Made In The USA – Western Mountaineering

More than 30 years ago, two northern California mountaineers came together with a vision of uncompromised excellence. Their inspired dedication and persistence built the foundation that they stand on today and that vision is made reality. A dedicated search for the finest raw materials, meticulous design and unsurpassed workmanship have come together to provide you the highest quality sleeping bags available anywhere. With an offering of over 30 different models, Western Mountaineering can provide you a sleeping bag for any event, outing, or expedition requiring the lightest and warmest bags. 

Their history is more than just two young men building sleeping bags. Today they still remain a small independent company. They are responsible for and in control of Western Mountaineering and hold true to their roots. They are a "hands on" company, with an "In the House" owner. Their products are driven by a personal commitment to excellence and they remain True, Fair, Honest and the Best. They make all of their sleeping bags in their factory in San Jose and are here to give their customers the quality they want with Made in USA pride.

Their website is filled with photos of wilderness pioneers exploring the Sierras during the early 1900's. Robert "Grandpa" Schaezlein shared his passion for the mountains with his son, Robert and grandson, Gary, who was inspired to make a lasting connection to the outdoors. Gary Schaezlein founded Western Mountaineering in 1970 because of the inspiration generated in the outings with his father and grandfather, who appears in the photos. His favorite places included "Little Yosemite Valley" (before Hetch Hetchy), Jack Main Canyon, the Cherry Creek drainage and Kibby Lake. They give special thanks to the Schaezlein family for the opportunity to use the spectacular historical photos which reveal the spirit of adventure that started it all.

Their web site also features the proper care and storage of Western Mountaineering sleeping bags and how the care will provide you with years of service. Your bag should always be placed on a waterproof ground cloth to keep dirt and other forest litter from soiling the outside shell. You can protect the inside of the bag from sweat and body oils by wearing a tee shirt, shorts and socks. This will do the same as sheets on a bed.

So if you are looking for the finest is mountaineering gear this is one web site and company to consider.

Location: 1025 South 5th Street; San Jose, CA 95112

http://www.westernmountaineering.com

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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Do Double Takes Make Great Marketing?

The online dictionary makes the following entry for Double Take..
dou•ble take  
Noun
A delayed reaction to something unexpected, immediately after one's first reaction: "Tony glanced at her, then did a double take".

We have all had that happen to us.  We see something and it grabs us so hard we need to take a second look at the item.  That is the holy grail of marketing.  We all know that we first need to “get their attention” and then and only then can we deliver our message.

If they don’t look at your message, it (your message) is not going to be effective.

In the Vegas market place the tourist that arrive by plane are inundated by all sorts of advertising messages.  It is really hard to break through that amount of advertising clutter.  The photos shows a traveling case that goes around a luggage carousel at McCarran International airport.  It is sure to grab the attention of those people waiting to pick up their luggage. 

It is in a place where people gather.  It stands out and I’ll bet it causes many “double takes.”  What can you do for your business that will stand out as much as this does?  Before you think that nothing like this could be done, please keep in mind that this is really thinking outside the box. That is what you need to do to achieve the same type of results.

You also hear the term “buzz” a lot these days.  If your advertising creates double takes it will also get people talking about your message and that is the buzz you need to go viral.

Folks often tie the guerrilla marketing to creating buzz.  That is arguably the goal of all types of advertising.  Most traditional advertising is now considered safe and even boring. The age group your targeting is going to determine the advertising you use.  It can be said that if your target market is under thirty-five years of age a newspaper ad is nearly 100% wasted.

If your age group is over fifty then don’t advertise on MTV.  While this may not be news to you, think about your target market (age) and how effective your reach is with your existing promotions.  What change can you make in your message to get your target market to do a double take?  

Kia Motors had a real wake-up call when they found the Kia Soul, which was being targeted to sell to a very young crowd was selling across all ages.  So much for a Soul full of hamsters.  

Before you say you are sure that double take advertising could never work for your business and your target audience, keep in mind that you don’t want to find out you are wrong and completion is already doing “double take” marketing.

Do you need help with your next business printing job?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and let us be your local printing resource.

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Marry Your Email and Social Media Marketing

Did you know that email messages that include a social sharing option such as share, recommend or Tweet, generated 30% higher click-through-rates (CTRs) than emails without a social sharing option. Messages with three or more sharing options generated 55% higher CTRs. Emails with a Twitter sharing option returned over 40% higher CTRs than messages without any social media links, indicating the benefits of sharing may be vastly underestimated. Including social media sharing options adds to the email campaign. Your email customers should be your company’s most qualified ambassadors. Let them spread the message and your emails will work more effectively.

