Around 100 members attended the Printing SA Northern Chamber's annual dinner, held on 18 May at the Centurion Country Club. The chamber also announced the winners of the Printing Competition awards at the event, which was sponsored by Xerox.
Steve Thobela, Printing SA CEO, said the past year has been tough politically and financially, but despite this, membership has grown to 741.
Among the organisation's marketing highlights over the past year were the Mega Marketing campaign, which saw massive billboards placed alongside major routes in Gauteng and the Western Cape. The billboards highlighted the importance of print and packaging in the broader economy and individual marketing endeavours as well as the benefits of using companies that are Printing SA members. The organisation also launched a new website and Facebook page, which is growing in popularity.
During 2016, Printing SA awarded the Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Mduduzi Manana, honorary membership in recognition of his work in promoting artisanry in South Africa at the Jamboree week of print, which was held at Gallagher Convention Centre during September.
Thobela also touched on the organisation's plans, and said they are looking to establish a chamber in Mauritius, which will help meet its goal of growing and assisting chambers in Africa.
He also reminded members that they can use the Statutory Council to handle employee disputes.
The Printing Competition awards has been running since 1968, and although it has been exclusive to the Northern Chamber, there are plans to expand the competition nationally. Erich Kuhl, former Commercial and Technical Director of Printing SA and Bill Marshall, Syndicate Graphics, judged the 150 entries received from members.
Business Print won eight out of the twelve categories. Roque Fernandez, Partner and Business Unit Manager said all credit must go to the production team, who always aim for the best and keep quality top of mind. 'Business Print is based on quality and service and we're always willing to go the extra mile.'
The winners were as follows:
Books
Gold: Business Print
Silver: OH Frewin
Bronze: Zero Plus Printers
Full Colour
Gold: Business Print
Silver: Zero Plus Printers
Bronze: OH Frewin
Magazines
Gold: Business Print
Silver: OH Frewin Printers
Commercial Stationery
Gold: Business Print
Silver: ZeroPlus
Bronze: Minuteman Press Hatfield
Craftsmanship
Gold: SA Reserve Bank
Silver: Business Print
Bronze: ZeroPlus
Design
Gold: OH Frewin
Silver: SA Reserve Bank
Regional Newspapers
Gold: Lowveld Media
Silver: Northern Media Group
Bronze: Spektrum Web
Brochures/Catalogues
Gold: Business Print
Silver: ZeroPlus
Bronze: SA Reserve Bank
Calendars
Gold: Business Print
Silver: OH Frewin
Bronze: SA Reserve Bank
Annual Reports
No gold winner
Silver: SA Reserve Bank
Bronze: Business Print
Digital
Gold: Business Print
Silver: SA Reserve Bank
Joint Bronze: OH Frewin and Minuteman Press Hatfield
Packaging
Gold: Business Print
No silver and bronze winner.
