Capacity to Care

Kennon Products, Inc. Introduces its Core Values

2011-08-27T15:21:00.006-06:00

Kennon Products, Inc. and its subsidiary, Bella Graphics & Display, have developed an official set of core values applicable to both companies.

Members of the Kennon and Bella teams worked together to define these values over the past few months. Now we would like to present its core values:

This concept speaks for itself. Kennon believes strongly in the notion of compassion and consideration for people, whether it be a non-profit organization that serves the community, military personnel that dedicate their lives to protect our country, a colleague who works overtime to finish a project or a customer who seeks advice on a product.

The safety of colleagues and customers is a top priority at Kennon. Kennon encourages everyone to work safely, play safely and live safely at all times.

Urgency does not equate to cutting corners. Kennon values efficiency, but also strives for exceptional and reliable products and services. Kennon promises “Safer Covers Built to Last” and it must live up to that promise.

Kennon has an inside joke about completing tasks or projects “by Friday.” Granted, this isn’t a feasible deadline for many projects, but the idea of completing a task efficiently and in a timely manner is of the utmost importance.

The term “quality” holds different meaning for different people. Kennon believes in delivering products and services that not only meet a customer’s expectation or definition of quality, but exceeds it. Kennon desires to make good on its promises and to be held accountable.

Innovation has become a necessity in today’s world. Kennon encourages both employees and customers to think outside of the box and exercise creativity, because fear holds people back from achievement all too often.

This signifies transparency, both to co-workers and customers. Every employee has the ability and the authority to do right by customers and to speak truthfully.

Kennon encourages its employees to enjoy themselves, no matter where they are. Keeping the work environment fun enhances employee relationships and productivity.

The hiring process at Kennon is very selective. Once the right person joins the team, Kennon strives to keep that person and help him/her become the best he/she can be.

In alignment with being held accountable and having shared authority to do the right thing, Kennon encourages feedback from employees and customers. Kennon wishes to maintain lines of communication that are transparent, always truthful and considerate of others.

Adopt-a-Park

2011-07-23T20:33:00.004-06:00

Sheridan's first Adopt-a-Park program was a success! About 20 members of the Capacity to Care team arrived at Kendrick Park on Monday, July 18th to sweep pavilions, scrape gum and other debris from park property, remove yard waste and pick up trash (especially cigarette butts).

Top: Owner Ron Kensey hard at work picking up trash

Bottom: Laura Carbert and Dakotah Gali sweep one of Kendrick's pavilions

We were very pleased with our clean up job and we hope that more local businesses will participate in the Adopt-a-Park program. We'd like to extend a special thanks to Chuck Carbert, Sheridan's Parks Director for all of his hard work!

The Man Behind the Printer

2011-07-15T15:04:00.008-06:00

Have you ever seen a large format printer? It is quite impressive. The mere size of the device and its capabilities are fascinating. We are quite proud of our large format printer and are constantly amazed by its quality. The real story, though, is the man behind the printer. His name is Dwayne Hoopes.

Dwayne Hoopes loads fabric into Bella's large format printer.

Dwayne embodies the value of caring that we strive so hard for here at Bella Graphics & Display. When asked what he would do in the event that he won the lottery, he was quick to say that he would take care of his family.

"They've been taking care of me my whole life, so it's only fair that I take care of them."

Not only is he compassionate, but he also recognizes the value of giving back. He realizes that we all possess the capacity to care.

His mindset is truly inspiring when one considers the obstacles he has overcome. After years of struggling with addiction, Dwayne left everything he knew in Utah and made a fresh start for himself here in Sheridan. He joined our production team in November of 2010. When we needed someone to run the printer, Dwayne was quick to step up to the plate, even though he had no prior experience.

We couldn't have asked for a better candidate to fill that vacancy. Dwayne handles each project with the precision and care of a professional. He is down-to-earth, easy to work with and his story is incredibly touching. Next time you see one of our banners, signs, posters, etc., we hope you'll think of the man behind the printer.

Community Partnership

2011-06-30T14:59:00.008-06:00

Through our Capacity to Care program, Kennon Products is partnering with Joey's FlyFishing Foundation, Inc. to provide youth in the community with products that will enhance their fly fishing experiences.

Joey's is a local non-profit that offers mentoring programs to youth, allowing them to experience fly fishing, personally hand craft their own rods, fly-tying and much more. Through Capacity to Care, Kennon will provide Joey's participants with fly rod covers, reel cases and other products made from recycled materials. Our sincerest hope is that the partnership will deliver positive, memorable experiences to the youth in our community.

The partnership was initiated by Kennon's Production and Customer Service Manager, Rhonda Gould (pictured below). Rhonda identified a need for a fly rod case that would be inexpensive and convenient for Joey's participants. She volunteered her time to design and sew these cases.

Above: Rhonda Gould cutting mesh material at Kennon's production facility

In alignment with Kennon's "Go Green" efforts, Rhonda chose to reuse scrap material for the cases. We'll continue this initiative with the products we create for this partnership. This will help to reduce waste and reinforce the environment-friendly behaviours that Joey's teaches its participants.

For more information about Joey's, visit http://www.joeysflyfishing.com/.

I Think Highly of the Concept of Volunteer Organization

2011-05-22T22:26:00.002-06:00

I watched the finally of Celebrity Apprentice. They raised over 3 million for good causes. What a great show. We need more shows that help fund worthy causes. As you know, I believe non-governmental funded organizations are a better value than government managed or contracted programs.

