The Cannata Report Announces Winners of the Frank Awards Celebrating Excellence

in Business Technology and the Independent Dealer Channel

Philanthropy Award Established to Honor Founder Frank G. Cannata

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Celebrating The Cannata Report’s 36^th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala are from left to right: CJ Cannata, president and CEO, and Frank G. Cannata, founder; Mike Marusic, president and CEO, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America; Cannata; Jim Coriddi, vice president, dealer division, Ricoh USA; and Jim Roberts, president, DocuWare.

HAMBURG, N.J., Nov. 5, 2021 — The Cannata Report, the leading publication covering the independent dealer channel in the office technology industry, announced the winners of the Frank Awards last night at its 36^th Anniversary Awards and Charities Gala sponsored by Hytec Dealer Services and ConnectWise. The Cannata Report also bestowed the inaugural Frank G. Cannata Philanthropy Award to its namesake to honor his legacy and prolific fundraising initiatives. The event’s theme, Start Me Up, celebrated excellence, innovation, and new directions in the industry and raised and pledged to date $150,000 to support research conducted at Hackensack Meridian John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center.

Ricoh and Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America won three Frank Awards each at the event held at the Madison Hotel in Morristown, N.J. What follows is a complete list of the winners:

Best Production Print Manufacturer: Ricoh USA
Best A4 Manufacturer: Kyocera Document Solutions America
Best-in-Class: Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best Marketing Strategy: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Best Technical Service Provider: Ricoh USA
Best Leasing Company: GreatAmerica Financial Services
Best Print Management Software Provider: PaperCut
Best ECM/Document Management Provider: DocuWare (a Ricoh subsidiary)
Best IT Services Provider: ConnectWise
Best Female Executive: Nancy Langdale, Canon U.S.A.
Best Male Executive: Mike Marusic, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Best Manufacturer: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

The Frank Award winners were revealed at the Gala by dealer principals and executives from some of the country’s top office technology dealerships. Frank Award winners are determined by the independent dealer community participating in The Cannata Report‘s Annual Dealer Survey conducted earlier in the year.

A highlight of the evening was the inaugural presentation of the Frank G. Cannata Philanthropy Award established to honor the founder of The Cannata Report, who currently serves as editor-at-large. Through the annual charity event that he oversees, Frank G. Cannata has collectively raised nearly $3 million for charities nationwide, including close to $1.3 million for Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. In addition, he has worked tirelessly, and often anonymously, throughout his career to raise funds for many organizations, veterans’ initiatives, and individuals. Frank G. Cannata was given the award named after him by his son, CJ Cannata, who succeeded him as president and CEO of The Cannata Report. A video saluting Frank G. Cannata was shown featuring over 40 of the leading executives in the business technology industry. In the future, the Frank G. Cannata Philanthropy Award will be given annually by The Cannata Report to honor an individual in the business technology industry who emulates Frank G. Cannata and inspires others with their philanthropic endeavors and giving spirit.

The Cannata Report also presented a special award to honor Jeremiah Shepard, general manager of technical services, Dove Print Solutions. Shepard, a U.S. Army veteran, was instrumental in creating the Business Technology Association’s VETech (Veterans Enhancing Technology) initiative that assists veterans in transitioning their military training to gainful employment in the business technology industry.

“Our 36^th Anniversary Awards and Charities Gala is a night to be remembered for many reasons,” said CJ Cannata, president and CEO. “We are grateful for the generosity of our guests and the funds raised for medical research, the heartfelt tributes to our founder Frank G. Cannata, the extraordinary achievements of our Frank Award winners who were acknowledged by their peers in our Annual Dealer Survey, and the many leading dealers who served as presenters. Add to that the number of executives who attended from all segments of the industry and the camaraderie we enjoyed after having not been able to host a live event since 2019, and our Gala was a complete success. We have set the bar for future events and look forward to 2022.”

Since its launch in 1982, The Cannata Report has been the leading intelligence resource for imaging reseller principals and senior executives within the business technology, managed services, and imaging industry. Forward-thinking analysis and thought leadership complement in-depth coverage of a wide range of topics, including professional services, workflow solutions, IT management, office products, production, industrial print, supplies, vendor finance, mergers and acquisitions, breaking news, market trends, and more.

