#None #Sharp Imaging #Morristown #Ricoh USA #Frank Awards

The Outstanding Night of the Frank Awards

On the evening of November 14, 2025, a celebration of excellence in the office technology sector unfolded at The Cannata Report's 40th Anniversary Awards & Charities Gala. This prestigious event was not just a night of awards; it also served a meaningful purpose, as it raised funds for the Inserra Family Diabetes Institute at Hackensack Meridian Hackensack University Medical Center. The gala held a personal connection as it was conducted in memory of Mike McGuirk, the founder of ProCopy Office Solutions, a Flex Technology Company.

The evening was a triumph for Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America and Ricoh USA, with both companies each winning three Frank Awards. Laura Blackmer, president of channel sales for Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc., made headlines by securing the Best Female Executive award for an impressive ninth time. Meanwhile, Larry White, president and CEO of Toshiba America Business Solutions, was honored as the Best Male Executive, marking his first time receiving this esteemed acknowledgment.

In terms of product categories, various brands stood out, with Kyocera winning the Best A4 Manufacturer award for the seventh consecutive year and GreatAmerica Financial Services taking the title of Best Leasing Company for the tenth year in a row. The winners are determined through the results of The Cannata Report's Annual Dealer Survey, reflecting the collective insights of office technology dealers across the nation.

The gala was attended by esteemed leaders in the office technology industry, witnessing a collaborative spirit that significantly contributed to the cause. Hytec Dealer Services and TD Synnex generously contributed as platinum sponsors of the fundraiser.

Winners of the Frank Awards

Best-in-Class: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (Winner), Ricoh USA, Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best Diversification Partner: Intermedia Cloud Communications (Winner), ConnectWise, Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best Production Print Manufacturer: Ricoh USA (Winner), Canon U.S.A., Xerox
Best IT and Security Services Provider: ConnectWise (Winner), Kaseya, All Covered (a division of Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A.)
Best Print Management Software Provider: ACDI and PaperCut (Winners), ECI Software Solutions/Printanista, ecoprintQ
Best Technical Service Provider: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (Winner), Ricoh USA, Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best ECM/Document Management Software Provider: DocuWare (Winner), ACDI, Square 9 Softworks
Excellence in Innovation: Ricoh USA (Winner), Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America, Toshiba America Business Solutions
Best Manufacturer: Sharp Imaging and Information Company of America (Winner), Kyocera Document Solutions America, Ricoh USA

In addition to recognizing companies and products, two special awards were also presented. The Frank G. Cannata Philanthropy Award was awarded to Jerry Blaine, president and CEO of LDI Connect, highlighting his significant contributions to the community. Furthermore, the Outstanding Veteran Award went to Stew Campbell of Datamax in Arkansas, showcasing dedication beyond corporate achievements.

CJ Cannata, the president and CEO of The Cannata Report, expressed satisfaction in celebrating the accomplishments of the industry during such a momentous event. He stated, "The Frank Awards shine a spotlight on the innovative companies and their products and solutions that set new benchmarks in our industry. We are honored to tribute the winners at our Gala, marking 40 years of achievements alongside tremendous support for our fundraising initiative, which aids diabetes research in memory of Mike McGuirk."

Celebrated at The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ, the gala featured emceeing by Robert Goldberg and a comedic performance by Larry Weiss. Corporate sponsorships fueled the evening’s success, with key contributions from ConnectWise, Distribution Management, and HP supporting the cause. Over the years, The Cannata Report has raised nearly $1.75 million for the Hackensack Meridian Hackensack Medical Center Foundation and more than $3.5 million overall for various charities nationwide.

Founded in 1982, The Cannata Report remains the go-to source for industry insights within the document imaging realm, covering numerous topics from managed IT solutions to digital transformation and everything in between. This annual gala serves as both a celebration of innovation and a heartfelt reminder of the industry’s commitment to social responsibility.