Punchy and Blazek honoured with ASGA Lifetime Membership Awards

Punchy and Blazek honoured with ASGA Lifetime Membership Awards

At the recent Currie Group 2024 National Sign & Graphics Awards, two industry stalwarts, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, were honoured with Lifetime Memberships, recognising their significant contributions to the Australian signage and graphics sector.

Michael Punch, a long-serving figure within the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), was recognised for his 18 years of service to the industry, primarily as General Manager and later as Member & Events Manager. ASGA President Mick Harrold praised Punch’s efforts to transform the ASGA into a professional and national body. Harrold highlighted how Punch was instrumental in developing member benefits, increasing membership numbers, and strengthening the industry's networking and educational efforts.

“For ten years as General Manager, Punchy ran a one-person office, establishing many of the member benefits which we enjoy today and, as a consequence, increasing membership numbers significantly,” said Harrold. “He has been a wonderful resource, a wise and astute advisor, and a steadfast support to industry businesses, all of whom hold him in the highest esteem.”

Punch’s early career in education, where he held senior positions as a teacher and sports coach, provided him with a strong foundation for his eventual role in the signage industry. His passion for promoting career opportunities within the industry saw him champion initiatives like the Sign & Print Career Connections program, targeting senior school students. His work organising industry events, including golf tournaments and the National Sign & Graphics Awards, earned him widespread respect. Harrold noted that Punch's ability to bring people together and his ongoing mentorship had a lasting impact on the community.

Similarly, Michael Blazek, a veteran of the neon sign-making industry, was awarded Lifetime Membership in recognition of his role in advancing the signage sector. Originally from Wisconsin, USA, Blazek’s neon signage career began under his father's guidance. After a successful stint in New Zealand and later in Seattle, Blazek moved to Brisbane in the 1990s, where he co-founded a business specialising in neon signage.

Reflecting on his career, Blazek says, “Neon has a certain fascination for people. It has a long history and is embedded in our memories, whether from films, commercials, or ‘after dark’ scenes in large cities or a lone red ‘MOTEL’ sign gleaming off in the distance. Its rich glow that penetrates the darkness and all weather is what ultimately captures and holds the viewer’s eye.”

Punchy and Blazek honoured with ASGA Lifetime Membership Awards

At the recent Currie Group 2024 National Sign & Graphics Awards, two industry stalwarts, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, were honoured with Lifetime Memberships, recognising their significant contributions to the Australian signage and graphics sector.

Michael Punch, a long-serving figure within the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), was recognised for his 18 years of service to the industry, primarily as General Manager and later as Member & Events Manager. ASGA President Mick Harrold praised Punch’s efforts to transform the ASGA into a professional and national body. Harrold highlighted how Punch was instrumental in developing member benefits, increasing membership numbers, and strengthening the industry's networking and educational efforts.

“For ten years as General Manager, Punchy ran a one-person office, establishing many of the member benefits which we enjoy today and, as a consequence, increasing membership numbers significantly,” said Harrold. “He has been a wonderful resource, a wise and astute advisor, and a steadfast support to industry businesses, all of whom hold him in the highest esteem.”

Punch’s early career in education, where he held senior positions as a teacher and sports coach, provided him with a strong foundation for his eventual role in the signage industry. His passion for promoting career opportunities within the industry saw him champion initiatives like the Sign & Print Career Connections program, targeting senior school students. His work organising industry events, including golf tournaments and the National Sign & Graphics Awards, earned him widespread respect. Harrold noted that Punch's ability to bring people together and his ongoing mentorship had a lasting impact on the community.

Similarly, Michael Blazek, a veteran of the neon sign-making industry, was awarded Lifetime Membership in recognition of his role in advancing the signage sector. Originally from Wisconsin, USA, Blazek’s neon signage career began under his father's guidance. After a successful stint in New Zealand and later in Seattle, Blazek moved to Brisbane in the 1990s, where he co-founded a business specialising in neon signage.

Reflecting on his career, Blazek says, “Neon has a certain fascination for people. It has a long history and is embedded in our memories, whether from films, commercials, or ‘after dark’ scenes in large cities or a lone red ‘MOTEL’ sign gleaming off in the distance. Its rich glow that penetrates the darkness and all weather is what ultimately captures and holds the viewer’s eye.”

At the recent Currie Group 2024 National Sign & Graphics Awards, two industry stalwarts, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, were honoured with Lifetime Memberships, recognising their significant contributions to the Australian signage and graphics sector.

Michael Punch, a long-serving figure within the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), was recognised for his 18 years of service to the industry, primarily as General Manager and later as Member & Events Manager. ASGA President Mick Harrold praised Punch’s efforts to transform the ASGA into a professional and national body. Harrold highlighted how Punch was instrumental in developing member benefits, increasing membership numbers, and strengthening the industry's networking and educational efforts.

“For ten years as General Manager, Punchy ran a one-person office, establishing many of the member benefits which we enjoy today and, as a consequence, increasing membership numbers significantly,” said Harrold. “He has been a wonderful resource, a wise and astute advisor, and a steadfast support to industry businesses, all of whom hold him in the highest esteem.”
Punch’s early career in education, where he held senior positions as a teacher and sports coach, provided him with a strong foundation for his eventual role in the signage industry. His passion for promoting career opportunities within the industry saw him champion initiatives like the Sign & Print Career Connections program, targeting senior school students. His work organising industry events, including golf tournaments and the National Sign & Graphics Awards, earned him widespread respect. Harrold noted that Punch's ability to bring people together and his ongoing mentorship had a lasting impact on the community.