No need to raise taxes or do away with the charitable tax deductions. They should make charitable gift a tax credit. Then do away with government contracted social programs.

Keystone Awards

2011-04-30T15:25:00.001-06:00

Three Honored at 1st Annual Keystone Awards | Sheridan Media - Serving Sheridan Wyoming & Buffalo Wy

Bella Graphics and Display was pleased to support this outstanding event, honoring these fine citizens for their lifetime of community service!

Torch Award

2011-04-22T07:41:00.000-06:00

Last night Kennon Products was among the 12 companies honored by the
Better Business Bureau of Northern Colorado and Wyoming at their
annual Torch Awards Dinner. Torch Awards are given to businesses that
best exemplify the highest standards of business ethics in how they
interact with customers, employees and their community. There were
about 500 people in attendance and it truly was a well produced event
with a variety of entertainers, video production, and an excellent
reception and dinner.

The top award in our category ( 25 to 100 employees) was presented to
Drahota, a Fort Collins construction firm. Their story is inspiring as
were so many told throughout the evening. During the downturn in the
economy, instead of reducing their workforce Drahota sent their
workers into the community to do home repairs for the elderly. They
have a wellness program for their employees and provide loaner
bicycles. They have raised thousands of dollars in special events such
as Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

We congratulate Drahota, the winners in the other three categories and
all of the finalists. It truly was an inspiring evening. We are proud
to be among the those honored for trust and ethics and motivated by
the many wonderful stories to try even harder.

--
Ronald J. Kensey, President
Kennon Products, Inc
www.kennonproducts.com

2011-04-16T11:54:00.001-06:00

At a time like this we can't afford the luxury of thinking.

President confuses charitable tax deduction with spending

2011-04-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

I am confused. I thought there was a difference between "revenue and expenses" Taxing and spending ..

In his speech last night the President of the United States said “The tax code is also loaded up with spending on things like itemized deductions,” Obama said. “And while I agree with the goals of many of these deductions, like home ownership or charitable giving, we cannot ignore the fact that they provide millionaires an average tax break of $75,000 while doing nothing for the typical middle-class family that doesn’t itemize.”

The tax code is not loaded with spending .. your budget is loaded with spending! That's the problem!

It is absolutely frightening when he says that charitable giving ..(non-profits) really doesn't do a thing for the middle class .. I thought that the third sector existed to help the less fortunate among us. ... I guess that it's only large government spending programs that do ..

Oh my Atlas Shruged. Careful non-profits ... as goes the charitable deduction so goes you. The government is going broke, don't expect to be funded with tax dollars or find a job in a government office building.

Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/134446/20110414/obama-calls-for-limits-on-itemized-deductions.htm#ixzz1JXARLpEu

Not to non-profits who belly up to the trough

2011-04-13T09:25:00.001-06:00

Non-profits and donors will likely be need to pick up the safety net for the least among us when the government can't pay it's bills. As my mother used to ask,"you think money grows on trees?

Washington goes down to the wire over saving only enough to pay for 2 days interest on the national debt.

I don't know many taxpayers who want to intrust the federal gov with more money as in more taxes. They obviously do not know how to balance a checkbook! I would rather give it to well run voluntary organizations. The ones that actually have donors and volunteers and do more than belly up to the troth.

Charities Aid Foundation releases "World Giving Index"

2011-04-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Charities Aid Foundation releases "World Giving Index" and I don't know what to make of it. American, the former "giving" super power now ranks 5th behind Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the leader of them all, Austrailia.

And... The study also found that being happy is more of an influence on giving money to charity than being wealthy. Things are not rotten in Denmark, the Danes had a score of 8.0 compared to 7.2 for the USA and Austria. America is pretty grumpy right now because we got beat out by Canada, 7.5

Brian O'Connell a Champion of the Independent Sector

2011-04-11T07:30:00.001-06:00

After hearing that Brian O'Connell,one of the founders of The Independent Sector had passed I couldn't help think about my mentors. Brian had worked for American Heart Association for 12 years early in his career,before my time,but Earl Beagle, John Connolly, and Warren Duntley spoke highly of Brian and shared his teachings. He was an expert at working with boards and volunteers. He was a real community organizer.

Amazingly, it was at least 30 years ago that I learned from Brian, the fact that I still remember him and his teaching and still apply it is a tribute to him. I know that he would agree with me that the third sector has a greater role to play in the future of our great country. God bless you Brian.

Tax the rich or else....

2011-04-10T21:26:00.000-06:00

I started thinking about how non-profits could bailout the federal government because I got tired of listening to the debate over the repeal of the Bush tax rate cuts. I'm all for the wealthy contributing more to make this country a better place. I just think that volunteers make better stewards of money than are politicians.

Ask yourself, where do you think that you would you do get the biggest bang for your buck, having it distributed by politicians or by the volunteer board of the non-profits of your choice?

So, instead of fighting about tax rates and cuts in discretionary spending, let there be a choice, go ahead and fix the tax system and give those who must pay over-and-above a choice, pay it in taxes or give it to pay it to volunteer 501(c3)organizations of your choice. One will leverage that dollar by at least 10 times through volunteers and the other will not.

Which would be better for your cause?

Cause Related Marketing Takes Many Forms

2011-04-10T07:00:00.002-06:00

There are many ways for a business to benefit by relating to a cause. A payment to the non-profit based on sales or projected sales is only one. Probably the most common.

