Independent Graphics - Small Business of the Year Award

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Independent Graphics Named
Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber's
Small Business of the Year

WILKES-BARRE, PA - Independent Graphics, Inc. of Pittston has been selected as the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber’s 2002 Small Business of the Year. The firm was honored on June 26, at the Chamber-sponsored Business Awards Luncheon at The Waterfront Professional Center in Plains. The event is designed to highlight the diversity and strength of business in our area.

According to Chamber President and CEO Stephen M. Barrouk, "Small Business success is vital to the continued growth of our region. Through this honor, through the Chamber’s Business Awards Program and our business support efforts as a whole, we work to assist and recognize quality small businesses in our community. We are pleased that businesses like Independent Graphics call our area home."

Independent Graphics began as a one-man operation in 1980 printing stationary and envelopes. It wasn’t long before Lou Ciampi, Sr. moved the business to its present 7,500 square foot location on River Road in Pittston, PA. The tenets upon which Lou Sr. founded the business – customer service, fairness and quality products – continue today and have resulted in steady growth for over twenty years. Independent Graphics is now a four-color production house printing manuals, brochures, catalogues, and even stationery and envelopes. The family owned and operated company employs 29. Lou Ciampi, jr. joined the firm in 1986 and is the sales manager. Jim Ciampi is a customer service representative.

The territory now routinely serviced by Independent Graphics includes Eastern Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. Central to this success is the company’s philosophy that each and every quote is an opportunity for the Independent Graphics staff to partner with that perspective customer, and fulfill that company’s print needs. By emphasizing customer service and harboring an ongoing commitment to provide the latest technology, Independent Graphics, Inc. maintains that consistent level of success. The firm now proudly offers state-of-the-art equipment in each of its departments, from desktop and pre-press through the pressroom and bindery.

As Independent Graphics enters its third decade of service, the company has proven itself to be not only a quality four-color production house, but also a faithful partner to its customers and the community. Independent Graphics contributes money, time and printing to many different charities including: various children’s sports, the American Cancer Association, the Luzerne county Blind Association, and many local colleges and schools. In addition, the firm sponsors field trips and educational functions for students. Perhaps the best-known contribution is the annual Lou Ciampi, Jr. Jump-a-thon for the local chapter of the American Heart Association. For ten years, Lou Jr. jumped rope to raise funds breaking his own record each year. In 2001, the last year of the Jump, Lou kept at it for over three and one-half hours.

Dan Nulton, Chairman of the Board of the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce stated, "We are pleased with the selection of Independent Graphics as our 2002 Small Business of the Year. They are outstanding in their field and have proven themselves to be good corporate citizens. Through their work, they bring positive recognition to Northeastern Pennsylvania."