TLMI Converter of the Year goes to past president

Mike Dowling, president of CL&D Graphics, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, has been awarded TLMI’s 2004 Converter of the Year title. The award was given at a dedicated dinner and dance at the trade association’s annual business meeting,  held in La Quinta Resort and Club in Palm Springs.

The award is recognition of Dowling’s contributions for TLMI, as well as an acknowledgement of his own business achievements. He has served on the association’s Finance Committee, the Board of Directors and as president, to help keep it on its growth path of success.

‘Mike was an absolute saviour to me in his role as finance chairman,’ says Frank Sablone of TLMI. ‘He has been an unbelievable sounding board; his sense of what is right for TLMI members is uncanny.’
Away from TLMI, he has guided his company to the forefront of the industry and is recognized by his peers as a progressive converter.

‘Mike leads a state-of-the-art, very progressive label and flexible packaging converting company,’ says John Bankson, president of TLMI and president/CEO of Label Technology, CA. ‘They are on the leading edge and are leading the way for the rest of the industry.’

Dowling’s father, Brian, started the family-run business in 1978 as Custom Label & Design with one Webtron 650 press. Between 1996 and 2003, Dowling and his brother and sister purchased the business. Today, the original company has evolved into two divisions – CL&D Graphics and CL&D Digital – with three facilities and 14 presses.

TAPP Technologies stole the Best of Show award for its Nickel & Nickel Zinfandel label (offset color process – prime). For more details of other award winners, check out the next issue of Labels and Labeling magazine.