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Winners of The Cannata Report’s Frank Awards Announced at 35^th Anniversary Gala Virtual Premiere

Sharp and Ricoh Collect Three Wins Each at Fundraiser for Health Care Heroes

WATCH ANYTIME ON YouTube

Hamburg, NJ (November 9, 2020) – Winners of the Frank Awards were revealed during The Cannata Report’s 35th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala premiered on YouTube on November 5. The annual awards presentation celebrates excellence in the imaging and business & office technology industry and honors OEMs, software and services providers, and leading executives. This year’s gala, themed “Unite & Conquer” and sponsored by Hytec Dealer Services and ConnectWise, has raised to date over $100,000 for Hackensack Meridian Health’s Circle of Compassion program, which assists its COVID-19 team members.

Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America and Ricoh USA came away with three Frank Awards each at the virtual gala featured on The Cannata Report’s YouTube channel. The complete list of Frank Award winners include:

Best Manufacturer: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Best-in-Class Manufacturer: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America
Best A4 MFP Manufacturer: Kyocera Document Solutions America
Best Production Print Manufacturer: Ricoh USA
Best Marketing Strategy: Ricoh USA
Best Leasing Company: GreatAmerica Financial Services
Best Print Management Software Provider: ACDI for PaperCut
Best ECM/Document Management Software Provider: DocuWare, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Ricoh
Best IT Services Provider: ConnectWise
Best Technical Service Provider: Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best Female Executive: Laura Blackmer, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.
Best Male Executive: Mike Marusic, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America

The winners were announced by dealer principals and executives from leading office technology dealerships throughout the country. In addition, New York Giants Super Bowl Champion XLII Shaun O’Hara appears on behalf of Hackensack Meridian Health and its Circle of Compassion program.

“COVID-19 prevented us from hosting our gala in person, but we were thrilled to announce the Frank Award winners via video this year and share the news with so many more people across the industry. The new format also allowed us to include dealer principals and next-generation leaders around the country as presenters and mix it up with a few surprise guests,” said CJ Cannata, president and CEO, who hosted the awards, alongside Frank G. Cannata, founder and editor-at-large, and Scott Cullen, editor-in-chief. “What’s especially meaningful for us is the money we have raised for the Circle of Compassion. Throughout our gala’s history, we’ve raised funds for charity through traditional ticket sales, so we are overwhelmed by generous donations from loyal partners and friends across all segments of the imaging industry.”

“I am so grateful for the long time support of CJ and Frank Cannata through The Cannata Report and for choosing Hackensack Meridian Health’s Circle of Compassion as the recipients of their virtual gala proceeds,” said Helen A. Cunning, senior vice president, network development, foundation, Hackensack Meridian Health. “The spread of COVID-19 had a tremendous impact on our health care heroes. They were at the forefront of the pandemic, providing exceptional care to our patients and keeping our communities safe while experiencing their own personal challenges. The Circle of Compassion was created to financially assist our team members during an unprecedented time. We are filled with appreciation and thank The Cannata Report for thinking of our very own during a time in which COVID-19 has affected us all.”

The Cannata Report initiated a fundraising effort for the Circle of Compassion through a #BusinessAsUnusual T-shirt promotion on its social media channels earlier this year with a $10,000 donation. The success of that fundraising effort prompted The Cannata Report to continue to raise funds for the program through the virtual gala. To date, The Cannata Report has raised $1.1 million through donations and matching funds for Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation and has raised over $2.7 million for charities nationwide.

The Cannata Report also announced Keith Allison, president and CEO of Systel Business Equipment as the recipient of its Humanitarian Award. Allison is featured in the gala video accepting his award from CJ Cannata and Frank G. Cannata.

Frank Award winners are determined by the independent dealer community via The Cannata Report’s Annual Dealer Survey sponsored by TIAA Bank. Also appearing in the gala video is Bob Goldberg, the Business Technology Association’s general counsel who serves as emcee.

The Cannata Report will publish a special edition of its monthly magazine to showcase the Frank Award winners later this year. It will feature 35-word acceptance speeches in honor of the gala’s 35th year and photographs spotlighting delivery of the Frank Award trophies to winners.

The Cannata Report continues to accept donations for the Circle of Compassion. Anyone interested in making a contribution can send checks made payable to Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation c/o The Cannata Report, P.O. Box 180, Hamburg, N.J. 07419.

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ELEVATION: THE CANNATA REPORT’S 34TH ANNUAL AWARDS & CHARITIES DINNER HITS ALL NEW HIGH

Expanding participation and record-setting donations elevate premiere industry gala event.

Click here to Watch “ELEVATION: Highlights from The Cannata Dinner and After Party 2019.”

