Following up on my editorial last week on the annual Cannata charity awards dinner, The Cannata Report has issued a press release announcing that it has raised a total of nearly $1.4 million for charity since 1997. Frank G. Cannata, founder, president and editor-in-chief/publisher of The Cannata Report, acknowledges manufacturers, service and solution providers, and independent dealers across the office imaging industry as responsible for this total.
The Cannata Report’s 29th Annual Awards and Charities Dinner on Sept. 18 raised $172,000 for new beneficiary St. Ignatius College Prep in Chicago at press time. Fully $86,0000 was pledged by a guest list of 181 industry players. St. Ignatius, which matched that amount, already provides $3.5 million in aid annually.
“We are honored to have Saint Ignatius College Prep as our beneficiary this year,” said Cannata. “The $172,000 we have raised will go far towards helping those unable to pay for all or part of the cost of attendance. When you consider that for a student, a gift of $250 covers lunches, $1,000 covers books, $2,500 fills the gap between tuition and the true cost to educate and a gift of $10,000 helps cover technology upgrades in classrooms. Of the 1,400 students who attend the school, 360 receive financial aid as the tuition is $15,300.”
Father Michael Caruso, SJ, president of St. Ignatius College Prep, added, “On behalf the of the 1,400 students and our entire school community, I wish to express our profound gratitude to Frank, Carol, CJ and all the good people who contributed to this most generous gift. Frank learned about our nearly 150-year old Jesuit High School through his good friend and our alumnus, Tony Fornelli, [1951]. Tony has distinguished himself as an outstanding lawyer, highly sought mentor, and leader in the civic community. He is a family man who embodies all the best in our school tradition, which builds upon faith, family, and friends. It costs a lot of money to run a great private school and one-third of our families depend upon scholarships. Our school is making a difference in educating ‘Men and Women for Others.’ I am grateful to the Cannatas and their many friends for supporting this great educational project. I assure all of you of our good prayers!”
The annual event itself also recognizes the best products from Business Technology Industry manufacturers. The Cannata Report’s Annual Dealer Survey — now also its 29th year — determines the winners.
“The survey ranks the best products and solutions among manufacturers leading the independent dealer’s transition to a services orientation,” explained CJ Cannata, SVP, brand strategy and development, The Cannata Report, “and it does much more. When Frank launched the survey in 1985, he gave the dealer community a voice. The survey and resulting awards is effectively a social media concept nearly 25 years ahead of its time.”
Rick Taylor of Konica Minolta, Jenna Mammoser of MWAi, and Frank Cannata
This year’s winners include Ricoh Company, Ltd. for “MFP Manufacturer of the Year,” Lexmark International, Inc. for “Printer Manufacturer of the Year,” Toshiba America Business Solutions, Inc. for “Best-in-Class Manufacturer of the Year,” Rick Taylor, COO of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., for “Executive of the Year” and Carol C. Cannata, SVP, client services, The Cannata Report, in a new category “Women Executive of the Year.”
This year The Cannata Report rebranded is award from a plaque to a statuette entitled the “Frank” in honor of its founder.
“Frank is an industry icon,” said Jerry Blaine, CEO of LDI Color ToolBox. “He bridges the manufacturer, the dealer and the end user. He is a one-of-a-kind analyst and a one-of-a-kind human being. I congratulate all of the winners of the inaugural ‘Frank,’ a most appropriate award for a meaningful industry achievement.”
The donations, causes, new award category, and updated award are but a few signs of the event’s increasing vitality. This can’t-miss event also continues to evolve in size, scope, and stature. Through 2013, Frank absorbed all hard event costs so 100 percent of proceeds would benefit the designated charities —a gesture almost unheard of, particularly by the owner of a private family-owned and operated business.
Mike Stramaglio, CEO of MWA Intelligence, recently learned of Frank’s personal investment and jumped at the chance to do his part. He also brought Graphtec Digital Solutions, Inc. onboard to co-sponsor the event.
“MWAi is extremely grateful for the opportunity to sponsor the premier industry event of the year,” said Stramaglio. “The Cannata Report Annual Awards and Charities Dinner attracts the leading movers and shakers across our industry. While our exposure at this event is significant, what we value most is the opportunity to paint ourselves as good corporate citizens — a group of people who truly care about giving back.”
Ichiro Mitsunari, president of Graphtec Digital Solutions, Inc., added, “Thanks to The Cannata Report Awards and Charities Dinner, Graphtec now has recognition within the business technology dealer channel. While their numbers are limited, they are clearly the leaders within the imaging industry. It is now our responsibility to make the necessary efforts to establish a strong partnership with them. We realize it will take time, but we need to do it.”
MWAi will host its own event, the Executive Connection Summit (ECS) in Scottsdale, AZ, October 27-30. Boasting a broad agenda with key industry names, this is considered one of few vendor agnostic events where independent dealers can educate themselves about today’s challenges and opportunities. Visit ecs.mwaintel.com for information and to register.
