On the evening of Nov. 29, Norm Friedrich, president of Octanorm USA, was awarded the coveted Exhibit Designers and Producers Association (EDPA) Ambassador Award. The award is granted to an individual who tirelessly promotes the activities of the EDPA and who has made an outstanding contribution to the organization and the exhibition industry as a whole.
Friedrich has served on the EDPA board since 1997 and served as EDPA president in 2003. After serving his term as president, Friedrich continued to promote his motto to “Put the ‘D’ back in EDPA.”
“Over the years, the EDPA has created many new programs and initiatives needing help from its members. Norm has always raised his hand to help,” said Larry Kulchawik, past EDPA president and senior vice president at 3D Exhibits. “He is the EDPA version of the Energizer bunny who just keeps on giving. His dedication to education and support for the exhibition industry is deeply appreciated.”
Friedrich has served on the grassroots EDPA education committee to promote the master’s degree program at the Fashion Institute of Technology and the undergraduate program at Bemidji State University. Both programs are creating a talented group of exhibit designers for the industry. In addition, Octanorm USA has provided the EDPA University Affiliation exhibit at the EXHIBITOR for the past five years and donated its time, materials and effort to help promote both educational programs.
Friedrich also continues to serve on the EDPA Foundation, which provides financial assistance to industry families in need as well as scholarships to students of industry families and those pursuing a career in exhibition design.
Octanorm USA is an Atlanta-based exhibit-systems manufacturer and distribution facility serving 52 countries. Friedrich moved to Atlanta from his hometown in Toronto in 1989 to open Octanorm USA. He has been an active member of EDPA for 23 years.