Dealer Succession Planning – On the floor: Liz Sumner, SumnerOne; Kyle Lowery, Applied Imaging; Cara Spencer, Janene Aul, Jacqueline Smith, Systel Business Equipment; Scott Schnabel and Rick Bastinelli, Centric Business Systems. On steps: Casey Lowery and John Lowery of Applied Imaging; Carly Cucco, Impact Networking. Top row: Adam Weiss and Larry Weiss, Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office; Chuck Tiernan, NECS Office CJ Cannata; Patrick Flesch and Mark Flesch, Gordon Flesch Company; and Frank Cucco, Impact Networking.

Left/Top: Sharp won three Frank Awards this year in the categories of: “Best Manufacturer,” “Best-in-Class,” and “Best Male Executive: Mike Marusic.” From left to right: Frank Cannata; Mike Marusic, president and CEO, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America; Doug Albregts, president, Marco, and CJ Cananta

Left/Bottom: Konica Minolta also won three Frank Awards this year in the categories of: “Best Production Print,” “Best Marketing Strategy,” and “Best Female Executive (Laura Blackmer).” From left to right: Kevin Kern, business intelligence services and product planning, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.; and CJ Cannata.

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The Cannata Report’s 34th Annual Awards & Charities Dinner raised $295,000 for Tackle Kids Cancer, a philanthropic program benefitting the Children’s Cancer Institute at Hackensack Meridian Health. To date, The Cannata Report has collectively raised over $1,000,000 through donations and matching funds for Hackensack University Medical Center Foundation. Since the inception of the Cannata Dinner, The Cannata Report has donated over $2.6 million to a number of charities nationwide.

Held at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ, on November 7, this year’s event was sponsored by Hytec Dealer Services, PSIGEN Software, and Continuum. Our 2019 theme acknowledged that the industry is evolving and on the rise and we celebrated by putting a spotlight on its overall ELEVATION.

Joining us this year were a host of new guests and we are grateful to the many executives who traveled from all corners of the U.S. to attend. Our guest list included representatives from all segments of the industry, including manufacturers, dealers, leasing, software, solutions, and IT.

We were especially pleased to welcome so many dealers at the dinner this year. It was our pleasure to recruit several of them to take part in our awards ceremony to announce three Frank Award winners. We also took the opportunity to salute the dealer principals and their next-generation successors who were in attendance by inviting them on stage for a photo opportunity that provided an exciting glimpse into the future of the dealer channel.

Of course, the highlight of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the Frank Awards. Winners of the awards are determined by the results of our 2019 Annual Dealer Survey sponsored this year by TIAA Bank for the 6th year in a row. New this year was an award that recognized excellence in IT Services. While winning streaks continued for several companies, there were a few surprises at the podium that made for an exciting evening.

Konica Minolta and Sharp tied with 3 Frank Award wins each. Konica Minolta kicked off the evening with a win for Best Production Print Manufacturer, accepted by Kevin Kern, senior vice president, BIS and product planning. Konica Minolta’s Nicole Purdy, vice president, strategic pricing also stepped up to the podium for Konica Minolta to accept the award for Best Marketing Strategy, its third consecutive victory in that category. Konica Minolta’s final award of the evening was for Best Female Executive and Laura Blackmer won once again. She is the only executive to win the award since it was introduced 5 years ago. Blackmer was unable to attend the event and Victoria Ringwood accepted the Frank Award on Blackmer’s behalf.

As for Sharp’s three wins, Shane Coffey, vice president, product management made two trips to the podium to collect the Frank Awards for Best-in-Class Manufacturer and Best Manufacturer. Sharp’s third win of the night was the Frank Award for Best Male Executive presented to President and CEO Mike Marusic. Doug Albregts, Sharp’s former president and CEO and winner of last year’s Best Male Executive trophy stepped up to the microphone to announce Marusic’s win.

Kyocera was the winner of the Frank Award for Best A4 MFP Manufacturer. CEO and President Oscar Sanchez accepted the trophy, Kyocera’s second consecutive win in the category.

GreatAmerica was victorious as the Best Leasing Company, its fifth win in a row. It is the only leasing company to win the award since it was introduced in 2015. Jennie Fisher, senior vice president and general manager, accepted the award on behalf of GreatAmerica.

The Cannata Report invited “next-generation” dealers to present the awards that represent new horizons for the dealer channel. Adam Weiss, general manager, Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office, announced ACDI as the winner of Best Print Management/Software Provider. ACDI seemingly has a lock on this category, winning the award for four years in a row. Mark Hart, executive vice president, business development and Josh Lane, president, accepted the award on behalf of ACDI.

