Kelowna wineries have won so many awards in international competitions that some devotees have become a touch blase about the wide-spread fame of their products. Not so, however, in the field of printing.

On September 15, the announcement came from Minneapolis, USA that Ehmann Printworx of Kelowna had won both Gold and Silver in the 31st International Gallery of Superb Printing competition with 2,500 entries from around the globe competing for top honours, which were adjudicated by a jury of 50 international experts. The competition is devoted to the principles of honouring excellence in the graphic arts, and this year was held from August 11 to 13, 2005 in Jacksonville, Florida. It included entries from Australia, Britain, Holland, China, Italy, Hong Kong, Mexico, New Zealand and from all across North America.

Kelowna's Ehmann Printworx entered two pieces in the competition - a full colour tour operators' booklet for the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association which took the Gold, and the "Okanagan Opportunity Book" for the Economic Development Commission, which was awarded the Silver.

When asked for his reaction to the news, Ehmann Printworx President Vic Ehmann smiled, shrugged his shoulders and replied: "We do the best we can". Judging by the awards, the best is good enough.


The recent acquisition of two Digital Presses reminds us a little of having the proverbial tiger by the tail, except that it is an altogether pleasant experience. Consider that we now have the capability to create printing that is up to 60" wide (or multiples thereof), and that we are able to print on paper and vinyl. The possibilities are endless. A beautiful example of capability can be seen in the art panels which we printed for the new Comox airport. More than 100 different panels which have been selected for an award in the "Public Art" category. Conceptualized by Deborah Griffiths, of GNG Resource Gallery, those panels are an example of stunning design by our associate Phred Martin. The digital work was overseen from beginning to end by Sign and Graphics Manager Grant Rogers, who joined us recently from England, where he had owned, and managed the output of, two digital sign companies.

We have added three award-winning Associates to our roster of talent. Two highly talented designers and a superb writer steeped in creating messages that sell goods. Just in case you need some help in those areas, Phred Martin, Carole Humphreys and Mark Wagner stand by to fulfill your needs.