The Cannata Report's 2016 Awards Winners Announced

$180,000 Raised for Jackie Ritschel Memorial Endowment for Cancer Research & Treatment at Hackensack University Medical Center and Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon

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The Cannata Report

Oct 11, 2016, 10:04 ET

HAMBURG, N.J., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cannata Report, the leading trends and analysis resource for the office products, imaging and business technology dealer channel, announced the winners of the Frank Awards at its 31st Annual Awards & Charities Dinner at the Westminster Hotel in Livingston Thursday, October 6th. Rick Taylor, president and CEO, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., won Best Male Executive for the 10^th time, making him the most honored executive in the history of The Cannata Report's Awards.

The Cannata Report Announced the Winners of its 2016 Dealers' Survey at its Annual Awards & Charities Dinner Benefitting Hackensack University Medical Center and Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon. Winners include ACDI; Canon USA, Inc.; GreatAmerica Financial Services; Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.; KYOCERA America Document Solutions; Ricoh USA, Inc., and Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Inc.

Hosted by Frank G. Cannata, The Cannata Report's founder, president and CEO, and CJ Cannata, publisher and EVP, $180,000 was raised and pledged at the Cannata Dinner to benefit the Jackie Ritschel Memorial Endowment for Cancer Research and Treatment at Hackensack University Medical Center and Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon. Prior to his keynote presentation, Antonio Pierce, New York Giants Super Bowl XLII champion, joked with the audience that he would sell his mobile phone, complete with his NFL contacts (including Tom Brady on speed dial), for no less than $20,000 for HUMC. Rick Taylor responded with a $20,000 donation on behalf of Konica Minolta and a $5,000 personal donation (and Taylor didn't even ask for the phone).

In addition to Pierce, guests of honor included Helen Cunning, VP, Development, Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation; Andy Ritschel, husband of Jackie Ritschel and owner of Electronic Office Systems in Fairfield, NJ; and Mary-Edna and Allan Krutchkoff, founders of Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon. The event was sponsored by lead sponsor Square 9 Softworks, Clover Imaging Group and Hytec Dealer Services.

Winners of the 2016 Frank Awards, named after Frank G. Cannata, were determined by a survey of the independent dealer community. In addition to Taylor's win for Best Male Executive, awards were presented in the following categories:

Best Female Executive: Laura Blackmer, SVP, Sales, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Inc.
Best A4 Manufacturer (MFP and Printer categories): KYOCERA America Document Solutions, accepted by Danielle Wolowitz, VP, Corporate Marketing Group
Best Manufacturer: Ricoh USA, Inc., accepted by Tim Vellek, SVP, Marketing
Best-in-Class Manufacturer: Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., accepted by Kevin Kern, SVP, Business Intelligence Services and Product Planning
Best Marketing Strategy: Canon USA, Inc., accepted by Mason Olds, SVP, Business Imaging Solutions Group
Best Software & Services Provider: ACDI, accepted by Josh Lane, President
Best Leasing Company: GreatAmerica Financial Services, accepted by Jennie Fisher, SVP/General Manager Office Equipment Group

In a joint statement, Frank and CJ Cannata said, "Thanks to generous support from our sponsors we can continue to donate 100% of the proceeds from the dinner to our charity partners. We are deeply grateful to them, and the manufacturers, leasing companies, dealers and our other partners who generously support our charitable efforts."

The Cannata Report collectively has raised $378,000 for HUMC through its annual fundraiser. The Cannata Report's on-going support of Adopt-a-Soldier Platoon has contributed to several initiatives. This year, as exclusive sponsor of TCR's Veteran's Way editorial franchise, U.S. Bank took the lead position and raised funds to support Camp 4 Heroes, a retreat for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Bob Goldberg, general counsel of the Business Technology Association, served as emcee for the evening. Scholars from Seton Hall University's Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership program served as special guests. New to the festivities this year was a Women's Influencer Brunch sponsored by AMETEK Electronic Systems Protection (ESP) held Friday to salute the women showcased in The Cannata Report 's recently published Women Influencers issue.

To date, the Cannata Dinner collectively has raised close to $1.9 million for numerous charities nationwide.

Contact: Cathy O'Brien, [email protected], (646) 554-7105.

About The Cannata Report
Since its launch in 1982, The Cannata Report has been the leading business technology trends resource for the independent business, imaging and workflow solutions dealer channel.

The Cannata Report's media portfolio is anchored by its signature print edition and website www.TheCannataReport.com. TCR is on all social media channels including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube.

The Cannata Report is owned and operated by parent company Marketing Research Consultants LLC.

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