The Specialty Graphic Imaging Assn. (SGIA) awarded the Howard Parmele Award to Larry Graefen during the 2009 SGIA Expo in New Orleans. Graefen, president of Harbor Graphics Corp. (a Vomela Specialties Co.), Benton Harbor, MI, was selected for his notable industry achievements.
Graefen began his specialty-graphics career in 1972 and later co-founded an imaging business that specialized in fleet graphics. Carl Baldwin, SGIA’s Immediate Past Board Chairman, who presented the award, said, “He helped advance the industry by adopting UV curing in 1985 and by embracing digital printing in 1992.”
Grafen has been an SGIA member for more than 25 years, and in addition to this year’s Parmele Award, he was honored with SGIA’s Key Award in 2002, which recognized his leadership and dedication to the association. He also served as the 2001 chairman of the SGIA board of directors, chairman of SPIRE and has participated on many other SGIA committees.
“Over the years, Larry has been instrumental in moving the specialty-imaging industry forward,” said Michael Robertson, SGIA’s president and CEO.
The award celebrates industry professionals who have made outstanding contributions to the specialty-imaging industry over an extended length of time.