PMA March 2010 : Page 11 \UE \UE \UE \UE \UE By Gary Pageau Ron Koch, whose illustrious career with the Eckerd Corp. featured 28 years of high achievement, abundant contribution to PMA, as well as philanthropy and civic concern, is the 2010 recipient of the PMA Hall of Fame, the highest honor awarded by the association. The recipient is selected by the PMA Board of Trustees, based on career success and his or her role in the advancement of the photo imaging industry. Koch was honored during the Official Business Session, Sunday, Feb. 21, at the PMA 2010 International Convention and Trade Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Southern California. During Koch’s tenure with Eckerd Corp., a subsidiary of J. C. Penney Co. Inc., he was a major contributing force to the retail operation growing from 400 to more than 2,900 stores with more than 1,300 one-hour photo centers. Throughout his career, he guided the very successful photo program and always shared his insights with PMA. He has participated in training seminars and committees, including the chairmanship of the mass merchandisers advisory committee. He has served as a PMA trustee, and he received the Distinguished Service Award in 2000. Most important, Koch mentored and helped develop many associates who have achieved significant success in the photo imaging industry. He encouraged and supported his staff and managers to participate in all aspects of PMA activities. Koch began his career with Tru Foto, a division of Progressive Industries Corp. of Dayton, Ohio. He started as a management trainee in 1961, after graduation from Ohio Wesleyan University and active duty in the U.S. Air Force. He quickly learned the basics of photo processing and became the lab manager. As the business expanded rapidly to five labs, he was promoted to vice president of Operations. In 1973, Koch joined Eckerd Drug Co. in Clearwater, Fla., as general manager of photo processing; and in 1976, he was promoted to vice president of Photo Operations. He assumed added responsibility for the Eckerd Optical operation in 1978. In the 1980s at Eckerd, he managed the development of Visionworks, a free-standing optical retail store with an on-site lab, while continuing to lead photo operations. The photo business expanded rapidly with the aggressive rollout of on-site processing labs within the stores. Eckerd consumer research, combined with PMA research and knowledge, stimulated the development of branded photo services and products. Positive consumer response led to significant gains in market share. Koch retired from Eckerd in 2001, but has remained active in the photo industry with his continuing PMA advisory committee involvement. Outside the photo industry, Koch supports several worthy endeavors. Among the beneficiaries of his efforts is his church, United Way, Little League, Junior Achievement, Children’sMiracle Network, and Bay Area Youth for Christ. He was honored by the American Jewish Committee with its Human Relations Award in 1997. Koch and his wife Gloria have 6 children and 8 grandchildren, and reside in Seminole, Fla. ■ PMA Hall Of Fame Recipient Ron Koch HonoredGary PageauRon Koch, whose illustrious career with the Eckerd Corp. featured 28 years of high achievement, abundant contribution to PMA, as well as philanthropy and civic concern, is the 2010 recipient of the PMA Hall of Fame, the highest honor awarded by the association. Publication List |