Starbucks has built it's brand on being socially responsible. The non-profits they support have done well.

My company has a cause related marketing program that sells to non-profits at cost. It keeps our employees working when times are slow. In return we get recognition and we get business from the volunteers of those organizations, many of whom have businesses and needs of their own.

My point is, Cause Related Marketing comes in many flavors.

It is essential the business and non-profits support each other. I contend that by working together, non-profits can bail out the federal government. Or at least it is more pleasurable to think about as opposed to the national debt. ;-)

What if non-profits had all of the funds they needed?

2011-04-09T21:48:00.000-06:00

What if non-profits had all of the resources they needed? What if they could print money? Many non-profits depend e federal or state funding. The wise ones have avoided depending on it. If the government runs out of money then what?

It the answer is to raise taxes then let's give these tax payees a choice a choice. Pay 3% more in taxes to pay for discretionary programs or the choice to personally distribute that same amount to 501c3 organizations of your choice. The goal being to have fewer government programs and over site and eventually none.

Does this sound bad or good to you? I will tell you how it sounds to an entrepreneur.

#Non-profits need to prepare to bail out the federal government

2011-04-09T12:22:00.002-06:00

My first career was with a major voluntary health organization (17 years.)

Then as a business owner and defense contractor I experienced what the federal government does well and where it falls short. I respect those who serve in elected, enlisted or civilian employment positions within the government, let's be clear about that!

With the ever increasing federal debt, it looks like the government needs help providing a safety net for the least among us. But wait, didn't that used to be the role of non-profits, looking after those who needed a hand up?

There are three unique sectors that serve our society, government, business, and non-profit volunteer organizations. Now is the time for non-profits, supported by the business sector, to bail out the federal government by assuming full responsibility for the least among us. Uncle Sugar has run out of money.   Have faith, we did it once we can do it again!

2011-04-09T11:55:00.001-06:00

Blogging about the third sector

Wages as a fixed expense

2011-02-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Since we don't layoff workers we consider labor as a fixed expense or as an expense that is regular part of our overhead. We have very little turn-over and we feel this has helped us maintain quality.

We are very careful in the selection process. Most employees come to us by referral and usually start out as temporary or in the case of exempt staff, contractors. Try before you buy.

How 3 small businesses stood up to larger competitors

2010-03-17T16:59:00.001-06:00

How 3 small businesses stood up to larger competitors

Posted using ShareThis

Working mothers' tips for job seekers Diary of a Recession Baby - MarketWatch

2010-03-16T12:42:00.001-06:00

Working mothers' tips for job seekers Diary of a Recession Baby - MarketWatch

Posted using ShareThis

Private-sector surveys point to jobs recovery.

2010-03-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Each morning I look for positive "job" news stories. For every 20 stories I find one positive story about saving jobs or job recovery. I choose to disregard stories about what the government is doing to "create" jobs, because historically it has been small business, not government, that creates jobs.

Here is a hopeful story. From Reuters

Suggestions for Saving Jobs

2010-03-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

What can a business do to save jobs? What can employees do to keep their jobs? What is your advice or personal experience?

Small Business Owners Taking a Chance Despite Economy

2010-02-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

From the Metrowest Daily News, this is a story about enterprising Americans are starting businesses in lean times. Think big, start small.

How the Recession Made Us Stronger

2010-02-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

A terrific story on how a manufacturing company came up with a strategy they refer to as the four Ps: people, positive cash flow, profits and positioning. Jack Stack, founder of and chief executive of SRC Holdings tells the story of how “open-book” management works in bad times. He asks the question: How did your company face the recession? Did it pull together? Or was it pulled apart? Read more from the New York Times “You’re the Boss,” the Art of Running a Small Business.

How One Business is Surviving and Even Thriving by Taking Action Now!

2010-01-31T20:36:00.000-07:00

This is a story in response to our posting on the National Federation of Indepent Business board. It is about a company that isn't sitting back or waiting to shrivel up and blow away... hope that others find as inspiring as I have.

Health care and fiance jobs are on the upswing

2010-01-29T15:31:00.000-07:00

On a positive note, Simply Hired health care and finance jobs are on the rise as are teaching, criminal investigator and game warden jobs.

Our recent post on the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)

2010-01-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Today I posted this piece on the NFIB forum

I ‘m a business owner with thirty employees and there are two things that disturb me about job losses. First, more often we hear about those companies that lay off workers than those who are doing heroic or creative things to save jobs. Second, most of the news is about what the federal government is doing, will do, or is expected to do to save or create jobs.

The federal government should pay down the debt, reduce taxes, keep us safe and stay out of the way of America’s small businesses so we can do what we have always done- make America prosper.

Layoffs occur when business owners are scared. We usually face that lonesome valley alone. If we redirect the focus to saving jobs, then maybe, we can turn the numbers around. The government can’t do it. But we can.

I have started a blog www.capacitytocare.com and Facebook page entitled Capacity to Care. Each day, we scour the news in search of stories of what businesses and employees are doing to survive and even thrive in this down economy. There are a few, but there must be more.

If you have a positive story, please share it with us. If you are like me, we’re tired of hearing about another company that let the ax fall.

9 Tips for taking control of your carrer in face of layoffs

2010-01-25T09:51:00.000-07:00

Refreshing! There are many stories about people losing jobs, here is one from Mark Cummuta that I found on CIO focused on how to prevent being laid off.

