May 30, 2025 — The Great Lakes Graphics Association (GLGA) has launched an expanded individual achievement awards program by honoring the first winners of its new Excellence in Leadership Awards.
The new awards recognize those in the industry who exemplify outstanding character, drive company growth, bring teams together and create the environment to help companies succeed. Managers and peers were invited to submit nominations earlier this spring. The submissions were reviewed by a panel of print professionals from outside of GLGA’s three-region state, who were tasked with selecting one recipient per award.
The recipients and nominees were recognized at GLGA’s annual Awards Celebrations. This year, there were two award ceremonies on separate nights so that more members throughout GLGA’s three-state region could attend. On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, a Celebration was held at the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; on Thursday, May 29, 2025, a Celebration was held at White Pines Golf Club and Banquets in Bensenville, Illinois.
The Living Legend Award recognizes an exceptional professional who impacted the industry in a significant way. GLGA is pleased to announce the first recipient is Bill Gibson of Illinois. Among the highlights of Bill’s 50-year career in the printing industry are serving as president of Gibson Graphics and chairman of the board of Printing Industries of America; leading the charge to restore Illinois’ graphic arts sales tax exemption; and helping to found the Illinois Printers Scholarship Golf Outing, which to date has raised more than $209,500 to fund scholarships for deserving students in the graphic communications field. His nominator wrote, “Bill demonstrated his commitment to the print industry not only in the Chicago area but regionally and nationally with countless achievements. Bill was a huge advocate for print and did a wonderful job promoting our industry.”
Now in its fifth year, the Women in Print Excellence Award supports GLGA’s ongoing quest to recognize the contributions of women in the Midwest print, graphic arts, finishing and print packaging community. The 2025 recipient is Tonya Kowa-Morelli, the Chief Operating Officer of Lewisburg Patterson Company in Decatur, Illinois. Her nominator wrote, “With more than 20 years in the printing and packaging industry, Tonya has helped lead through times of transformation and growth. From driving strategic change at Huston Patterson to co-leading the unification of two legacy companies into a single high-performing enterprise at Lewisburg Patterson, her impact is felt across every corner of the business.”
Several new awards honor those who currently work in a variety of functions throughout the printing industry:
Owner/Executive of the Year – Fatema Chandabhai, President, Jamali Kopy Kat Printing, Bellwood, Illinois. From her nomination: “Since taking over the business 2 years ago, Fatema has operated the business as if she had been there since its inception.”
Emerging Leader of the Year – Austin Meissner, VP of Operations, Color Ink, Sussex, Wisconsin. From his nomination: “Austin’s knowledge of the industry, the print market and technology is on par with top leaders in our industry who have been involved for decades.”
Creative Professional of the Year – Beckie O’Connor, Executive Creative Director, Specialty Print Communications, Niles, Illinois. From her nomination: “Beckie’s creative professional leadership serves to keep direct mail relevant as a key response channel in today’s much larger marketing mix.”
Customer Service Representative of the Year – Kathy Schaber, Client Service Manager, Arandell Corporation, Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. From her nomination: “Kathy joined Arandell in 1969 and has been a driving force for continuous improvement and excellence ever since.”
Financial Professional of the Year – Whitney Locke, VP of Accounting, Tactive, Indianapolis, Indiana. From her nomination: “Whitney’s principled approach earned her a seat on Tactive’s executive team and expanded responsibilities over accounting, purchasing, and HR—all departments she helped create from the ground up.”
Production Professional of the Year – Eric Burgos, Bindery Manager, Color Ink, Sussex, Wisconsin. From his nomination: “Eric nurtures and mentors everyone he manages, creating the next generation of production workers who will bring our companies to new heights.”
Sales/Marketing Professional of the Year – Ed Hayes, Account Executive, MCD, Inc., Madison, Wisconsin. From his nomination: “Ed has played a pivotal role in increasing sales at MCD, successfully introducing a new product line and transforming an account from the top 20 to #1 just 9 months.”
“GLGA is extremely proud to be able to recognize these outstanding individuals who have contributed so much to their companies,” Lyman said. “The positive impact of what they have accomplished is critical to the success of our industry. It is our hope that these awards honor how they inspire others.
“We also want to recognize all of this year’s nominees” he said. “Our judges shared that they were impressed with the extremely strong pool of candidates in our region. Our thanks to everyone who took the time to submit such thoughtful nominations and testimonials. Our industry is strong because of the quality of professionals who work tirelessly every day to serve the needs of their customers.”
