The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession.
« MARK TWAIN (1835 – 1910)
Recent headlines have revolved heavily around the “official” stepping down of oft-controversial Cuban leader, Fidel Castro. During his near 50 years of rule, the impoverished people of the Caribbean nation have felt the strain of a closed economy. But, with just a week under their belts, the new regime, led by Castro’s brother Raúl, has already signed into law two international human-rights treaties (both of which were long opposed by the elder Castro).
While most of the United States remains skeptical of any real change
Read More
On the island of St. Croix, USVI—my native homeland—we have a saying that goes: “Hurry dog eat raw corn.” In phonetically written, local-dialect form, the saying would look (and sound) something like this: Huh-ree dawg eat rawh kahn. It simply means: those who make hasty and poorly-thoughtout decisions will reap the fruitless, sometimes harsh, repercussions thereof.
So, in the spirit of “Hurry dog eat raw corn,” this week, I wanted to highlight a few bloopers I’ve made as an editor for this fine publication over the years. Sometimes, it’s good to laugh at ourselves—actually, it’s often good to do so.
1. Hurry
Read More
Millions of Americans are about to feel like the Griswalds in National Lampoon’s Family Vacation (Moose out front should have told you). Desperate for their next venti latte, they will (or, depending on when you read this, they have) approached the local java brewery only to find the doors locked and themselves coffee blocked. That’s right, Starbucks is having an unprecedented three-hour-universe-wide shut down in an attempt to re-energize the barista population (They do know they work all day with caffeine, right?). I can only imagine how the meeting will go. Hopped up managers extolling company pride, talking brightly about the
Read More
Alan Vaught, CEO, of Garden Grove California-based Evans Manufacturing, announced the company was recognized with a Supplier Star Award (in the S10 sales category – $20,000,001 to 50,000,000) at the 2008 PPAI Annual Awards Presentation & Dinner, held in January at The PPAI Expo 2008 in Las Vegas. Recipients of the Supplier Star Award are selected by ballot vote of industry distributors. PPAI states that recipients of the PPAI Supplier Star Award epitomize overall excellence both in service and product quality. Vaught commented, “We are very proud to be honored with a Supplier Star Award, especially on our 25th anniversary. We have been
Read More
Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc., recently announced Block Graphics – Denver and Skyline Business Forms will now operate under the Ennis brand name. Ennis, Inc. acquired Skyline Business Forms, one of the largest manufacturers of business forms in the Rocky Mountain market, October. The acquisition of Block Graphics – Denver, a manufacturer of short-run print products and envelopes, was completed last August 2006. Block Graphics – Denver and Skyline Business Forms combined their manufacturing operations on December 4, 2007. The name change became effective February 5, 2008. Dale Donati, vice president-business unit director over the combined Denver facility, said “The name change builds on
Read More
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, hired a regional sales manager for the Wisconsin territory and a regional sales manager to represent Leed’s in the Wash., Ore., and Idaho regions. The company also adjusted the sales structure by reassigning roles within the customer service model. Luke Hensler began representing Leed’s as the regional sales manager in Wis. in February. Hensler is an 11-year veteran to the promotional product industry, having joined Leed’s from Hartwell Apparel, Hartwell, Ga. In 2008, Hensler was elected as the president of the Promotional Product Association of Wisconsin. Shelley Stewart will join the Leed’s team on March
Read More
Last August, Clearwater, Florida-based, BIC Graphic USA acquired Atchison Products, a supplier of promotional totes, bags, coolers and backpacks. After 13 months of discussion, due diligence, the completion of the acquisition and BIC/Atchison integration, principals Dan Fangman and Dolly Duffy have elected to exercise their option and leave the company, effective March 1, 2008. “On behalf of BIC, we would like to congratulate Dan and Dolly on their success in building a small family-owned business over 18 years into a recognized industry leader,” said Jack Teague, president – BIC Group Graphic. “We would also like to thank them for their hard work and dedication
Read More
Alpha Shirt Company and Broder Bros., both based in Trevose, Pa. announced their 2008 Open House Event Series, which will be held at their dual branded distribution centers throughout the country in 2008. The current schedule includes the following cities and dates: • Orlando, FL – March 13th • Philadelphia, PA – April 17th • Chicago, IL – September 25th • Dallas, TX – October 23rd Open House Events invite customers into their local distribution centers for a full day filled with brand presentations, seminars and tours of the distribution center, in addition to free product giveaways,
Read More
Based in St. Paul, Minn., Crystal D, a leading supplier of crystal awards, plaques, trophies and corporate gifts, donated to Freedom Calls Foundation to help support the foundation’s effort to provide communication services to military families. The Freedom Calls Foundation is a public charity that provides state-of-the-art communication services free of charge to military families. This foundation provides more than 2,000 video conferences and more than 1.5 million minutes of free telephone calls every month. “Crystal D donated to this foundation because it provides such an important service to the people serving the United States, as well as their families,” said Cathy
Read More
Phoenix-based Virgo Publishing, publisher of Corporate Logo Magazine, announced it has been acquired by Arlington Capital Partners, a Washington based private-equity fund with more than $1 billion of committed capital under management. Arlington Capital Partners is a middle market private equity firm focused on buyouts and recapitalizations in targeted growth industries in partnership with management. The firm leverages a combination of private equity and operating experience, as well as an extensive network of strategic contacts. Founded in 1986 and based in Phoenix, Virgo publishes 17 national trade magazines and produces 10 trade shows and conferences across several industry groups. Virgo president and CEO
Read More