Tracy, California Police Officers Forgo Raises to Save Jobs

2010-01-23T11:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks to police officers in Tracy, Califonia six of their fellow officers retain their jobs. Six jobs saved! Reported on Mecurynews.com Government can't save jobs, nor should it be expected to. However business and people themselves can. Hats off to police department in Tracy!

Time Off Without Pay? Would you Volunteer?

2010-01-23T11:19:00.001-07:00

Would you volunteer for an unpaid furlough to keep your colleagues from losing their jobs? This blog entry from "The Responsibility Project" is an oldie but goodie with plenty of comments!

The take away is that layoffs and dismissals should be the very last resort. They are devastating! This is only one way to avoid them. We need to look for better ways. My thought for today, when you find one, share it quickly with your employer, particularly is things are slow. Be part of the solution, We can stop job loss! Yes we can!

Crowd Sourcing - Chase's Community Giving

2010-01-15T09:20:00.000-07:00

“Crowdsourcing” initiatives are becoming increasingly popular among advertisers ranging from Google Inc. to PepsiCo Inc., especially for charitable cause-related marketing campaigns.

Read more on Medill Reports from Northwestern University

Stressed Out Employees

2010-01-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Productive teams are less likely to be stressed. In the words of my departed mother. "go outside, find something to do!" I think think we have to look outside of the norm and find productive and meaningful things for our teams to do.

Here is an article from the National Federation of Small Business "Business Owners Try to Motivate Employees" I am not certain that business owners can motivate anyone. But we can create conditions for people to feel value in what they do.

Give a Day. Get a Disney

2010-01-13T22:14:00.002-07:00

Disney wants to inspire one million people to volunteer a day of service to a participating organization. Each volunteer gets 1-day, 1-theme park ticket to the Disneyland® Resort or Walt Disney World® Resort, free.
The program is called Get a Disney Day. The site includes a search engine that helps you find a participating organization in your area.

Recycled paper that is bright white? Is it Greenwash?

2010-01-11T17:14:00.000-07:00

We expect the paper used for posters, letterhead, and brochures to be bright white. Chemically de-inking post-consumer paper back into a clean, white premium sheet that customers expect for attractive full-color printing can be a toxic process, one that presents waste disposal challenges.

The best process is one that involves recycling scrap paper into newsprint, which requires far less water, energy, and chemical treatment than recycling into white paper.

So be careful about buying “bright white” recycled paper. Opt instead for Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) Chain-of-Custody Certified paper that comes from well-managed forests.

Capacity to Care is About Not Letting Things Get Rusty

2010-01-05T17:21:00.001-07:00

Capacity to Care is our business strategy built around the notion that we need to

dramatically increase the productive use of natural resources. From the time we take from the ground, sea or air until the time we throw it away, wherever away is. It makes not only good environmental sense; but also good business sense to do so. .

Same is true with our talent. Our talents serve no one when they remain idle. Quite the opposite, we get rusty as does idle machinery of industry when it is not in use. .

Capacity of Care is our program of minimizing waste, reusing everything we can and putting our excess capacity to use by granting it to non-profit organizations.

Pepsi Chooses Philantropy Over Super Bowl Ads

2010-01-04T22:25:00.002-07:00

According to Fast Company and The Environmental Leader, Pepsi is opting out of Super Bowl ads this year. They are putting their money into grants to charitable causes recommended by their online visitors. Non-profits have suffered through the recession. Hats off to Pepsi!

New Year's Goals

2010-01-03T14:51:00.000-07:00

Three Goals for the New Year

1. Eliminate "price" as a barrier to buying our environmentally responsible alternatives to nasty old vinyl banners.

2. Reduce print material waste by 50%

3. Double our Capacity to Care Grants to non-profit organizations and to government agencies that support troop morale.

Confessions of a Radical Industrialist

2010-01-02T20:41:00.001-07:00

I have been greatly influenced by Ray C. Anderson founder of Interface Inc. He writes "there is no place called "away" as in "throw away" Sustainability is a goal that works nicely in manufacturing. For me, it is a business decision, not a part of my political agenda. We should be conscience of what we take from the earth, what we use to make our products, and what we waste in the process.
Confessions of a Radical Industrialist: Profits, People, Purpose--Doing Business by Respecting the Earth

Happy New Year ..

In 2009 Few Customers Were Willing to Shell Out Extra Green!

2009-12-31T14:04:00.001-07:00

It's New Year's Eve. Looking back on 2009. few customers were willing to shell out the extra green for “green products.” At least not like I thought they would!

Perhaps they thought we were lining our pockets with green if they paid a premium to do the right thing. Naw, I don't think that's the case. They simply needed Big, Bold, and Beautiful Color! They weren't out to save the planet! They were out to save their budgets!

Things will be different next year! By golly! We are going to get lean and offer customers eco-friendly products at the same price as old nasty vinyl! Every last one of the very best .. even if we have to grow the cotton ourselves! Long live lean and green!

So mark your calendars! Beginning in the year 2010, price is no longer a barrier to going green.

Next New Year’s Eve I’ll let you know how it went. Happy New Year everyone!

Greenwash Equals Hogwash

2009-12-31T13:35:00.000-07:00

Greenwash is the practice of companies disingenuously spinning their products as environmentally friendly. I see it when quizzing raw material suppliers. For example, there are manufacturers of nasty old banner vinyl that is that they claim to be bio-degradable, or compostable. Oh yeah?

