Jostens Yearbooks Honored with 12 Prestigious 2014 Premier Print Awards from Printing Industries of America

MINNEAPOLIS, Aug. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Jostens, the leading company in publications including yearbooks and student-created content, and 11 of its yearbook customers were named recipients of the 2014 Premier Awards from the Printing Industries of America.  Lucky Bag 2013, from the United States Naval Academy and Jostens, earned a Best of Category "Benny", the highest honor in the 2014 Premier Print Awards. 

The Premier Print Awards is the world's most prestigious worldwide printing competition and recognizes outstanding achievement in print production.  Jostens also won the Certificate of Merit award for its 2014 "Look Book," an annual collection of spreads and photos from outstanding yearbooks.

In addition, Jostens received three first place Awards of Recognition for publishing the following yearbooks:

• Marksmen 2013, St. Marks School of Texas [TX]
• Harvard 378 2014, Harvard Yearbook Publications [MA]
• The Chanticleer 2013, Duke University [NC]

Along with the Award of Recognition honors, Jostens received seven Certificates of Merit for publishing these yearbooks:

• Hornet 2014, Bryant High School [AR]
• Taps 2013, Clemson University [SC]
• Lone Star 2014, James Bowie High School [TX]
• Sound 2013, Long Island University Brooklyn [NY]
• Howitzer 2013, United States Military Academy West Point [NY]
• The Miller 2014, Yukon High School [OK]
• Vision 2014, Whitewater High School [GA]

Now in its 65^th year, the competition received more than 3,000 entries from all across the world, and judges awarded the Benny to the top entry in each category.  The criterion for the competition is based on the overall look of the finished publication, including the quality of photography, design expertise, print quality and binding.  

The Benny Award is the highest honor in the 2014 Premier Print Awards, and has become a universally recognized symbol for excellence in the printing industry.  The Benny is named after Benjamin Franklin, one of America's first and most accomplished printers.

"It is a great honor for Jostens to be recognized by the Printing Industries of America for partnering with our customers to produce outstanding printed pieces that tell stories, preserve traditions and celebrate moments that matter," said Murad Velani, chief operating officer, Jostens. "This recognition is a reflection of the continuity, deep expertise, creativity, pride and terrific collaboration between Jostens associates and our customers in creating world class publications and yearbooks."

Michael Makin, president and CEO of Printing industries of America, agrees. "The Benny winners represent the best our industry has to offer.  This year's entries were outstanding.  There were entries from companies in seven countries.  Despite the fierce competition, Jostens, through hard work and dedicated craftsmanship, produced a piece worthy of the Benny."

Founded in 1897, Jostens has produced school yearbooks for over 60 years. Schools rely on Jostens and their local Jostens representatives to provide a combination of journalism education and technology tools to deliver a learning experience that helps students develop 21^st century skills in journalism, photography, writing and design, leadership and business while creating the permanent record of the school year. 

About Printing Industries of America
Headquartered in Sewickley, PA, Printing Industries of America is the world's largest graphic arts trade association representing an industry with approximately 1 million employees.  It serves the interests of more than 8,000 member companies.  Printing Industries of America, along with local affiliated associations, delivers services and products that enhance the growth, efficiency and profitability of members and the industry through advocacy, education, research, and technical information.

About Jostens
Minneapolis-based Jostens provides products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company's products include publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments.  Jostens serves markets in North America, Europe and Asia.  Jostens is a subsidiary of Visant Corporation, a marketing and publishing services enterprise servicing the school affinity, direct marketing, fragrance and cosmetics and personal care sampling and packaging, and educational and trade publishing segments.

SOURCE Jostens