Book Manufacturers’ Institute Opens Rising Star Award Nominations

The Book Manufacturers’ Institute (BMI) is now accepting nominations for their Rising Star Award which recognizes book industry professionals who are making a positive impact on their companies, in their communities, and on the industry. Nominations will be accepted through Friday March 22, 2024 at 5pm ET. The Award will be presented at the BMI Spring Management Conference in Arlington, VA May 6, 2024.

The inaugural class of finalist honorees were celebrated at the 2019 BMI Spring Management Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Clark Matthews of Independent Publishers Group was the recipient of the first-ever Rising Star Award. The 2020 Rising Star Award was given to Cara Lahey of Publishers' Graphics. There was no award issued in 2021 due to the pandemic. The 2022 winner was Jonathan Conant of Lakeside Book Company. Last year’s winner was Brendan Wilson from Rolland.

This honor was conceived to “spotlight up-and-coming, worthy colleagues from companies in the printing, binding, and manufacturing sector—a vital segment of the book publishing supply chain,” according to Matt Baehr, Executive Director of BMI. “We are excited to celebrate the achievements of the next wave of leadership talent. The Spring Management Conference in Arlington offers an ideal backdrop to acknowledge the emerging stars in our professional community.”

The selection criteria:

• Sustained excellent job performance
• Contributions to their company, community, and/or industry
• Continued training/education/learning within the industry
• Demonstration of exemplary customer service, community service, and/or industry service
• Age 39 years younger as of March 24, 2023 (the end of the nomination period)
• Employed in BMI’s network of member companies

BMI President Dwight Vicks of Vicks Print and Distribution said, “I'm confident that the emerging talents in our field will continue to enhance the strength of the book manufacturing industry. This award highlights the exceptional people who are actively advancing our sector.”

Nominations are open at BMI’s website.