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Thursday
April 12, 2007 Baby’s life saved | Real heroes where we liveFiled under: Community, News About ASI I believe that there are many hidden heroes living within our local communities, and that they have an impact on our lives every day through their volunteerism, admirable leadership, and heroic acts. Alex Maratea, daughter of Jim Maratea, who works at ASI, is one of these people and she was just honored as a Real Hero by The American Red Cross for her bravery in saving the life of her nephew, Derrian.
Me, with Alex Maratea and nephew, Derrian, and Jim Maratea at a recognition event hosted by the Red Cross.
Tuesday
April 10, 2007 GOT SPIRIT? | Super Embroidery redefines super…Filed under: Members, News About ASI The spirit found in running a family business is very evident in a story that Anna Johnson, owner and founder of Super Embroidery Inc., shared with us – as she was being presented with the Stitches Magazine Family Business award at the ASI Spirit Awards a few weeks ago. Super Embroidery Inc. was started in 1990 by Anna, with just one employee and two embroidery machines. Three years ago, her business was booming and running better than ever, and then in December, 2005, Anna had to leave the business due to an illness.
In the photo: Johnny Johnson, Anna’s husband, with Anna, myself, and Lou Meagher, Anna’s mother.
Sunday
April 8, 2007 Guest Blog: Navigating the Trade Only Show in the U.K.Filed under: Guest Blog, Industry Initiatives, News About ASI From Dale Denham, senior vice president at ASI: I just returned from attending the launch of another trade show, but this time in the United Kingdom, where it seems that some people think there is an opportunity for a better trade show. The show was held in Coventry and hosted by Trade Only, which positioned the show just a few weeks after the Promota Show – held in Birmingham in mid-February. Upon my arrival, unlike most people who visit the U.K., I opted against public transportation and decided to rent a car. I thought it would be a good refresher to drive on the left side of the road, since the last time I did that was in Australia in 2001.
Wednesday
April 4, 2007 Hall of Fame | Don’t forget your roots, for better businessFiled under: Community, News About ASI One of the items on my “Top Ten Ways To Be More Successful” list is to never forget where it is that you came from. On Tuesday I had an experience that drove this point home in real-time. I was one of thirteen people inducted into the Journalism Hall of Fame at my alma mater – Ball State University.
The honor recognized success in business and contributions to philanthropy and I share these accomplishments with many people – including associates and friends in the advertising specialty and publishing industries. Marilyn Weaver, chairperson of the journalism department, hosted the ceremony and presented me with a plaque (left) for the honor. David Knott, associate professor emeritus of journalism at Ball State, was also present. He helped me learn about the field as I pursued my degree in journalism and he was the faculty advisor for The Ball State Daily News when I was an editor and columnist there.
Friday
March 30, 2007 GOT SPIRIT? | SnugZ Sure DoesFiled under: Members, News About ASI I wanted to share some of the SnugZ story with you that was shared with nearly 400 distributors, suppliers and decorators at the ASI Spirit Awards last week in Las Vegas for the presentation of the Supplier Family Business of the Year award. SnugZ will get you thinking about how you view your employees, your clients and your family and how you can run a better businessby treating others as you wish to be treated. Started in 1989 with just a single product, SnugZ is a second-generation business and was founded by Patti Hicks – winner of the ASI Woman of Distinction Award in 2003. Family businesses have to manage through many transitions, including the passing of family members. Unfortunately, in SnugZ’s case, it was Patti’s sudden and unexpected death in 2004.
Monday
March 26, 2007 I RAN WITH THE WOLVESFiled under: Members, News About ASI I spent this weekend in Minneapolis visiting with ASI distributors and suppliers at three educational, fun, engaging events. (I was joined by ASI vice presidents Susanne Curry, head of ASI marketing, and Heather DiPrato, who manages distributor services in Minnesota and the surrounding states.) On Sunday afternoon, I attended a Timberwolves basketball game at the invitation of the Taylor Corporation – which has several ASI supplier companies and whose owner, billionaire Glen Taylor, happens to own the team. Taylor hosted several local distributors, and we had a great time watching the Timberwolves beat Portland in a close one, 94-93. (The team has been having a tough couple of seasons, so a win was nice to cheer along!) At the end of the game, each guest in our skybox was presented with a gift bag of eight Timberwolves ad specialties – including a heavy duty travel mug, an embroidered (and slightly scary) black hat and a luggage tag. My favorite item was a high-quality pen imprinted with “I RAN WITH THE WOLVES” – which I think is catchy and fun.
Thursday
March 22, 2007 GOT SPIRIT? Geiger’s Spirit Awards story inspires growth | plus Jay Leno and Vegas picsFiled under: Members, News About ASI We’re back from the 2007 ASI Spirit Awards at the ASI Show Las Vegas – where the show delivered on our projection of over 3,700 attendees – and this year’s Spirit Awards ceremony was more exciting than ever. In addition to celebrating innovative advertising and outstanding customer service and honoring the fastest-growing suppliers and distributors, we acknowledged three family businesses that represent the best practices in family business and our industry. The backgrounds of the family businesses honored – Geiger, SnugZ and Super Embroidery – are fascinating and each tells a unique story that reflects the dynamic and innovative nature of our industry. |
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