Print Week 2021 - Northern Region's Hall of Distinction Inductee

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04/20/2021

Print Week 2021 - Northern Region's Hall of Distinction Inductee

Each year members of the Northern Ohio graphic arts community gather to honor outstanding individuals who have given of their time and talents to help further the goals of the Graphic Arts Community by honoring them with membership in the Hall of Distinction.

These individuals represent the best the industry has to offer and are selected based on the following criteria:

Widely recognized success in the graphic communications industry
Significant contribution of time and talent to trade and professional organizations
Help and encouragement for young people interested in careers in the graphic communications industry
Advice and counseling for those seeking employment in the industry
Contributions to the general northern Ohio community outside of the industry including charitable participation and contributions, fundraising, volunteer support and promotion of civic initiatives

During our 2021 Northern Region Ben’s Bash, we are honored to induct an industry professional into the prestigious Hall of Distinction. This individual represents all criteria and have made great impacts on the industry and individuals belonging to it. We are honored to congratulate Richard Rapacz of The Shelby Company.

Dick grew up in the West Park of Cleveland attending St. Patrick's Grade School and graduating from West Technical High School. Throughout his youth, Dick was actively involved in organized football, basketball and baseball activities. Sports was important to him, as he relished the competition.

Dick worked his way through college, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Finance from The Ohio State University. After college, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, spending part of his duty in Vietnam. Upon being honorably discharged, he headed off to New York City to pursue a banking career and was hired by The Chase Manhattan Bank, where he served in senior positions for seven years. The appeal of returning to Cleveland tugged at Dick, resulting in him resigning from Chase and joining Key Bank as SVP in charge of Large Corporate Lending. Along the way, he earned his MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

From early on in his career, owning a company was an important long-term goal. That goal was realized in 1993 when he resigned from the bank to purchase The Shelby Company, which was formed in 1923 and is a leading manufacturer of folding cartons, counter-displays, sleeves, blister cards and specialized chipboard packaging. This year in March, Shelby proudly and successfully celebrated its 98th anniversary.

Dick has always enjoyed spending time and effort providing helpful support and guidance to young adults. Over the years, he was and is actively involved with Junior Achievement, CWRU's School of Managements' Mentoring Program, Corporate Now and the YMCA's Westshore Advisory Board. He feels it is important in sharing professional and personal life's experiences with receptive young adults.

He has been married to Louise for 38 years and lives in Rocky River. Louise also enjoyed a banking career, having retired from Wells Fargo Bank where she was a SVP responsible for marketing corporate debt swap instruments, including derivatives.

Dick has been a long-time supporter of the Association, proudly serving on the Graphic Media Alliance Northern Advisory Council since 2009.

Join us to celebrate Richard's achievements!

Here is a sneak peek of the gold-winning pieces. Now check them out in person!!

In the Southern Region, you can attend the annual Southern Region Banquet to honor the Print Excellence Award winners and vote for the People's Choice Award winner. We will also be presenting the 34th Maxwell Award Winner. The Southern banquet is set for Thursday, May 13 starting at 6:00 pm. Registration is $80, and Non-member is $120.

New Location this year:

Top of the Park at the Phelps
506 East 4th St.
Cincinnati, OH 45202

To register, CLICK HERE.

The Central Region reception will honor Print Excellence Awards winners on Thursday, May 20, starting at 6:00 pm. Come for the Print Excellence Awards, stay to celebrate the recipient of the 2021 Franklinton Award! Registration is $75, and Non-member is $120.

New Location this year:

The Golf Club at Little Turtle
5400 Little Turtle Way W.
Westerville, OH 43081

To register, CLICK HERE.

The Northern Region combines the fun and the awards at the annual Ben's Bash. Join us on Thursday, May 27, starting at 6:00 pm. In addition to the Print Excellence Awards winner being recognized, we will be inducting a new member into the Hall of Distinction. This event will be the highlight of the print scene; don't miss it! Registration is $65, and Non-member is $120.

New Location this year:

Collision Bend Brewing Company
1250 Old River Rd.
Cleveland, OH 44113

To register, CLICK HERE.

For the Michigan Region, we will be joining forces with the Detroit Club of Printing House Craftsmen to host a golf tournament at The Links of Novi in Novi, MI on Monday, June 7. Shotgun start at 10:00am. Following the golf tournament, we will host a steak dinner followed by an awards reception beginning at 5:00pm where we will present the awards for our 2021 Print Excellence Awards Contest. You won’t want to miss which wonderful printed pieces were awarded gold, silver and bronze and which companies will take home the Best of Region designation. Golf registration is $150 per player, and the awards reception is $45 per person.

Graphic Media Alliance

Complete Story

04/20/2021