It takes regular nasty old vinyl banner material 300 years to decompose. As it does it releases dioxin a cancer causing global pollutant. Do does is a material made from petro-chemicals that decomposes faster good or bad for the environment?

I have never seen anyone in my neighborhood compost with vinyl, bio-degradable or not!

Why a grant?

2007-08-14T19:20:00.000-06:00

First question I get about the Capacity to Care Program is what is the catch. Second if there is a tax advantage for calling it a grant?

Well there is no catch, like any business and perhaps ours more than others is asked to support good causes with contributions of time, talent, product and money. It is very difficult to say no to some and yes to others.

Accountants may not think it is to smart because if you figure overhead and labor into the equation then selling something that is already competitively priced for half ... is not the way to run a business.

I believe that your overhead and labor are expenses that you are going to pay regardless of whether you have excess capacity or not .. so you might as well put that excess capacity to good use and do it in such a way that you generate enough income to cover materials and part of your costs.. and do a lot of good in the process... hey, nothing wrong, so long as there is capacity that would otherwise go to waste.

Speaking about process. I hope that this program will keep us all sharp, continuously looking for ways to improve on our process and look for ways to cut out steps in the process. That is what lean is all about.You find those improvements when you work towards capacity .. when you are working below capacity the motivation to focus on improving your process to increase your capacity is just not as strong.

I will keep you posted and please ask questions by posting a comment on this Blog, because it is probably a question that someone else has.

Capacity to Care

2007-08-13T17:00:00.000-06:00

Like most industries, there are busiy seasons that when it rains it pours and other times when it is not as busiy was we would like. We are increasing our capacity to produce daily with improvement in our process. So what do we do with our excess capacity?

We decided to make good use of it by starting a matching grant program for non-profits.

In short, it provides them with a dollar for dollar match or in other words a 50% discount on our goods and services to qualifying non-profits who plan ahead.

Before starting a business I worked for the American Heart Association. For 17 years I worked with and for terrific people who were on a mission to reduce premature death and disability from heart disease.

Well there are many good causes in America and we are are going to see how much capacity we have to care about as many as possible.

I figure that given ample time to squeeze a job in, we should be able to do a lot of good. http://www.bellagraphics.com/capacitytocare.htm

Lean Thinking Articles

2007-04-13T14:24:00.000-06:00

From Curious Cat Management Improvement Connections comes a list of favorite articles on Lean Thinking.

This is an excellent place to start if you are looking for "lean" in a nutshell.

Lean Marketing Insights

2007-04-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

Michelangelo Celli considers six sigma and other lean manufacturing concepts as a way of bringing more science to improving the marketing process.

Aditorial - Ad with substance.

2007-04-03T22:45:00.000-06:00

Lean marketing is always about process. Part of our "Bella's" marketing process is to develope a "case" for each new product offering. In that case we strive to provide reasons why our clients need our offering.

We are about to introduce a "Branding Guide" to our clients via a combination of aditorials. ads with substance, and how to articles. Oh how we struggled to keep the following short.

We are from Sheridan, Wyoming. . The #1 western town. Its spring which means it is branding time. Our clients are from all over the country .. but branding time to our local market rings a special bell.

Smart Businesses Rely on Visual Identity to Increase Sales—Branding
Bella Graphics full service graphic design firm creates visual identity for businesses

Special Report by Ron Kensey

Branding will likely become more important for businesses as technology advances increase consumer awareness of products & services

A media rich 21st Century is fueling demand for products & services. Branding experts say that for businesses to keep their marketing efforts effective they need to first examine their brand(s).

So what is a brand? A brand is a name, logo, and design scheme that is used as a visual cue to help prospects recall what they know about a company, product or service. An effective brand doesn’t require interpretation or explanation; it is elegantly simple, unique and easy to recall.

The process of developing elements of a brand, such as its name, image, unique quality and relevant marketing messages is derived from examining why consumers or businesses buy from particular organizations and how branding affects the purchasing decision.

Bella Graphics & Display, a full service graphic design firm based in Sheridan, Wyoming, consults its clients on their brand(s). Bella’s experienced team helps create or freshen up existing brands by developing a branding guide for its clients that clearly identifies visually how the brand should look in a variety of formats.

The guide specifies the exact corporate colors, fonts and design schemes including suggestions on how to incorporate the brand in web site design or web site banners. Printers and vendors appreciate the guide because they know exactly what is expected of them in a language that they understand.

Bella provides the branding guide on CD to its clients. It contains a brands logo in a proper .eps file format as well as several useful ready-to-use templates for business cards, letterhead, envelopes and fax cover sheets. Should Bella clients need additional visual ads, such as sell sheets, advertisements, brochures, or a hard copy of their website, these creatives can be created and included on the branding cd.

The guide is a tool that works well for implementing the organization-wide use of the brand. The guide saves businesses time, money and has the piece of mind that the branding tools are in place to ensure consistent use of the brand.

Examine your brand today with Bella Graphics visual imaging experts by calling 307-675-1007 for a free consultation. Let Bella’s advertising and marketing expertise help you keep your products and services in front of your customers! Visit http://www.bellagraphics.com/theguide for more information.

Lean Blog: Looking for Lean Quotes

2007-04-03T22:29:00.000-06:00

Lean Continuous Improvement started on the manufacturing floor .. Lean is about managing the process and removing waste and unnecessary steps. Marketing is a process .. or should be and there are a number of steps in that process that need to be examined... and its no surprise, there is waste in the marketing process ... what a shocker!

