2026 Star Awards Winners
On June 18, 2026 Printing Industry Midwest (PIM) welcomed 270 attendees to our annual Star Awards Banquet. This annual event is the Midwest region’s chance to celebrate our industry’s commitment to quality and creativity. This year’s celebration carried even greater significance as PIM commemorated its seventieth anniversary year. The evening served not only as a recognition of industry achievement, but also as a celebration of the people, partnerships, and innovation that have shaped PIM’s legacy over the last 70 years.
Throughout the evening, attendees celebrated outstanding print achievements across a wide range of categories, recognizing the exceptional craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation produced by print professionals throughout the Midwest. PIM also extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the event and participated in this year’s awards program. PIM is deeply grateful for the ongoing support of its sponsors, whose generous contributions help make the Star Awards possible year after year.
Click the links to learn more about the 2026 Star Awards winners and below you will see the 2026 print winners. Event photos coming soon.
2026 Best of Show
Title: “Boom and Dust Accordion Fold Brochure with Wrap”
Category: Brochures and Broadsides
Produced By: Shapco Printing, Inc.
2026 Best of Show – Runner-Up
Title: “Moon & Pepper Poster”
Category: Posters
Produced By: Franklin Press, Inc.
2026 Best of Show – Honorable Mention
Title: “1IG Marketing for Print”
Category: Promotional Campaigns
Produced By: First Impression Group
2026 People’s Choice
Title: “Blackwell”
Category: They Said It Couldn’t Be Done
Produced By: The John Roberts Company
All 2026 Print Award
Below is the list of companies that participated in this program and the awards each company received. Awards are listed below starting at the highest level that can be awarded – Best of Category, Award of Recognition and Certificate of Merit. Best of Show and People’s Choice awards are selected from all Best of Category winning pieces.
Arandell
1 Best of Category
3 Awards of Recognition
5 Certificates of Merit
Business Card Service
3 Awards of Recognition
3 Certificates of Merit
Cedar Graphics, Inc.
4 Awards of Recognition
1 Certificate of Merit
Diamond Graphics
1 Best of Category
First Impression Group
Best of Show – Honorable
Mention Winner
1 Best of Category
Franklin Press, Inc.
Best of Show – Runner-Up Winner
5 Best of Categories
2 Awards of Recognition
1 Certificates of Merit
GFS, Inc.
1 Award of Recognition
2 Certificates of Merit
Imagine
1 Best of Category
2 Awards of Recognition
The John Roberts Company
People’s Choice Winner
4 Best of Categories
14 Awards of Recognition
9 Certificates of Merit
MackayMitchell
Envelope Company
2 Best of Categories
3 Awards of Recognition
3 Certificates of Merit
Nahan
1 Best of Category
1 Award of Recognition
2 Certificates of Merit
Pro Print, Inc.
1 Award of Recognition
1 Certificate of Merit
Quantum Graphics
1 Best of Category
1 Award of Recognition
Riteway Business
Forms & Digital Printing
1 Award of Recognition
2 Certificates of Merit
Shapco Printing, Inc.
Best of Show Winner
1 Best of Category
1 Award of Recognition
Tru Art Color Graphics
3 Certificates of Merit
Wallace Carlson
3 Certificates of Merit
Wright Printing
1 Best of Category
3 Awards of Recognition
4 Certificates of Merit
All 2026 Best of Category Winners
Best of Category signifies a level of craftsmanship unsurpassed by any other entry in each “Category.” All Best of Category winners will be entered into the national America Print Awards competition.
