Thomas W. Schramm, far right, is offered best wishes for his retirement by Graphic Arts Industry Joint Pension Trust co-chairmen Virgil W. Wright, center, and GCIU Vice Pres. Leonard E. Adams.

Thomas W. Schramm, a founding trustee for Chicago area employers of the Graphic Arts Industry Joint Pension Trust, retired at the trustees' meeting in February.

GCIU Vice Pres. Leonard E. Adams, who co-chairs the trust along with employer co-chairman Virgil W. Wright, said that Schramm "has been an outstanding trustee. He never wavered from doing what was in the best interests of the participants in the plan."

Adams added that "it certainly has been a pleasure working with him for the past 18 years."

Wright said that "if it hadn't been for Schramm and [retired Executive Vice Pres. and original fund co-chairman] Eugene Boerner, there never would have been a Joint Pension Trust. Many times, people were ready to give up on the concept. Schramm was the originator of the idea to form the fund."

John Price, JPT fund administrator, noted that "everyone associated with the JPT will miss Tom's vast experience and knowledge in the pension field. His hard work and dedication have paid off in providing better benefits for the recipients of the fund."

The JPT has 9,000 active and retired participants. The fund was originally started with $15 million by six bookbinder locals. The fund now has assets in excess of $300 million, including mergers and new participants.

Adams and Wright said any GCIU local is welcome to inquire into participating in the JPT.