Similarly, Michael Blazek, a veteran of the neon sign-making industry, was awarded Lifetime Membership in recognition of his role in advancing the signage sector. Originally from Wisconsin, USA, Blazek’s neon signage career began under his father's guidance. After a successful stint in New Zealand and later in Seattle, Blazek moved to Brisbane in the 1990s, where he co-founded a business specialising in neon signage.
Reflecting on his career, Blazek says, “Neon has a certain fascination for people. It has a long history and is embedded in our memories, whether from films, commercials, or ‘after dark’ scenes in large cities or a lone red ‘MOTEL’ sign gleaming off in the distance. Its rich glow that penetrates the darkness and all weather is what ultimately captures and holds the viewer’s eye.”
 
Blazek's passion for the art of neon bending and his drive to ensure the craft's survival saw him take up leadership roles, including serving as President of the Queensland Sign Association, which later merged with ASGA. His advocacy extended beyond neon, as he contributed to education reforms and training initiatives for the broader sign industry.
Punch and Blazek have left indelible marks on the Australian signage industry through their leadership, mentorship, and tireless efforts to elevate the sector. Their Lifetime Memberships reflect the high regard their peers hold for them, and their legacies will continue to influence the industry for years.

Blazek's passion for the art of neon bending and his drive to ensure the craft's survival saw him take up leadership roles, including serving as President of the Queensland Sign Association, which later merged with ASGA. His advocacy extended beyond neon, as he contributed to education reforms and training initiatives for the broader sign industry.

Punch and Blazek have left indelible marks on the Australian signage industry through their leadership, mentorship, and tireless efforts to elevate the sector. Their Lifetime Memberships reflect the high regard their peers hold for them, and their legacies will continue to influence the industry for years.

Punchy and Blazek honoured with ASGA Lifetime Membership Awards

At the recent Currie Group 2024 National Sign & Graphics Awards, two industry stalwarts, Michael Punch and Michael Blazek, were honoured with Lifetime Memberships, recognising their significant contributions to the Australian signage and graphics sector.

Michael Punch, a long-serving figure within the Australian Sign & Graphics Association (ASGA), was recognised for his 18 years of service to the industry, primarily as General Manager and later as Member & Events Manager. ASGA President Mick Harrold praised Punch’s efforts to transform the ASGA into a professional and national body. Harrold highlighted how Punch was instrumental in developing member benefits, increasing membership numbers, and strengthening the industry's networking and educational efforts.

“For ten years as General Manager, Punchy ran a one-person office, establishing many of the member benefits which we enjoy today and, as a consequence, increasing membership numbers significantly,” said Harrold. “He has been a wonderful resource, a wise and astute advisor, and a steadfast support to industry businesses, all of whom hold him in the highest esteem.”

Punch’s early career in education, where he held senior positions as a teacher and sports coach, provided him with a strong foundation for his eventual role in the signage industry. His passion for promoting career opportunities within the industry saw him champion initiatives like the Sign & Print Career Connections program, targeting senior school students. His work organising industry events, including golf tournaments and the National Sign & Graphics Awards, earned him widespread respect. Harrold noted that Punch's ability to bring people together and his ongoing mentorship had a lasting impact on the community.

Similarly, Michael Blazek, a veteran of the neon sign-making industry, was awarded Lifetime Membership in recognition of his role in advancing the signage sector. Originally from Wisconsin, USA, Blazek’s neon signage career began under his father's guidance. After a successful stint in New Zealand and later in Seattle, Blazek moved to Brisbane in the 1990s, where he co-founded a business specialising in neon signage.

Reflecting on his career, Blazek says, “Neon has a certain fascination for people. It has a long history and is embedded in our memories, whether from films, commercials, or ‘after dark’ scenes in large cities or a lone red ‘MOTEL’ sign gleaming off in the distance. Its rich glow that penetrates the darkness and all weather is what ultimately captures and holds the viewer’s eye.”

Blazek's passion for the art of neon bending and his drive to ensure the craft's survival saw him take up leadership roles, including serving as President of the Queensland Sign Association, which later merged with ASGA. His advocacy extended beyond neon, as he contributed to education reforms and training initiatives for the broader sign industry.

Punch and Blazek have left indelible marks on the Australian signage industry through their leadership, mentorship, and tireless efforts to elevate the sector. Their Lifetime Memberships reflect the high regard their peers hold for them, and their legacies will continue to influence the industry for years.

Blazek's passion for the art of neon bending and his drive to ensure the craft's survival saw him take up leadership roles, including serving as President of the Queensland Sign Association, which later merged with ASGA. His advocacy extended beyond neon, as he contributed to education reforms and training initiatives for the broader sign industry.

Punch and Blazek have left indelible marks on the Australian signage industry through their leadership, mentorship, and tireless efforts to elevate the sector. Their Lifetime Memberships reflect the high regard their peers hold for them, and their legacies will continue to influence the industry for years.