Clem Johnson receives Fespa Life Member Award

The Fespa Australia board has awarded past-president Clem Johnson with the Association’s highest accolade, the Life Member Award, recognising his services to the industry.

Johnson’s involvement with Fespa Australia began in 1998 as treasurer of the Queensland brand of SGIAA (now Fespa Australia). In 2005 he was elected federal president of SGIAA and served in that role for 11 years.

According to Nigel Davies, Fespa Australia president, Johnson took on his presidency during a challenging time for the Association.

“Digital technologies were changing our traditional membership profile, and Clem championed our drive to join the global community to capitalise on opportunities this trend would bring,” explains Davies.

“His efforts lead to SGIAA being granted Fespa Associate Membership, and ultimately, Full Membership of the Fespa federation.

“It is a privilege to have worked with Clem during his time as president, and FESPA Australia is stronger today for the foundations that he and his board put in place. I have the highest regard for him personally and professionally.”

Johnson’s professional career started with C&S Designed in Brisbane during the late 1970s, where he gained a Cert 3 in Printing and Graphic Arts.

In 1989 he established his own business, Reid Print Technologies - which he still owns and operates - to design, develop and manufacture a range of functional printed products for industrial and commercial applications.

“I have been fortunate through my time with Fespa Australia to meet many wonderful industry people, both locally and overseas. Hearing their stories, sharing in their passion for the industry and simply catching up, is priceless,” says Johnson.

Throughout his time, Johnson was passionate about training and served tirelessly on initiatives such as the Future Print Pilot Project, steering committees on apprenticeship training and the Glen Crera Training Trust.