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May 11, 2026
KEARNEY, MO: The In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) is pleased to announce the winners of the 2026 IPMA Awards, recognizing member organizations that are excelling, innovating, and demonstrating the value in-plant print and mail operations bring to their parent organizations.
Each award highlights a different area of achievement within the in-plant community, from overall operational excellence to promotional awareness and innovation. The 2026 winners are listed below.
In-Plant of the Year – Thrivent
Purpose: Recognizes an entire in-plant business for outstanding performance. Whether the in-plant is a combination of print and mail, print only, or mail only, all members are eligible. While contributions of individual managers are important, this award judges and recognizes the efforts of the entire in-house staff.
Thrivent was named the 2026 In-Plant of the Year in recognition of the team’s commitment to service, stewardship, and operational excellence. The award reflects the work of the production team and project leaders who support internal customers while continuing to strengthen the value and visibility of the in-plant operation within the organization.
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to receive this recognition, especially knowing how many outstanding in-plant operations across the industry are doing great work every day,” said Brett Birnschein, Manager, Printing and Mailing Services, In-Force Operations at Thrivent. “This award truly belongs to our production team and project leaders. None of what we accomplished would have been possible without their dedication, flexibility, and commitment to serving our internal customers. Being named In-Plant of the Year reinforces the pride we have in our work and the value our team brings to the organization through service, stewardship, and operational excellence.”
In-House Promotional Excellence Award – Oklahoma City Community College
Purpose: Recognizes excellence in promotional vehicles and/or campaigns developed by and used to promote an organization’s in-house printing or mailing facility.
Oklahoma City Community College received the 2026 In-House Promotional Excellence Award for its work promoting the value, creativity, and capabilities of its in-plant operation. The award recognizes the team’s ability to tell its story in a way that resonates with internal audiences and reflects the pride behind the work.
“Winning the IPMA In-House Promotional Awareness Award is an amazing recognition of the hard work we do by our peers,” said the Oklahoma City Community College team. “It’s a reminder that the hard work, creativity, and pride we put into telling our story is hitting the mark. Being part of an organization like IPMA has made a big difference for us. It’s where we’ve picked up ideas, built relationships, and found the kind of support that drives us to keep getting better every year.”
Innovation Award – Intermountain Health Print Services
Purpose: Recognizes an organization that has shown creative and innovative ways to improve a process or business model. Innovation may be technology, customer, or process-driven.
Intermountain Health Print Services received the 2026 Innovation Award for its creative and meaningful work supporting caregivers and improving the care experience for patients. The recognition reflects the team’s ability to apply innovation in ways that directly support the mission of the larger organization.
“Thank you to IPMA for recognizing Intermountain Health Print Services with this honor,” said the Intermountain Health Print Services team. “This very much reflects the dedication of our entire team and the innovative work that supports caregivers and enhances the care experience for our patients.”
In-Plant of the Year Honorable Mention – American Academy of Family Physicians
Purpose: Recognizes an in-plant operation that demonstrated exceptional performance and meaningful organizational impact, earning special recognition among the year’s In-Plant of the Year submissions.
The American Academy of Family Physicians received an honorable mention for In-Plant of the Year. The recognition reflects the continued evolution of its Digital Center from a traditional in-plant operation into a strategic partner that supports the organization’s broader goals.
“We are honored to be recognized by IPMA and appreciate the way they champion in-plants like ours in ways that encourage excellence,” said Shawn Parkison, Digital Center Manager, American Academy of Family Physicians. “IPMA awards have helped elevate our department and how we work within our organization. The Digital Center has evolved from a traditional in-plant operation into a strategic partner helping connect strategy, culture, and execution across our organization.”
About IPMA
Founded in 1964, the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) is the only professional association dedicated exclusively to meet the needs of all segments’ in-house printers and mailers. The more than 700 members of IPMA are managers and directors from in-plant printing and mailing facilities throughout the United States. IPMA is headquartered in Kearney, MO. For more information, visit www.ipma.org.
Media Contact
Joanne Gore
Joanne Gore Communications (JGC)
ipmamktg@ipma.org
416 543 7951