Here are some terrific quotes on Lean

Lean Blog: Looking for Lean Quotes: "'If you see a snake, just kill it - don't appoint a committee on snakes.'

The New Marketing Age to replace the old Ad Age

2007-04-02T10:35:00.000-06:00

You ARE a marketer. Deal with it comes to us from Kathy Sierra for Passionate "Creating Passionate Users"

Mass marketing is out .. and the new marketing concept of viral marketing is in. Focusing on niches is the key.

It may be more important to identify market segments with names like "sneezers" and "early adopters" than "boomers" or x'ers ...

Corporate Identity Resources

2007-03-29T14:09:00.001-06:00

Here is a great collection of the Branding Guidelines for specific companies. It comes to us from
A Website about Corporate Identity This is the English version of a Dutch site that contains lots of examples of real corporate identities.

American Heart Association Branding Guide

2007-03-29T13:48:00.000-06:00

My first career was with the American Heart Associaion. I worked for a period of time at the national office in Dallas. That is where I first learned about graphic standards.

I came accross the American Heart Association Branding Guide and it is excellent.

Printers and vendors love it because with a branding guide they have exactly what they need at their finger tips. They also know exactly what is expected of them in a language they understand.

Staff like it because it provides templates for stationary, business cards, fax cover sheets are available in template form.

Stained Glass Prints

2007-03-26T11:26:00.000-06:00

Here is a project that we have been working on with Pella Window Company. www.durableprints.com

We actually print on clear acrylic .. which is quite a trick since it has taken us over a year to produce a quality product.

My point is .. that the digital revolution has opened up all kinds of display opportunitites and this is one is hot.

Think about printing one at a time .. and often one of a kind images on clear acrylic .. hum .. how could you use this technology?

Branding

2007-03-23T11:27:00.000-06:00

Found this on Adgoodness. It struck me as a creative way to use large format printing in a new way to advertise a brand.

Branding

2007-03-22T22:23:00.000-06:00

There are many opportunities to display your brand. On stationary, business cards, envelopes, brochures, web site, shopping carts, point of purchase and trade show displays, print advertising, signs, posters product labels, brochures and dozens of other specialty items like key chains, calendars etc.

On screen within a web site, shopping cart, video production, television commercial, etc.
In audio production as in radio commercial or pod cast.

Branding is something a business does constantly and in a consistent manner in order to be recognized to achieve the recognition of potential customers.

Steps in Creating Brand Recognition

Create crisp memorable graphics as a part of your businesses visual identity.
Incorporate that visual identity into a “Style Guide” that tells printers and vendors and your own staff how the logo can and cannot appear in print and on the screen.
Train key staff in the reasons and use of the style guide.
Supply vendors with access to the style guide at the time that a quote has been requested.
Compare proofs against the style guide.
Inspect the finished product against the proofs/style guide.

Picture This

2007-03-12T15:16:00.000-06:00

I found this and several other "views" of the same project posted on the Ad Goddess .. Ad Goddess is one of a handful of excellent blogs on advertising. It delivers the creative, unusual, and often edgy ad design.

What caught my attention was the use of large format print to shape an alternate vision. In this case the Red Cross wants you to see of a “post disaster” situation to remind you that disasters happen and they will be there to help.

In reviewing the comments, the Red Cross message or motive bothers some.

To me the creative display technique was very valuable.

I started thinking of ways to use the same technique on a more positive project on a before and after of a street or building renovation for instance.

Cut Out Printed Shapes

2007-02-07T15:58:00.000-07:00

We are rolling out a shapes promotion. http://bellagraphics.com/shapes.htm

Our thought is that cut out shapes draw more attention that print "inside a square or rectangle box" Having carried a cut-out of Miss Wyoming through the crowed auditorium at the Miss America Pageant I can tell you that shapes draw eyes.

Miss America Brand Roll Out

2007-01-19T20:36:00.000-07:00

We reached 19 early adopters in our Miss America Brand roll out. I think that is outstanding! There are 52 contestants and our offer was to donate the design and first print of fan merchandise in support of their entry into the Miss America Pageant, Las Vegas, January 29th.

We support Miss America. Miss America more likely to appear in a business suit than a bathing suit. The difference between Miss America and the other's is that the grand ol lady of pageants puts a high value on confidence, intelligence and talent.

This campaign is an example of social marketing. We believe that the consumer is over saturated with tv, magazine, and Internet advertising. It is all spam because it interupts people.

Social marketing targets an audience that opts to be interested in what you are saying, doing, or offering. As long as you are offering useful things like information, opinion and product that solves a problem, satisfying a need or helps them achieve a goal ... then you are in good shape.

In other words, social marketing is building a fan base. It works for Miss America, for Bella Graphics and you. It is a lot more fun and the results are measurable for a change.

What is a good Digital Photo Image

2007-01-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

I found a great answer to this question on "All About Digital Photos"

The article says that a good quality digital photo is one :

taken with a good quality digital camera (good optics and digital sensor)
a photo that has not been enlarged either in post-processing or by in-camera digital zoom (never (ever) use digital zoom).
a photo that has been properly shot (good lighting, no blur)
a photo shot within the camera's ideal ISO range (usually a low ISO such as ISO 100)
a photo that has been stored in either a loss less format (i.e. TIF) or a very low compressed JPEG (highest camera JPEG quality setting).

