June 6, 2005—The Association of Graphic Communications (AGC) held its 53rd Annual Franklin Awards on Tuesday, May 24, at the Lighthouse at Chelsea Piers. The New York City event drew record crowds, with standing room only during the awards presentation for those who had not purchased a table.

In addition to breaking stats in the number of attendees, the event saw its highest amount of sponsors to date—36 platinum and 10 gold. Attendees provided an interesting mix, with representatives from every facet of the print industry. The sea of faces was no longer dominated by individuals who have become icons, though they were certainly in attendance. Instead, it was interesting to note the many young faces present—the next generation who will continue to drive changes in the industry.

The Power of Communication award winners this year, as in years past, demonstrate talent, creative excellence, and powerful determination.

Eve Asbury, executive vice president, director print and digital production, Saatchi & Saatchi, won the award for advertising; Roy Grossman, president and CEO, Sandy Alexander Inc., was honored in the printing category; the founder of Indigo and strategic advisor to the CEO of Hewlett-Packard, Benny Landa, took the award for innovation and technology; and the publishing award went to Kevin Mullan, senior vice president manufacturing, production and distribution, Primedia Enthusiast Media Group. In addition, a new award was given for Industry Achievment. This went to Edward Saturn, vice president of sales, Schawk NY.

Celebrating in Style
The evening started out with Brian Stokes Mitchell, Broadway star and Tony Award winner, thanking the AGC and assembled guests for their support. All proceeds from this event went to the Actors’ Fund, Literacy Partners Inc., and New York City public schools. Mr. Mitchell honored the assembled guests with a rendition of the song “The Impossible Dream” from his show, “Man of La Mancha,” which he starred in as Don Quixote.

Susie Greenwood, president and CEO of AGC, followed his act with information about the various charities AGC is supporting. She spoke about how they are bringing high school students into the print industry by having them design posters for the Actors’ Fund, noting what an ideal opportunity this is “to bring our worlds together.”

The first award of the evening went to Mr. Landa, who was unfortunatly ill and unable to attend the event. Ron Kukla, also from Hewlett-Packard, accepted on his behalf noting what an honor it was to do so. He stressed that Mr. Landa was very sorry to have missed the occasion and had left instructions to express his gratitude and honor for such an award.

Teamwork Wins
Mr. Grossman received the second award. He noted that print continues to be the most efficient and effective media available to communicate ideas. He went on to advise that the industry should work together to focus on fighting the erosion of the media as a whole.

“While the industry chose to recognize me, it is really the dedication and determination of every Sandy Alexander employee that is being acknowledged with this award,” said Mr. Grossman.

When Ms. Asbury stood to accept her award, she chose to honor and recognize the team effort that goes into every project her company produces, as well. She noted that many people think that creative work is simply coming up with a few good ideas. “It is about churning out brilliant ideas day in and day out. ...[Our people] come up with not one brilliant idea a month, but several a week.”

Mr. Mullan accepted the fourth award of the night, noting that passion is an integral requirement for all the winners. “How do we stay motivated and moving forward?” he asked the crowd. “Passion, drive; certainly not the hours. Passion is only effective when it exists throughout the organization.”

Mr. Saturn was the final recipient of the evening. “It is not often that one wins an award for industry achievement,” he said. “To be the first ever winner of this award by the AGC is extremely gratifying. When I was informed of this terrific honor, I was flattered, flabbergasted, and deeply moved to be recognized by my peers. I still am.”

He went on to note that the AGC as an organization has helped him grow professionally through the years, and has been very close to his heart. “This is not an award that one wins by themselves. I have had the good fortune to be associated with many extraordinary people in this extraordinary business.”

The event concluded with the debut of AGC’s 2005/2006 Buyers’ Guide which, in addition to the listing of member companies, features useful tips and tricks for many aspects of the graphic arts process. Attendees received the first copies, with the rest going out in the mail to members later in the week.