Huston Patterson Honored as Industry “Innovator of the Year”

DECATUR, Ill.—Huston Patterson Corp., a Decatur-based large-format package printer, was recently honored by the Association of Independent Corrugated Converters (AICC) and Board Converting News as the 2007 “Innovator of the Year.” The award was given during the AICC’s annual meeting—held in Minneapolis, Minn., Oct. 10-12—in recognition of Huston Patterson’s unique employee, client and vendor training program, the HPx Academy.

“This was the first year that AICC ‘Innovator of the Year’ competition solicited entries in the Information Technologies and Training area,” said Steven Young, president of AICC. “Training is vital to our industry and efforts like Huston Patterson’s is what it will take to be competitive today, and into the future.”

“Creating the HPx Academy was truly one of our best decisions,” said Huston Patterson President/CEO Thomas W. Kowa. “Having our program recognized by the leading trade organization and its members legitimizes the value of our effort to expand the knowledge and capabilities of our exceptional employees.”

Ideas for the HPx Academy were conceived less than two years ago. Since that time, the HPx Academy has developed into a full educational program for employees, offering more than 25 courses with classroom and hands-on training. The training program was expanded in May 2007, with the opening of the Robert G. Kowa Theatre at Huston Patterson’s headquarters. The theatre provides the opportunity for the company to expand and offer training to Huston Patterson clients and industry partners as well.

“Through our innovative educational program, the HPx Academy, we are now able to share knowledge and insight with our clients and industry partners,” said Kowa. “Huston Patterson is steadfast in our commitment to excellence and adding value to our clients and industry in every way possible.”