Complete Story
02/03/2016
Hall of Distinction Inductees - Chris Manley and Mark Sparks
2016 Printing Week
Two Members to be Inducted into the Hall of Distinction
Each year, the Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky, in collaboration with the Graphic Arts Council of Cleveland, recognizes outstanding individuals of the northern Ohio graphic arts community who have given of their time and talents to help further the goals of the Graphic Arts Community by honoring them with membership in the Hall of Distinction. These individuals represent the best the industry has to offer and are selected based on the following criteria:
- Widely recognized success in the graphic communications industry.
- Significant contribution of time and talent to trade and professional organizations.
- Help and encouragement for young people interested in careers in the graphic communications industry.
- Advice and counseling for those seeking employment in the industry.
- Contributions to the general northern Ohio community outside of the industry including charitable participation and contributions, fundraising, volunteer support and promotion of civic initiatives.
The Printing Industries of Ohio • N. Kentucky is pleased to announce the 2016 Hall of Distinction Inductees, Chris Manley and Mark Sparks. Both are active members of the regional Advisory Councils and strong supporters of the Association and we congratulate them on this honor.
Chris Manley
President, Graphco
Chris Manley was born in 1962 in Richmond, Virginia and moved to the Cleveland area in 1972 when his father, Bill Manley, was transferred to the headquarters of Addressograph-Multigraph, then based in Euclid, OH. In 1976, Bill established Graphco as a spin-off and Chris began working there on the collating team, continuing in various other jobs while attending high school and college.
Chris earned a BA from John Carroll University in 1985 and joined Graphco's sales team shortly after graduation. Graphco was emerging as a leading supplier of offset printing equipment in the Ohio Valley and divested itself of the blueprint and reproduction division in 1987.
As Graphco expanded its sales and service presence throughout Ohio, Western Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia, the responsibilities for Sales Management, Product Line Development and Marketing became a growing part of Chris' role at the company. Graphco quickly became the national #1 dealer for product lines like Ryobi, Hamada, Sakurai, Standard Horizon and MGI while constantly offering strong and responsive technical support to Graphco customers throughout the region.
Chris has been an active member of Printing Industries of Ohio • N.Kentucky for many years. He's served on the Northern Advisory Council board for many years in addition to his membership in various other industry organizations including NAPL, GATF and NPES. As a member of the board of NAGASA (North American Graphic Arts Supplier Association) from 2003-2007, Chris was elected the Chairman of the organization from 2004-2005.
In 2005, Chris became the President of Graphco following the death of Bill from a short illness. He has continued to grow both sales volume and industry stature with the tireless help of the entire Graphco team, including his wife and business partner, Theresa Manley.
Chris and Theresa are proud to run a very family-oriented business in Solon, OH and they have two sons who live in Chicago and New York. Chris and Theresa make their home in Chagrin Falls and they enjoy travel, photography and spending time with family and friends.
Mark Sparks
Tap Packaging Solutions
Mark was born in 1957 and attended North Olmsted high school, enjoying both football and hockey. He received a football scholarship and attended WVU Institute of Technology where he earned an Associate's Degree in Printing Technology and a Bachelor's degree in Printing Management.
In 1979, he began his career in Berea with Penton Press as a customer service representative and was responsible for many of their monthly publications. After two years, he was promoted to Production Coordinator of the plant and also assisted in cost estimating on special projects.
In 1985, he decided to pursue sales and joined Cleveland Menu Printing as an account executive where he managed many national accounts including Marriott and Hyatt Hotels.
In 1993, he went to work for William's Steel Rule & Die where he was named VP - Sales/Manufacturing and also responsible for the implementation of a Point-of-Purchase division. He was an active member of POPAI (Point of Purchase Advertising International) and the FSEA (Foil & Special Effects Association.) It was during this time that he was able to develop many relationships with some of the great families in our industry.
In 2006, he joined Tap packaging Solutions and is a recognized member of the IOPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals) in both Cleveland and Columbus. He has served many terms on the Northern Advisory Council of the Printing Industries of Ohio • N. Kentucky and on the Board of Directors of the Association as a whole..
Mark enjoys home improvement projects, fishing, and tries to play golf. He and his wife Jeannie, a Cardiac Nurse at Fairview Hospital, have been married for 35 years. They have two daughters.
