The Binding Industries Association
Two of the Hardest Things are Saying Hello for the First Time and Goodbye for the Last Time.
It is with many emotions that I say goodbye to Justin. His hard work and enthusiastic leadership skills certainly will be missed throughout the BIA. Over the last seven years, Justin has worked tirelessly to guide the association through a remarkable transformation. Justin always would say that an association was only as strong as its members; however, there is no doubt that without his leadership we would not be the healthy, vibrant association we are today. Justin, your passion and leadership will be missed. As you turn to the next chapter of your life, I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you for everything that you have done for the BIA – you will be missed!
As we endeavor to continue the successes of the BIA, I am very happy that the management of our association will be under the care and control of Mike Packard. I have enjoyed meeting Mike, and I think that the BIA is very fortunate to have him leading us forward. Mike has worked for Printing Industries of America for six years. He has been the sponsorship manager, as well as the manager of the Premier Print Awards.
Mike obtained his Certified Meeting Professional designation in 2000. Since then, he has mentored other professionals looking to obtain the CMP designation. Mike is married and has two children, ages 15 and 8. He is involved in Cub Scouts with his son and has volunteered on numerous boards, such as the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Professional Convention Management Association, Avalon Public Library and the Mt. Assisi Preschool Academy.
Please welcome Mike, and be sure to say hello.
All the best,
Chris Eckhart
Chairman of the Board, BIA
A Goodbye from BIA Director Justin Goldstein
Dear Valued BIA Members,
I have decided at this time to step down as your director. I did not come to this decision lightly; however, a new life-changing opportunity has presented itself with the American Speech Language Hearing Association.
It truly has been an honor and a privilege to serve all of the fantastic trade binderies, graphic finishers, loose leaf manufacturers, information packaging companies and suppliers. The last seven years working for the Binding Industries Association have been an amazing journey. We have accomplished so many things together! All of us were a part of the rebirth of the BIA Annual Conference, BIA Product of Excellence Awards and many other products and services. As I always said, an association is only as strong as its members, and I was lucky to work with some really special companies.
When I started, we faced impossible odds, and we were a struggling association. Im very happy to report that the BIA will be a viable and strong organization for many years to come. The BIA Board of Directors is the strongest it has been since I started, and you can continue to expect superior programs and services from the BIA.
I leave all of you with this quote which has guided me through the years: “Never stop fighting until the fight is done.” BIA members are fighters, and I was happy to be in your corner.
All the best,
Justin Goldstein
BIA Announces New Vice Chairman
The Binding Industries Association is happy to announce that Chris Webbert, president, Advantage Book Binding, Baltimore, MD, has been named vice chairman of the organization. “Chris runs an outstanding company with Advantage Book Binding, and the board is very lucky to have him as a member,” said outgoing BIA Director Justin Goldstein.
Arthur Shoyer, Former BIA Chair, Passes Away
Arthur Shoyer died in Elkins Park, PA, on July 27 at the age of 94.
With two partners, he founded General Bindery Co. in Philadelphia in 1946 and subsequently became the sole owner. In addition to the core trade binding business, which expanded when General Bindery acquired Philadelphia Bindery, Shoyer developed a diecutting segment. He served as president and CEO of the company until his retirement in 1986.
Shoyer was elected in 1968 as the 9th president of the Trade Binders Section of PIA, and then was selected to represent the trade binders on the PIA Board of Directors, with his installation occurring during the activities of the 82nd Annual PIA Convention in Chicago. He then served as BIA Chairman from 1968-1970.
2014 BIA Annual Conference: Save These Dates!
The Binding Industries Association is thrilled to announce that it will be heading to The Fairmont Hotel in Dallas, TX, March 31-April 2, 2014, for the 2014 BIA Annual Conference.
The conference features educational sessions, networking with peers from around the world, plant tours and some of the worlds best suppliers to the industry. With refreshing content that is practical and informative, attendees will openly share their opinions and help you with the questions that keep you up at night. This is a meeting that means business! Stay tuned for more details at www.printing.org/biaconference.
