This year, the NPTA Alliance has selected Walter Duignan, Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman of Mohawk Fine Papers, Inc. to receive the Stanley O. Styles Industry Excellence Award at the Chairman’s Dinner during the NPTA Annual Convention in Chicago on Thursday, October 1, 2009.

“I am deeply honored to receive the Stanley O. Styles award,” said Duignan. “To join such an elite group — including my good friend Tom O’Connor, Sr. [2003 S.O.S. award recipient] — is extremely rewarding.” Two scholarships will be awarded in his name through the Paper and Plastics Education Research (PAPER) Foundation Scholarship Program in 2010.

The award is named after Stanley O. Styles, who worked for more than 35 years with the Martin Cantine Co., followed by more than 35 years with the NPTA Alliance. It is presented each year as the NPTA Alliance’s highest honor to an individual who has had a distinguished career in the paper, packaging, and supplies industry. It is awarded to someone who has exhibited longtime leadership and service to the industry, as well as having made a positive impact through innovation and dedication.

“Walter is a true leader within the paper and packaging industry, as he leads by example,” said Newell Holt, CEO, NPTA Alliance. “He is honest and genuine in both personal and professional manner and is someone his peers have looked up to since he entered the industry almost 50 years ago.”

Walter Duignan joined Mohawk in 1995 as Executive Vice President, Strategic Planning, with responsibility for strategic planning, sales, marketing and product promotions. In 2000, he became Executive Vice President and Vice Chairman and in 2005 was appointed to Mohawk’s Board of Directors. Prior to joining Mohawk, Mr. Duignan had over 30 years of experience in the fine paper industry. He was Vice President, Sales and Marketing for Simpson Paper Company.