DECATUR, ILL. – The Label Printing Industries of America (LPIA) recently announced that Stephen Frantz, Chief Operating Officer of Huston Patterson is the ninth recipient of the LPIA Hall of Fame. Frantz was inducted during the November 2008 LPIA Fall Management Conference.
“I am so honored to have been selected to enter LPIA’s Hall of Fame. It has been a privilege to serve on the LPIA board and work along with so many talented people who are truly dedicated to our organization. That makes this milestone very special to me,” Frantz says.
The LPIA, a chapter of the Printing Industries of America, represents a membership of privately and publicly owned label converting, packaging, and box wrap printers throughout North America producing more than 75% of the glue-applied labels converted in North America for the consumer packaging industry, including food, beverage, household products, and pet products.
The LPIA Hall of Fame is conferred to that label or packaging executive (printer or supplier) who has reached an unsurpassed level of excellence and achievement in the industry—a leader who has gone far beyond the standard obligations to become a dominant force in shaping the business of label printing. Sponsored by LPIA, this award is dedicated to the spirit of those industry pioneers whose hard work and determination have created a vibrant, growing, and changing industry.
“I would encourage everyone to actively support organizations like LPIA”, says Frantz. “I find that getting involved in things you are passionate about can only help our industry grow. Let’s face it, with the current challenges facing our industry and nation, we all must give more of our time, talent and energy to insure a better future.”
As a world-class printing organization, Huston Patterson provides unparalleled value and performance through effective use of technology and craftsmanship by incorporating the unifying principles of trust, integrity and commitment. For more information, visit www.experiencetheevolution.com.
DECATUR, ILL. – Huston Patterson Corp., a Decatur-based large format package printer, was honored last week by the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and Board Converting News as the 2007 “Innovator of the Year.” The award was given during the AICC’s annual meeting in Minneapolis, Minn., in recognition of Huston Patterson’s unique employee, client and vendor training program, the HPx Academy.
“This was the first year that AICC “Innovator of the Year” competition solicited entries in the Information Technologies and Training area”, says Steven Young, President of AICC. “Training is vital to our industry and efforts like Huston Patterson’s is what it will take to be competitive today, and into the future.”
“Creating the HPx Academy was truly one of our best decisions,” says Huston Patterson President/CEO Thomas W. Kowa. “Having our program recognized by the leading trade organization and its members legitimizes the value of our effort to expand the knowledge and capabilities of our exceptional employees.”
Ideas for the HPx Academy were conceived less than two years ago. Since that time, the HPx Academy has developed into a full educational program for employees, offering more than 25 courses with classroom and hands-on training.
The innovative training program was further expanded in May 2007, with the opening of the Robert G. Kowa Theatre at Huston Patterson’s headquarters. The theatre provides the opportunity for the company to expand and offer training to Huston Patterson clients and industry partners as well.
“Through our innovative educational program, the HPx Academy, we are now able to share knowledge and insight with our clients and industry partners,” says Kowa. “Huston Patterson is steadfast in our commitment to excellence and adding value to our clients and industry in every way possible.”
As a world-class printing organization, Huston Patterson provides unparalleled value and performance through effective use of technology and craftsmanship by incorporating the unifying principles of trust, integrity and commitment. For more information, visit www.experiencetheevolution.com.