An old advertising slogan was: “No one ever got fired for buying more TV.”  Today that can be a very cost prohibitive option.  Today we could say that about your email. A recent Pew research project found that email is just as ubiquitous as search. More than 92% of adults use email every day. According to Pew, email is similar to search (and many other online activities) in that the youngest online adults, the college-educated, and those in the highest income categories are more likely than others to engage in the activity.

Your emails should be a consistent part of your marketing strategy, it will be easier to integrate social links and then use the social media element as a point of customer engagement.

Play by the tried and true rules: Just because your email campaign includes social media icon links, don’t throw the rest of the rule book out the window. Define the campaign goals. Is the desired outcome more social media “followers?” Or is it to get customers to convert on an offer as well as share it? Social integration still demands campaign planning and optimization solutions include speed and efficiency for transactional emails, split testing, and related feature-based improvements designed to maximize results.  It doesn’t matter whether the goal is to make the phone ring, more folks through your door or to sell more items, measure how well your results matched the plan.

Build new lists:  Facebook can be a great vehicle for attracting and retaining email addresses. Just as email can drive users to Facebook (or other social sites), Facebook can drive users to your email list.  Your reach is measured by your success.

Keep your contacts updated: And if you’re going to send your emails to this specific group, make sure you create valuable and targeted content and personalize the messages so that they retain your companies’ communication style.  This is where the phrase “content is king” means the most in relation to your dollars and cents returns.

Remember that email adds value for the customer’s relationship with your company. Make sure that part of that value is extending the social experience as well.

Do you need help with your next print media communication?  Call MI Printing 623.582.1302 and let us be your local printing resource.

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MI Printing Special: 2 x 3.5 20 pt White plastic cards

500 - 20 pt White plastic cards 2 x 3.5 inches printed full color 2 sides 
With 1/4 radius rounded corners - regularly $136.00  Now $102.00
Oval regularly $144.00  Now $108.00  Does not include sales tax

For best results a PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork. Please mention this ad when calling to order.  Offer expires August 2, 2013

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your business printing needs.  Learn about the many printing services we offer.   Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

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What Changes Are You Planning For Christmas?

Yes, we know it is just July (it is late July, of course) and here we are talking about Christmas.  We are talking about you doing your Christmas shopping, well, we are, really.  What will you do different this year to make your Christmas season better (i.e. more profitable) for your business?

Whenever you hear people mention Christmas in July, they’re frequently referring to having a big sale in the summer to buy or sell some Christmas items at a great price. It’s hard for people to think that far ahead; let alone fork over money even if it is a good bargain. It’s vacation season and close to back to school time.

Instead of thinking of sales in July, think of planning in July.

To have a successful Christmas Holiday season can take months of planning.  The truth is you should have started planning for Christmas 2013 before Christmas 2012 ended.  January would have also been a good time to have started planning.  Specials sales and promotions come along and while you can’t take them up every time you will find out how well they fit in your marketing plan if you actually have a real “on paper” marketing plan.

Each season or holiday is an opportunity for your business to stand out from the rest.  Proper planning is the second step in any event or promotion.  The first step, you ask??? That is coming up with the great new marketing idea.

This doesn’t apply to all businesses.  But if you sell retail goods you are behind the curve already.  Even restaurants can benefit from planning their Christmas or Holiday season(s) months in advance. 

First decide the “What” and then find out all the parts and pieces you need to support the “What”.  Each sale or event will go more smoothly if you plan it well in advance. 

If you are planning any type of advertising you need to know the lead time needed for each different advertising medium.  Keep in mind the closer you get to the Christmas holidays the busier all the vendors and advertisers get.  So what may have been days of lead time in June can stretch into a week or weeks in November and December.

Have you ever had the perfect gift picked and then found when you went to make your purchase the store was sold-out.  The same can happen to ad slots and even worse merchandise stock you need to fill your shelves.

Careful planning is the key to successful retail when it comes to Holiday sales numbers.  If you are one of those people who like to keep track of the number of days till Christmas here is a great web site for you: http://www.xmasclock.com/

If you are looking for someplace to have your Gift Certificates and Coupons printed give us a call here at MI Printing 623.582.1302.

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Made In The USA – Pyrex

This iconic line of products can be found in one form or another in nearly every American kitchen.  Pyrex® celebrates nearly 100 years of innovative products made in the USA.