In other words take the highest quality of photo that your digital camera allows and then provide a copy of the original photo .. right off the camera .. before it is opened in photoshop or any other software.

The quality of the printed image is directly related to the quality of the image.

Odd but remarkable

2007-01-11T16:05:00.000-07:00

Do you think it is odd for me to provide commentary on a program roll out like Miss America Brand? Some might. Blame Seth Godin. Seth writes riffs (short thoughts) on marketing, respect, and the ways ideas spread.

He inspires me and affirms that not only is it ok to be different but it is absolutely necessary ... people are burnt out on "interuption marketing"

I have found that it is much more fun to be creative. We are just learning how to create a buzz and be remarkable.

That is how we are rolling out the Miss America Brand Project. .. we are creating a buzz over there and giving your the inside story over here. Buzz Buzz

Miss America Project

2007-01-11T15:53:00.000-07:00

Things are really heating up on the Miss America Project. We are getting a terrific response. I draw your attention to it because we are quite proud to be able to roll out a promotion program before your eyes.

It is all an experiment. We are working with shapes .. by shapes I mean cut-outs ... cutting rigid print into shapes or silhouetting the image creates an interesting dimension to prints and displays. It is great technology and you I will be writing more about it soon. So stay tuned and subscribe so you don't miss anything.

Visit our Miss America Brand Site and follow the roll out of this promotion.

Miss America Brand Project

2006-12-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you more about a project that we are working on. I am a big believer in cause related marketing. You can imagine how often we are asked to donate product and services. We do a fair amount of it to support our community. We get our name on the credits.

That isn't cause related marketing. Cause related marketing is when you pay for the opportunity to partner with the non-profit for the benefit of both the giver (business) and the receiver non-profit.

To demonstrate the concept we initiated our Miss America Brand project. We really believe in consistent visual image. By that I mean carrying a visual theme (color and background, fonts and alike through out a promotion. You will notice that.

We are also using the project to launch our shapes product. We can take any image .. sign, display board and cut it to the shape.

All of this by providing a service that is very much needed by this group.

On this blog, I will share with you the behind the scenes thinking as we roll out this offering.

I hope that by the end you will consider a cause related marketing program in your marketing plan and agree that a consistent visual image is important to any business or promotion.

This should be a lot of fun, so subscribe now.

Lean not mean customer service

2006-12-26T08:49:00.000-07:00

There's value in suppliers who help clients make good choices then deliver precisely what is needed, on time, to where it is supposed to go. But, the true test doesn't occur until something goes wrong. Remarkable companies fix wrongs. Poor companies ditch their customers instead.

2006-12-25T10:25:00.000-07:00

Bella Graphics is the presenting sponsor of Miss Wyoming 2006. A presenting sponsor pays for that designation with cash and in our case a combination of cash and services and product. To us it is a part of our marketing plan.

Two things are happening in January. Bella Graphics will launch it’s “shapes promotion” and we’ll send Miss Wyoming off to The Miss America pageant in Las Vegas.

By shapes we mean rigid print images on gatorboard for instance are cut into shapes or silhouettes to add a new dimension that will attract more attention. That is what Bella is in business to do, help our customers attract favorable attention!

We are featuring Miss Wyoming and her aerial talent performance in our “shapes promotion” As we do that we are promoting a real statewide send-off and we are doing that lean. As a newsworthy public service promotion.

There are only about 440,000 people in our entire state. Heck we could email each one of them and accomplish several things:

We would introduce them to Miss Wyoming and encourage them to visit the Miss Wyoming Web Site, show their support, buy something, book Miss Wyoming for a future appearance, and watch Miss America Pageant on CMT on January 29th.
While they are at it they might be so inclined as to follow a link to our web site.

Is this a good way of spend the marketing dollar? We’ll see. Cause related marketing is a fresh approach in an advertising age that is stuck in the mud with more and more of our messages tuned out, deleted, or thrown in the trash. .

People are tired of one way marketing. That one way is usually “we have”, “you buy” TV or radio adds that try to be funny or cute but aren’t memorable. But it is only worth as much as you are willing to put into it. The good thing is you can get a lot of distance by investing time and effort. There are plenty of opportunities to standout out by helping out.

Cause related marketing is much more creative and captures the curiosity because it can be remarkably different. You might view an email from a company like Bella Graphics as spam and have an entirely different perception of something that came from Miss Wyoming. Are bet is that our recipients will be curious.

Curious and secure in the source enough in the source to open, read and click.

To make cause related marketing work you have to know the difference between promoting the cause and shameless self-promotion. Self-promotion is sniffed out by the consumer like stink on a monkey.

Desperate Sign

2006-12-25T10:23:00.000-07:00

What have we here? Trying to get our attention? Trying to draw us in?
I'd be afraid that once inside the owner would shout in my ear

Not my fault

2006-12-25T10:19:00.000-07:00

From Seth Godins's Blog

Graphic Image Standards

2006-12-25T10:16:00.000-07:00

Supporting the business’s reputation is important. A small but significant component that support is an accurate and consistent use of graphic symbols that stand for the business.Every business has an identity. This identity is influenced by the look of all things done by or associated with the organization—its programs, services, products, print material, advertising, signage, stationery, vehicles.

