The award was given to comemmorate Romano for his passion for advocacy and education in the printing industry.

Antonio M Perez, CEO, Kodak, said, “Frank has played a key role in helping us understand the dramatic shifts in technology that have occurred over the last few decades. He has an unique gift for helping us see how the past is influencing the future, and why that future is so exciting.”

Being a part of the industry for more than 50 years, Romano has worked for industry suppliers, written dozens of books and articles, served as a professor, addressed professional groups around the world, and consulted with most of the major suppliers.

Romano founded TypeWorld (later Electronic Publishing), one of the industry’s leading trade publications throughout the desktop and digital printing revolution in 1977. He also wrote the first report on on-demand digital printing in 1980, and organised the first conference for the same in 1985. As a Professor Emeritus, he continues to teach courses at RIT and other universities and works with students on unique research projects.

“The term 'Print Ambassador' reflects Romano's personal and professional commitment to advancing the medium of print.” concluded Perez.

Romano is the third recipient of the title after Rance Crain, president of Crain Communications, and The Rt. Hon. the Lord Heseltine CH, chairman, Haymarket Group.