TLMI Announces Converter and Supplier of the Year

NAPERVILLE, Ill.—At its recent Annual Meeting held in Palm Beach, Fla., the Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) named Frank Gerace—president and CEO of Multi-Color Corporation—TLMI Converter of the Year, and named Cheryl Caudill—corporate communications and graphics market manager for Multi-Plastics, Inc.—TLMI Supplier of the Year.

Presented on an annual basis, the Converter of the Year Award honors and recognizes a member of the converting industry who has made an extensive contribution to the North American narrow-web marketplace and who has additionally demonstrated an unwavering commitment to TLMI.

Before joining Multi-Color in 1998, Gerace spent 20 years working for consumer packaged goods companies. Since arriving at the helm of Multi-Color, the company has recognized 10 consecutive years of 20 percent compound annual growth rates becoming one of the worlds most influential and respected converting companies.

Gerace started with Multi-Color Corporation in 1998 as vice president of operations. After turning Multi-Color around operationally, he was promoted to president and appointed to the company’s board of directors in May of 1999. Several months later, he was promoted to chief executive officer. Over the years, Gerace has made a series of strategic acquisitions expanding Multi-Color’s presence and expertise in the in mold labeling sector to include pressure sensitive, shrink, tamper-evident bands, heat transfer labels, glue-applied, peel-able labels, scratch-off coupons and shelf tags.

In early 2008, Multi-Color made a significant international move by acquiring Australian-based Collotype International, securing the company a leading position in the global pressure sensitive wine and spirits market. Under Gerace’s tenure, Multi-Color Corporation has grown from a one plant operation to an international conglomerate with 14 facilities around the globe including eight in North America, one in South Africa and five in Australia.

Presented on an annual basis, the Supplier of the Year Award honors and recognizes an individual for his or her ongoing volunteer service and dedication to TLMI, and to the industry. Criteria for winning the award includes service to TLMI on the association’s board and committees, in addition to continuous commitment to the industry as a whole by helping to promote and foster its growth.

Caudill has been involved in the narrow-web industry for more than 15 years and her experience at Multi-Plastics includes technical marketing of unsupported print-on and over laminate films. She served as a member of the TLMI Board of Directors, and is currently co-chairperson of the Industry Trends Committee.

Upon presenting Caudill with the award, John Hickey, TLMI chairman, commented, “This year’s TLMI Supplier of the Year Award goes to a person who has been a dedicated member of our industry for nearly two decades. When we asked her colleagues to tell us about her, they commented on her impeccable work ethic, unwavering dedication and passion for learning. It’s a pleasure to present this award to Cheryl Caudill.”