Because of this profusion of elements, it is essential that a graphic system is in place to clearly and easily identify the organization as one.These symbols include the logo and word mark, the use of “corporate colors” and the design of material such as letterhead, business cards, fax forms, address labels, etc. These elements may seem consequential and mundane, but they represent who the business is to the world at large. They provide a fast and easy cue of an official communication from your organization.Consistent and correct use of these graphic elements helps build a strong impression. Here are some examples.

Minimum size of the logo in print. Some logos are complicated and don’t reproduce well beyond a certain size.
Name of typeface for business/product name. Sometimes the name alone is a strong brand. Good graphic standards will spell out what is allowed and what is not. For instance it’s probably not a good idea to “stylize” name in some wild and crazy never used before font to promote a special event.
How and when can logo be used by itself? How can it be used in conjunction with other words or images?
How the logo or name will not be use. For instance it is not a good idea to decorate your logo with Christmas lights for example.
How name with logo will be used together what should be the size of logo in relation to the size of name.
Determine which “acronyms” or abbreviated names can be used and how and when?
Colors (specific pantone and now web colors)
The use of your logo with the logo of others (same size or larger)
Logo in “PowerPoint presentations”
Use of logo in posters, banners, signs.

The Problem With Homegrown Design

2006-12-25T10:14:00.000-07:00

I did it myself for 20 years. I mean I designed my own marketing materials and ads. I started Kennon Aircraft Covers out of my garage. Money was always tight. We spent $60,000 to $80,000 on ads a year but next to nothing on professional design.

As I look back, here is how I rationalized it:
No one knows the product better than me.
I know how to scan images and use Adobe Pagemaker to layout the text. Might as well use what I know.
I will save time if I do myself because I won’t have to communicate with anyone. In fact, I never have to leave my office. A few magazines occasionally "reworked" my ads. They must have been really bad.

I didn’t realize it at the time, but the quality of the ad design is a reflection of the quality of the magazine. They reworked the ads, and spared me the embarrassment of ad rejection because of poor design.

Things changed when I started Bella. Our graphic artists took over the design responsibilities from this novice and now I look back and see how silly I was over all of those years to spend well over a million dollars publishing my own poorly designed ads. I am a believer in professional design, not only because I own a business that provides that service, but because I was blind but now I see.

Font Problems

2006-12-25T10:13:00.001-07:00

Avoid problems with fonts. Send your printer the fonts. Avoid problems with fonts. Send your printer the fonts. In fact, it is wise to get into the habit of "sending all fonts, all the time." PC and MAC fonts are not compatible. Therefore, when working in a PC format, convert all fonts to outlines or curves.

If you are PC based and working in a program that does not allow you to convert the fonts to outlines, your printer may end up having to substitute fonts. Supplying MAC fonts is strongly recommended. Due to slight variations in fonts (kerning, baseline, etc) substituting fonts may slightly change the layout.

Shape of Signs

2006-12-25T10:12:00.001-07:00

Why are most signs and posters square or rectangle? Isn’t it time to display out of the box? Shapes and silhouettes create interest. Imagine interesting signage that captures attention and generates a reaction. Imagine using shape as a second dimension. We're on it. More to come.

Sign Letter height

2006-12-25T10:07:00.000-07:00

Always ask your customers, "how far away will the banner be from the viewer?" If a grand opening banner will be on the front of a business with a large parking lot between the storefront and the street, the letter height must be large enough to be viewed by drivers on the street. Also, keep in mind that a driver only has about 1.5 - 3 seconds to read a message while in motion. The chart below will help determine the correct height vs. viewing distance.
From Keri Collet, published on www.signindustry.com

Wyoming is Home

2006-12-25T10:02:00.000-07:00

Like no place on earth- but there is one place on Jupiter ...

How to prevent banners from sagging

2006-12-25T09:59:00.000-07:00

A banner won’t sag if you hang it off the side of a tall building.

Story boarding

2006-12-25T09:49:00.000-07:00

Mike Vance, former dean of Disney University tells how Walt Disney took his children to Griffith Park and noticed that only the outside horses on the merry go round went up and down. He also noticed that the glass at the cotton candy stand was dirty, and the pony giving pony rides looked tired and unhappy.

He envisioned a place where families could go where all the horses went up and down and glass never stayed dirty for long, and there were no tired ponies.

He story boarded his vision and called it Disneyland. Story boarding is conveying in pictures what you see in your mind. A picture is, after all, worth a thousand words.

The story goes that Mr. Disney story boarded Disney World and placed large story boards at various locations in the park; even the earthmovers came to see. After all, he had to convince investors, city and county officials, and the 20,000 people who would make his vision a reality that he could build something so great right in the middle of a swamp.

Jack Welch in his book "Winning" said “ a vision is not something that the leader can delegate.” In other words in isn’t something that should be done by a committee.
Having a vision is one thing, but conveying it to your team is something entirely different.

Introduction To bella

2006-12-25T09:47:00.000-07:00

Our designers joined the Bella team with excellent backgrounds and years of experience in offset graphic design. As soon as they join the Bella team they learn the specialized skills of large format presentation, production, and display.

There is much more to consider when using large format material. Where will it be used? How will it be displayed? Will it need to be protected from vandelism? Who is the intended audience? How far away will it be viewed? How much time will be spent viewing it?

You don't have to think about those things if you are only designing and printing business cards or brochures.

We plan to offer a lot of practical advice, tips, and observations through this blog. We don’t plan on wasting any time.