printers like to receive recognition for their accomplishments. It helps validate all of the hard work, creativity, attention to detail and high quality standards that go into building a successful career in the graphic arts industry, as well as producing award-winning printed pieces. That, in part, is what makes our annual Hall of Fame and Gold Ink Awards issue so rewarding; it allows us to honor both individual and printing production excellence.
The 2004 class of Printing Impressions/RIT Printing Industry Hall of Fame inductees surely deserve acclaim. For those that may not know the drill, we seek nominations each year from which finalists are determined. Executive directors from the leading industry trade associations, as well as our publication and the Rochester Institute of Technology, each cast votes for four individuals from that list. The leading vote-getters are then honored at a special gala reception and dinner hosted annually by Printing Impressions and PrintMedia magazines during Graph Expo & Converting Expo in Chicago. Over the past 21 years, we've had anywhere from 300 to more than 1,000 people attend the annual event, which now also pays tribute to the national Gold Ink Award winners (a few of which are pictured here) and the four print buyer inductees into PrintMedia's Production Executives Hall of Fame.
From an individual excellence standpoint, kudos must go out to John Bell, president and CEO of The Ovid Bell Press. A third generation printer, Bell credits his father with teaching him how to conduct himself around customers, as well as employees. This entails being honest and fair, providing a vision for the company, doing what you promise and taking responsibility for your actions.
Or take Charles "Tuck" Krehbiel, CEO of CJK: Printing Possibilities. Aside from helping to run a successful family business, the fourth generation printer gives back freely to his local community. A trustee of the Art Academy of Cincinnati, Krehbiel and his wife are also actively involved in the Cincinnati Nature Center.
Just as noteworthy is Continental Web Press COO Peter McLean. His journey into the Printing Industry Hall of Fame has been circuitous. After working 30 years in various capacities on the supplier side for 3M, McLean has spent nearly a decade helping to run Continental Web. He now joins Continental founder Ken Field, himself a 1993 Hall of Fame inductee. Admiration also goes to George Stephenson, who founded and has run Stephenson Printing since 1959. Now 70, Stephenson sold his company in 1998 to Master Graphics, an industry consolidator. But, when the roll-up filed Chapter 11 in 2000, Stephenson came to the rescue of his namesake and employees by buying his company back. And he's still at the helm today.
Finally, columnist Harris DeWese deserves some props. The self-described Mañana Man is celebrating his 20th anniversary this month writing for the magazine. Over the years, he's poked fun—mostly at himself—while still delivering poignant messages. "DeWese on Sales" has always been regarded by many subscribers as their favorite article to read in each issue. Harris, you may refer to me as Attila the Editor in your column, but I still have to give (extra) credit where it's due.
