PMA February 2010 : Page 31PMA 2010 “While standing there with all those people looking at me, I realized how proud I felt just to be there and, regardless of who won, I’d gained so much from the whole process.” When his name was called, says Watkins, “I had to run the statement through my head about three times just to ensure I’d heard it properly. I was absolutely stunned to hear I was the winner. It was everything I’d worked so hard for, and I knew I did not want my PMA experience to end right there on that stage.” Attendees may run into Watkins during PMA 2010 in Anaheim, Calif. T at was one of his prizes. T e other is an inten- sive 3-day workshop valued at A$3,000, conducted by T e Freidman Group, the largest retail training organization in Australia, as well as travel and accommo- dations. As well, Watkins and the other state winners will be PMA State Representa- tives for a year. T e PMA goal is to encourage those aged 18 to 26, working in the photographic and imaging industry, to grow and partici- pate as representatives of their employers and the industry, as they are its future. For Peter Rose, director of PMA Aus- PMA Canada Young Imager May 1 is the deadline for entries in the PMA Canada Young Imager Award program. The PMA Canada Young Imager Award is seen as an incentive for those working in the imaging industry, recognizing new and dedicated individuals who are the future of the industry. Voting members in Canada are invited to nominate an individual for the award, or employees of voting members can self-nominate. The winner from each of five regional competitions is expected to qualify to enter the final judging, with each finalist winning a trip to the PMA Canada Expo 2010 in Septem- ber, being part of the grand prize award presentation, and being appointed to the PMA Division Committee for 12 months. The grand prize winner will receive a trip to the PMA 2011, including airfare and ac- commodations. Candidates will be assessed by a panel of judges in each region, and will face a final assessment committee at the Canada Expo 2010. According to PMA Canada, award candidates will be recognized for their levels of energy, knowledge, enthusiasm, and achievement in business. There is no technical knowledge test. The hope is the PMA Canada Young Imager Award will give candidates the opportunity to network with peers and industry leaders, to gain recognition in their field of expertise, and to grow personally and professionally. tralian Activities, the judging process has made those nominated for the award to assess their achievements and aspirations. “T at in itself seems to be of great value to them,” regardless of whether they progress beyond the State judging. Being at the PMA Australia Digital Life Expo for the fi nal judging exposes them “to the wider Australian imaging industry, invaluable to their careers and their overall self-esteem.” Rose adds many State and National winners “have moved on to senior roles and, without exception, participants comment the total process provides a journey that would be otherwise lacking in their career development.” Watkins, who hails from Ted’s Camera Stores in Melbourne, acknowledges the experience “has exceeded anything I could have imagined. I have learned so much about the industry, its people, and myself.” ■ Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Let us be Your First choice For all your Minilab needs. We offer only quality, low mileage, pre-owned minilabs at the competitive prices. Each minilab is reconditioned as if it were the only one. Minilab Depot USA Inc. 4660 La Jolla Dr. • San Diego, CA 92122, USA • www.minilabdepotusa.com Tel: 619-203-9435 Se Habla Español Fax : 619-342-7762 Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica PMA — February 2010 — www.pmai.org 31 Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Fuji Agfa/Copal Konica Noritsu Fuji Agfa/Copal Minilad Depot USA Inc. |
