AWARDSCENTRAL: Lewis Award Honors Bill Bachman

William Bachman, the 58th recipient of the annual Lewis Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award, was feted earlier this month at a gala banquet held in conjunction with the 2008 PIA/GATF Presidents Conference in Cancun, Mexico. Bachman is VP of 130-employee Cohber Press, West Henrietta, NY.

“Bill has spent more than three decades helping to shape our industry,” says GAM and GABB publisher Phil Saran. “Graphic Arts Monthly magazine and BlueBook directories are proud to bestow this honor upon such a distinguished print leader.”

Bachman began his career more than 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 renamed Rochester Empire Graphics. As president, Bachman was responsible for daily operations. The firm later merged with Cohber Press, a shop that was evolving to the world of digital print.

Under Bachman's leadership, Cohber's digital business has grown to over $3 million, representing some 15% of the company's nearly $20 million in 2007 sales. Of course, being in Kodak's backyard didn't hurt—hence Cohber's allegiance to the NexPress. And when Cohber purchased a local mailing business in 1999, Bachman led the transition team and was instrumental in its success.

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 1991-99, he served on the advisory board for Rochester Institute of Technology's (RIT) School of Printing Management and Technical Education Center. For eight years, he served on the board of directors for local PIA/GATF affiliate Printing Industries of America New York State, now known as Printing Industries Alliance, including a three-year term as board chairman.

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 start up of the Digital Printing Council, one of PIA/GATF's special-interest groups. He was also 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 10 years on the Penfield, NY, Town Planning Board, over 12 years on the Mary Cariola Children's Center board of directors, as well as more than 20 years on the board of directors and as a team manager for Penfield Little League.

Established in 1950, the Lewis Memorial Lifetime Award is named for Abraham Lewis, founder of Graphic Arts Monthly, and his sons, Louis and Myron. Each year, 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.