Freeport Press Earns Triple Honors at 2022 Print Excellence Awards
Freeport Press Inc. has cemented its position as a leader in commercial printing excellence after securing three Best of Category Awards from Graphic Media Alliance’s prestigious 2022 Print Excellence Awards. This recognition highlights the Ohio-based company’s technical mastery across multiple print categories while demonstrating its ability to consistently deliver exceptional quality for diverse client needs.
A Rigorous Evaluation of Print Craftsmanship
Each year, Graphic Media Alliance (GMA) hosts one of the most respected print competitions in the Great Lakes region, evaluating submissions from commercial printers across Ohio, Michigan, and Northern Kentucky. The 2022 edition featured expert judging from industry veterans Ken Eberhart (retired from Merrick Printing, Louisville, KY) and Jeff Ekstein (Willow Printing Group, Ontario, Canada), who assessed entries across 34 specialized categories using strict quality benchmarks.
“These awards validate our team’s commitment to pushing print innovation while maintaining traditional craftsmanship standards,” said a Freeport Press spokesperson. “Each recognized project represents hundreds of hours of precision work from our pre-press, pressroom, and bindery specialists.”
Category-Defining Winning Projects
Freeport Press demonstrated remarkable versatility through its award-winning entries:
Web Press Printing: CB2 Catalog
This high-volume retail piece impressed judges with its flawless color consistency and intricate finishing across thousands of copies – a testament to Freeport’s web press capabilities for mass-market publications.
Books – Hardbound: Washington Nationals 2021 Yearbook
The premium sports commemorative showcased exceptional binding durability and vivid photo reproduction, meeting exacting standards for both collectors and commercial distributors.
Catalogs – Product: MT Book 2022 Edition
This technical product catalog earned recognition for its complex layout execution and precise ink coverage, demonstrating how functional print pieces can achieve aesthetic excellence.
Upcoming Industry Recognition Events
While celebrating their category wins, Freeport Press awaits further results from the competition’s highest honors. The August 17, 2022 Grand Ceremony Awards at Americas Print Show in Columbus, OH will reveal:
- Judge’s Awards for technical innovation
- Rising Star Award for first-time entrants
- Best of Show – the competition’s most coveted prize
Industry analysts note that multiple category wins often correlate with strong Best of Show contention. “Freeport’s triple recognition suggests exceptional workmanship across different print disciplines,” observed Printing Impressions magazine in their 2022 awards preview. “This consistency is rare even among industry leaders.”
About Graphic Media Alliance
As a vital resource for nearly 300 commercial printing companies and industry suppliers, Graphic Media Alliance provides essential services including:
- Workers’ compensation programs
- Industry-specific product discounts
- Technical education resources
- Regional advocacy initiatives
Through partnerships with more than 20 national industry associations, GMA extends its members’ reach while maintaining focused regional support. The organization’s rigorous judging standards and comprehensive member services have established it as a cornerstone of Great Lakes print excellence since 1930.
A Legacy of Technical Expertise
With 85+ years of continuous operation, Freeport Press has evolved from traditional newspaper printing to become a diversified provider of:
- Commercial web and sheetfed printing
- Custom publication solutions
- Specialty finishing services
- Digital and variable data printing
The company’s 2022 award streak builds upon previous recognition from PRINTING United Alliance, PIA Midwest, and other industry organizations. This consistent acclaim reinforces Freeport’s standing as an authoritative voice in print production best practices and technological innovation.
“These awards matter because they’re judged by peers who understand the technical challenges behind exceptional print work,” noted GMA Executive Director Amy Spagna. “Freeport’s multiple wins demonstrate a mastery-level understanding of different printing processes.”
Industry professionals seeking to learn more about Freeport Press’s award-winning capabilities can view their complete portfolio and technical specifications at freeportpress.com.