Christina Condos from label converter Labelhouse, and Lisa Schumacher from Print 2 Metal, have been named as the two Victorian finalists for the Media Super Young Executive of the Year Award.
Condos, who serves as business development account manager at Labelhouse, was announced as a finalist at the Victorian Printing Industry Creativity Awards (PICAs) in Melbourne this week, alongside Schumacher, digital printer at Print 2 Metal, which prints photos onto metal.
“I’m honoured and humbled, and appreciative of all the mentoring Labelhouse has given me,” Condos told Print21.
Ben Testa, general manager at Labelhouse, said it was well-deserved recognition for Condos and the hours she puts into her work.
“It recognises her willingness to learn and embrace what we’ve tried to impart on her, and the relationships she has with her clients – the way they lean on her and in turn the volume of work she brings in.
“For someone who’s still fairly new to sales, it’s been impressive to see her quick rise through the ranks. She’s a valued member of our team,” he said.
Testa added that the nomination is also a win for women in the industry.
“Christina fights a battle male reps don’t have to fight, and fights it very well – it’s great to have more gender equality on our team,” he said.
Marie Cosgrave, owner of Print 2 Metal, described Schumacher as a warm, committed employee, and credited her with the growth in the company’s top and bottom lines over the past three years.
“Lisa the quiet achiever is indeed shocked and thrilled to have been selected as a co-winner of the Young Executive of the Year Award in Victoria. We see this as both recognition of her achievements and encouragement for her to continue to step up to the challenges and rewards of a career in the printing industry,” she said.
As well as her Young Executive of the Year win, Schumacher also picked up medals for Print 2 Metal with her own photography work in the categories of Small Business Printing, Limited Edition, and Specialty Printing, says Cosgrave.
“Lisa has her own Elle Beth Photography business primarily photographing animals. She chose her very favourite peacock image to print and present as entries for Print 2 Metal and won silver in three categories,” she said.
Stephen Assimo, regional manager for growth at Media Super Victoria, presented the award on the night, and hailed the dedication of both Condos and Schumacher.
“Christina has a bright future ahead of her, and her desire to continuously improve will no doubt open doors for more opportunities for her in years to come. Congratulations Christina, we wish you and your co-nominee Lisa Schumacher the best of luck in August at the National Print Awards.
“When a young employee such as Lisa saves the company sixty per cent on its printing costs, this is a clear indication of the dedication, initiative, and passion for printing that are an integral part of the criteria for the Young Executive of the Year award,” he said.
The Media Super Young Executive of the Year will be announced at the National Print Awards in Sydney next month, held in conjunction with the PrintEx trade show.