TORONTO, Dec. 11, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jeff Ekstein, a third-generation owner of 65-year-old Willow Printing Group, has been named the Printing Industries of America 2018 Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award recipient. 

Jeff Ekstein, 2018 Lewis Memorial Award Recipient, with Michael Makin, PIA President and CEO.

PIA is the world’s largest graphic arts trade association, representing an industry with approximately one million employees and serving the interests of thousands of member companies.

Established in 1950, the Lewis Award recognizes business leaders who have made major, long-term contributions to the graphic arts industry and have been a significant force in shaping the business of printed communications. The award was presented on November 9 at the Ben Franklin Honor Society Award Dinner during the Fall Administrative Meeting of Printing Industries of America in Grapevine, Texas.

The award was presented to Ekstein by Canadian-born Michael Makin, who has been President and CEO of the Printing Industries of America since August 1, 2002.

“Being recognized with the lifetime achievement award from the Printing Industries of America is an enormous honour,” said Ekstein. “It was particularly meaningful to receive it as a proud Canadian from my colleague Michael, another proud Canadian. It’s been a real privilege for me to serve the North American graphic arts industry in various capacities over the years.”

Ekstein has served PIA for more than a decade, initially as a director, advancing to the officers’ ranks in 2011, and ultimately to Chairman of the Board in 2013. Additionally, he has served on countless committees and task forces. He was the Education Committee Chairman from 2009 to 2011, and is currently a PIA Finance Committee member and serves as a judge for the Premier Print Awards.

In 2016, Ekstein was named PrintAction’s Community Leader of the Year as part of the annual Canadian Printing Awards. Prior to that, he was named one of PrintAction’s Top 20 Most Influential Printers in 2010.

In addition to his involvement in PIA, he has served as Co-Chair of CPISC (Canadian Printing Industries Sector Council) as well as Past Chair, Government Affairs Committee Chair, and long-time Director of CPIA (Canadian Printing Industries Association). In 2007, Ekstein earned the CPIA Distinguished Service Award for excellence, achievement and dedication to the printing industry. He is the current Chair of the Canadian Printing Industries Scholarship Trust Fund (CPISTF).

About Willow Printing Group
Willow Printing Group is a graphic communications company providing commercial and digital print solutions, database management, mailing services and fulfillment. Located just north of Toronto in Vaughan Ontario, Willow specializes in the home building, conference, tradeshow, event and not-for-profit sectors. To learn more about Willow please visit https://willowprint.com/.

For more information and/or to request an interview, please contact:

Name: Jeff Ekstein, CEO
T. 905-660-1515

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/01609d78-968e-4d5a-a679-ab66c66fa079