Complete Story
01/15/2020
Print Week 2020 - Southern Region's Printer of the Year
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. Since 1963 our Southern Region has recognized an individual for Printer of the Year.
The recipient of Printer of the Year is actively engaged in any field of the graphic arts industry, have a minimum of 15 years’ experience and have distinguished himself/herself by their contributions in the industry. They should also be involved in their community and/or civic affairs. This year we are pleased to present the Printer of the Year to Steve Fleissner.
Steve’s introduction to printing began in 1973 at National Label in Blue Ash as a “press feeder,” eventually doing nearly every job in the plant and later assuming managerial roles. In his nine years there he gained experience under two different owners and began seeking wise counsel from SBA and SCORE, dreaming he would soon have his own business.
That dream came true in 1984. Model Label (later changed to Model Graphics) was founded in 1984 in Madisonville, OH, with two other silent partners. In 2010 Steve became the sole owner.
Steve is currently the CEO and President of Model Graphics. He is 65 years old and expects to stay in some capacity in the organization for the next two to three years. Model Graphics currently employs 39 workers.
Steve’s wife of 44 years, Barb, serves as the Executive VP responsible for HR and Benefits. His son, Matt, serves as the VP of Sales and Marketing and is being groomed to purchase and take over the business within the next five years.
Steve and Barb have two daughters who do not work in the business. “Their careers took them down different paths, including most importantly, the job of raising our precious grandsons!” He and Barb are both very active in their local church in Mason and Steve expects to become more active as he winds down his print career.
Model has been a part of PIA since the mid-80s and Steve expects to have that continue with the new leadership team.
Join us in celebrating Steve's accomplishments at the 58th Annual Southern Region Banquet on January 23rd at 6:00 pm.
More info about the Print Week Events:
Join us to review and honor all the wonderful printed work in Ohio, N.Kentucky and Michigan. Put your region's event on your calendar and celebrate the best of the best AND take part in choosing the best of the best. Attend one (or more) of the regional banquets and you can vote for that region's People's Choice Award.
Print Week Events:
In the South, join in the fun at our annual Bierstube at Taft's Ale House in Cincinnati, OH on Tuesday, January 21st from 5:30-7:30 pm. Bring your press operators, bindery workers customer service reps and your graphic designers for a few hours of fun and networking. This is a great opportunity to catch up with old friends and make new ones. Registration is $37.50, Non-member is $75, and a Member table of 10 is $325 (call us to register a table).
New Location this year:
Taft's Ale House
1429 Race St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202
To register, CLICK HERE.
Also in the South, you can attend the annual Southern Region Banquet to honor the Print Excellence Award winners and vote for the People's Choice Award winner. We will also be presenting the 33rd Maxwell Winner Award and the 58th Printer of the Year Award. The Southern banquet is set for Thursday, January 23rd starting at 6:00 pm. Registration is $80, and Non-member is $160.
New Location this year:
The Madison Event Center
700 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
To register, CLICK HERE.
The Central Region Banquet will honor Print Excellence Awards winners at the Creekside Conference and Event Center in Gahanna on January 30th at 6:00 pm. The banquet will start at 6:00 p.m. Registration is $80, and Non-member is $160.
Creekside Conference and Event Center
700 Creekside Plaza
Gahanna, OH 43230
To register, CLICK HERE.
The Northern Region combines the fun and the awards at the annual Ben's Bash. Join us on Thursday, February 6th at 6:00 pm. This event will be the highlight of the print scene; don't miss it! Registration is $55, and Non-member is $110.
100th Bomb Group
20920 Brookpark Road
Cleveland, OH 44135
To register, CLICK HERE.
The Michigan Region will recognize it's first year Print Excellence Awards winners in conjunction with the February Regional Advisory Council Meeting on Tuesday, February 11th. The PEA winners will be recognized at this joint event with the Detroit Craftsmen Club. The event begins at 5:30 pm.
Printing Industries of America's President, Michael Makin, will present the State of the Industry and address what the future holds for the printing industry! He will also discuss the upcoming PIA and SGIA merger.