The trio of next-generation leaders at Systel Business Equipment–Janene Aul, vice president of operations, general counsel; Cara Spencer, sales support manager; and Jacqueline Smith, vice president marketing, business development–announced Square 9 as the winner of Best ECM/Document Management Software Provider, a new category introduced this year to better represent the growing breadth of software and services solutions serving the dealer channel today. Joseph Hartnett, vice president, North America, accepted the Frank Award on behalf of Square 9. We also introduced a Best IT Services Provider Frank Award to spotlight the increasing impact MSP has in the independent dealer channel. Patrick Flesch, president, Gordon Flesch Company, did the honors of presenting the first Frank Award in this new category to Continuum. Geoffrey Willison, COO of the newly joined Continuum and ConnectWise accepted the award.

One of our favorite moments of the evening–and one that we think will be remembered by all in attendance for a very long time–came when Chris Scarff, executive vice president of Ray Morgan Company stepped up to the podium to accept The Cannata Report’s Humanitarian Award honoring Ray Morgan Company. Everyone in the industry has been inspired by both Scarff and his partner Greg Martin for the extraordinary fundraising campaign they launched to support not only their employees but all who were devastated by the Camp Fire in Northern California in November of 2018. To date, Ray Morgan Company has raised and donated more than $800,000 to assist those affected by the fire that decimated Paradise, California where 17 Ray Morgan Company employees lost their homes as well as those affected in the surrounding communities. Scarff’s heartfelt remarks moved everyone in attendance at the event, prompting a much-deserved standing ovation.

We thank our emcee extraordinaire Robert Goldberg for his “buttoned-up” remarks about Larry Weiss of Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office’s appearance on our September cover. While not an official Frank Award, Carol C. Cannata did bestow a special commemorative sewing kit to Weiss to keep handy the next time he graces a magazine cover.

This year’s after party, sponsored by Xerox and Nexera, once again featured live music from Skyline Drive Orchestra. Who knew that the imaging industry had so many great dancers? We were especially thrilled to see our 2019 Women Influencers–Erica Calise of Sharp, Megan Lujan of Toshiba, and Vicky Ringwood of Konica Minolta–front and center together on the dance floor. Carol C. Cannata outdid herself once again and created her signature “Chocolate Infusion” dessert buffet with the hotel’s chef. A special thank you to Jim D’Emedio and David Clearman of Muratec for creating the labels (three cheers for production print!) for our take-home pastry box and water bottles.

We have so many people to thank for their support and generosity. Many thanks to LDI Color ToolBox and Jerry Blaine, Brian Gertler and Michael Schloss for making us look good year after year with cover posters, badges and table cards that underscore the tremendous power of print. A special thanks to Gertler for his amazing photographs, many of which you see on these pages. We send our thanks to Sharp and James Campion and John Menzzasalma for once again producing our Frank Awards ceremony with wit and wisdom and patience. And thanks to Larry Weiss and Luis Villa at Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office for their contributions as well.

Special thanks go to Eric Auman, president and CEO, Hytec Dealer Services; Victoria Hensley, COO, PSIGEN; and John Schweizer and Geoffrey Willison of Continuum a ConnectWise company for serving as official sponsors of The Cannata Report’s 34th Annual Awards & Charities Dinner. Their generous sponsorship support makes it possible for us to donate 100% of the evening’s proceeds to Tackle Kids Cancer.

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This year, The Cannata Report engaged next generation leaders from three leading dealerships – Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office, Gordon Flesch Company, and Systel Business Equipment – to present three new awards acknowledging services providers on the soft side of the business.

Left/Top: Continuum, a ConnectWise company, won the Frank Award in the new category of “Best IT Services Provider.” From left to right: Geoffrey Willison, COO, Continuum; CJ Cannata; Patrick Flesch, president, Gordon Flesch, (presenter); John Schweizer, vice president, office technology, Continuum.

Left/Middle: Square 9 won the Frank Award in the new category of “Best ECM/Document Management Software Provider.” Joseph Hartnett, vice president, sales, Square 9 (second from left), with Systel Business Equipment presenters Janene Aul, vice president and general counsel; Cara Spencer, sales support/IT special projects; and Jacqueline Smith, vice president, marketing and business development.

Left/Bottom: ACDI won the Frank Award in the new category of “Best Print Management Software Provider” for sales and support of PaperCut on the heels of winning the retired “Best Software Provider” Frank Award for the past three consecutive years. From left to right: Mark Hart, executive director of business development, ACDI; Adam Weiss, GM, Atlantic, Tomorrow’s Office (presenter); and Josh Lane, president and CEO, ACDI.