PMA to honor 2010 Hall of Fame recipient Ron Koch

The award is the highest honor of the association. The recipients are selected by the PMA Board of Trustees based on career success and their role in the advancement of the photo imaging industry. Koch will be honored during the Official Business Session, Sunday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. 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., 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 received the Distinguished Service Award in 2000.

Most important, Koch mentored and helped develop many associates that 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 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 Eckerd’s 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 roll out 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 of the photo industry, Koch supports several worthy endeavors. Among the beneficiaries of his efforts are his church, United Way, Little League, Junior Achievement, Children’s Miracle Network, and Bay Area Youth for Christ. He was honored by the American Jewish Committee with their Human Relations Award in 1997. Koch and his wife, Gloria, have six children and eight grandchildren and reside in Seminole, Fla.