2007 Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award Recognizes William Bachman

PITTSBURGH—February 1, 2008—Printing Industries of America/Graphic Arts Technical Foundation (PIA/GATF) is pleased to announce that William Bachman, Vice President of Cohber Press, Inc. in Rochester, New York, is the recipient of the 2007 Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award.

Bachman began his career in the graphic communications industry over 35 years ago as a graphics computer operator for Great Lakes Press. In 1982, he partnered with Buzz Webber to purchase Rochester Magnagraphics, which was later renamed Rochester Empire Graphics; here Bachman served as President and was responsible for day-to-day operations. With Bachman’s assistance, the firm grew substantially, and in 1998, Rochester Empire Graphics merged with Cohber Press.

Under Bachman’s leadership, Cohber Press’s digital ventures have grown to become an over $3 million operation. When Cohber Press purchased a local mailing business in 1999, Bachman led the transition team and was instrumental in its immediate success. Today, he remains directly involved in the digital operation at Cohber Press, and he also focuses on special projects to ensure their successful implementation.

Through his prolific volunteer efforts, Bachman has been and continues to be a positive influence on the industry at local, regional, and national levels. From 1991–1999, he served on the advisory board for Rochester Institute of Technology’s (RIT) School of Printing Management and Technical Education Center. For eight years, Bachman served on the board of directors for local PIA/GATF affiliate Printing Industries of America New York State, now known as Printing Industries Alliance; this includes a three-year term as chairman of the board.

On the national level, Bachman served on the Board for over 10 years, starting as Region 1 Director. He then served on the Finance Committee, Executive Committee, Presidents Conference Committee, and was Vice-Chairman of the Education Committee. Bachman was instrumental in the startup of the Digital Printing Council (DPC), one of PIA/GATF’s special interest groups. He was also very involved in providing leadership and direction during the successful consolidation of PIA and GATF. Bachman currently serves on the PIA/GATF Chairman’s Round Table and on the Insurance Committee.

Bachman also actively seeks to assist his community, serving ten years on the Penfield, New York Town Planning Board, over 12 years on the Mary Cariola Children’s Center board of directors, as well as over 20 years on the board of directors and as a team manager for Penfield Little League.

About the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award: Established in 1950, the Lewis Award is recognized throughout the graphic arts industry as the highest honor awarded to any individual in the business. Named for Abraham Lewis, founder of Graphic Arts Monthly, and his sons Louis and Myron, the award honors a business leader who has gone far beyond standard obligations to become a significant force in shaping the business of producing printed communications.

About PIA/GATF
PIA/GATF is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with more than 1.2 million employees. It serves the interests of more than 12,000 member companies. PIA/GATF, along with its affiliates, delivers products and services that enhance the growth, efficiency, and profitability of its members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information.