Deco '09 Wrap-Up

Nearly 150 attendees participated in this spring’s Deco ’09, the annual conference and trade show for the Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (SGCDpro). Attendees enjoyed several networking opportunities, including breakfasts, lunches and exhibitor receptions. The exhibits featured 28 companies, five of which were first-time exhibitors, and four international exhibitors represented Italy, Germany and Canada. In addition, international attendance reached its highest number in years, with visitors travelling from Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, France and Germany.

Ask the Experts

The highlight of the technical program was an Ask the Experts session coordinated by SGCDpro Legislative and Regulatory Liaison Sandra Spence. Joining Spence on the panel were Richard Jacobs, recently retired from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA); Rosario Palmieri of the National Association of Manufacturers and an expert on the new consumer product legislation that affects decorators and manufacturers; Wayne Zitkus, recently retired from Libbey, Inc.; and then-SGCDpro President Walter Lumley, who was previously with Tiffany & Co.

A video of the session is archived on the SGCDpro website and is available for viewing at a nominal cost to those who were unable to attend Deco ’09. There is no charge for viewing the other Deco ’09 technical sessions, which are also posted on the site.

Awards

The event’s traditional annual banquet was replaced this year with an Awards Luncheon where several individuals and companies were honored. Richard Jacobs received the prestigious Frank S. Child Award, which is given annually to an individual who has made significant contributions to the industry. Jacobs has worked with SGCDpro for more than 25 years in the development of FDA industry standards, and he has helped SGCDpro members better understand and implement those standards. He has also been a featured speaker at several Deco meetings.

The inaugural Design Excellence Awards were presented during the luncheon as well. Leading the awards was The Allen Co. with wins in six categories. The newly created Directors’ Award was presented to Lenox, Inc., while the Vandenoever (best of show) award went to Custom Deco for its Bling water bottle.

New for 2009

In keeping with tradition, new officers were also installed during the Awards Luncheon. Ed Weiner of Maryland China was named president for 2009-10. Other officers for the new year include Steve Presutto of Sun Chemical, vice president; Ted Zych of Lenox, Inc., treasurer; Brian Deszell of Custom Deco, secretary; and Christine Fleek of Grandstand and Jan Weyrich of Global Products, directors. Chad Yaw of Susquehanna Glass Co. continues his term as director.

Deco 2010 will be held in Nashville, Tenn., April 18-19, 2010. For information regarding speaking at the 2010 event, or to view the Deco ’09 awards presentation or access the archived technical sessions, visit the SGCDpro website at www.sgcd.org.

Links

• Society of Glass and Ceramic Decorated Products (SGCDpro)