While the finer details are still to be ironed out, Tim Abrams, PIAA NSW acting regional manager, says the PICAs will include categories for business development, environment initiatives, education and training. Technical sections will incorporate print and packaging quality awards, which Abrams says will total around 20 awards.

“We will be recognising those companies that have enriched their business by implementing environmentally sound printing techniques, and who have enriched the training and education of their staff,” says Abrams.

“Our recent benchmarking study showed that training and education is extremely beneficial when it comes to the wellbeing of any company.”

Abrams says the awards, which he has been formulating in his mind for some time now, will not be in competition with the National Print Awards.

“The National Print Awards are held earlier in the year, while the PICAs will take place around September. We are hoping that the printers who win at the PICAs will go on to be nominated for the National Print Awards in the following year,” says Abrams.

Currently, PICA awards are held in Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and Tasmania. The ACT has awards for business innovation and staff achievement, with NSW and Victoria traditionally abstaining due to their commitments to alternatively host the National Print Awards.

The awards will be presented during the PIAA NSW Conference on Friday September 11. The third annual conference will be held at Pepper’s Resort in the Blue Mountains from September 9-11 2004.

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