The Pyrex® brand story starts with equal parts of American invention and creativity. The heat-tempered glass that is the foundation of the Pyrex brand was created years earlier by Corning Glass scientists charged with developing lantern glass for railroads. They needed to tackle a particular problem — the heat of the lantern flame conspired with the cold air of winter to shatter traditional glass. They needed a glass that could handle changes in temperature.

By 1913, the glass was used in a number of industrial applications. But it found its way into the kitchen when Bessie Littleton, wife of a Corning scientist, asked her husband to bring home some glass to use in place of a broken casserole dish. He gave her the sawed-off bottoms of some battery jars.

A cake was baked, an iconic brand was born and, as they say, the rest was history.

Decades of Creativity

That homespun ingenuity has infused the Pyrex brand in the decades since. A distinctly American brand — Pyrex glassware is proudly made in the USA, and has been used by generations of cooks and bakers from coast to coast.

Pyrex brand’s designers develop practical refinements and unexpected uses for their products. Far more than a simple bakeware, it inspired new kinds of recipes, budgeting advice and decorating tips — all of which the Pyrex brand has published and shared with its customers. Over the years, the brand has encouraged efficiency by helping cooks to simplify the process with reliable results. They invite customers to share their creative ideas and discoveries by joining the conversation on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Explore the evolution of a century of Pyrex glassware above — and get ready to be inspired and share.

Contact Them: Consumer Care Center: 800-999-3436 Monday to Friday, 8am - 5pm EST

Website: http://www.americansworking.com/

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help your business reach the next level.

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Using Postcards Really Works

Direct Mail tends to get a bit of a bad rap these days.  So why are so many companies still doing it?  The reason and answer to that question is really very simple it (Direct Mail) works!

The two biggest categories are “Getting New Customers” and “Rewarding Existing Customer”.  In the first case most businesses need a continuing supply of new customers.  Even if your business has a very high retention rate you still have customers that move away from your local area. Customer find replacement vendors for many different reasons.  Some pass away. In some cases they outgrow the need for your product or service.

You need to replace those lost customers.  Using the United States Post Office Every Door Direct Mail® - your business can reach every home in your market area.  If you serve several zip codes that is no problem with their program.  All you need to do is work with MI Printing to create a compelling post card to send out.

Exclusive offers or rewards can be sent to your existing customers, you do tract your existing customer, don’t you? You can send special discounts and offers they will only find in their mailbox.  So even if the customer is on your favorite e-mail list, chances are you can send them a different—maybe even better! — offer in the mail.  I know that always keeps my eyes on what my mailbox is dishing out!  The included image is a great reward from AVIS to their valued business customers, a nice thank you.

Direct Mail Can Be Very Detailed. Mailing list providers can drill down ridiculous details for your lists.  Most industries find broad information such as average age and income helpful, but other industries need even more.  Your auto repair shop needs to find everyone with a 2008 Chevy Malibu within a 10 mile radius? Yep, we can do that.

MI Printing is a family-owned and operated printing company that specializes in producing high-quality promotional materials and cost-effective mailing pieces at affordable prices. For many years, we’ve been helping entrepreneurs and growing businesses create outstanding marketing campaigns without breaking the budget. Contact us today for a no-obligation estimate on your next business printing project!

Cost Effective Promotional Items

In addition to great printing products, MI Printing now offers a ‘one stop’ resource for growing companies that need cost-effective, results-driven marketing and promotional itmes. Get in touch with our direct mail professionals, who will help you target qualified sales opportunities, from design and copy-writing, to printing and promotional products.

Let MI Printing help you communicate your marketing story in your next Direct Mail Piece!

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Who Do You Sell To?

Business Marketing vs. Consumer Marketing, Again, let me ask the question; Who Do You Sell To? Is your target audience just consumers, just to businesses or is it a combination of both.

Although on the surface the differences between business and consumer marketing may seem obvious, there are more subtle distinctions between the two with substantial ramifications. Studies have shown that business marketing generally entails shorter and more direct channels of distribution and communication. 

While consumer marketing is aimed at large demographic groups through mass media and retailers, the negotiation process between the buyer and seller is more personal in business marketing. Most business marketers commit only a small part of their promotional budgets to advertising, and that is usually through direct mail efforts and trade journals. While that advertising is limited, it often helps the business marketer set up successful sales calls. 

Marketing to a business trying to make a profit (Business-to-Business marketing) as opposed to an individual for personal use (Business-to-Consumer, or B2C marketing) is similar in terms of the fundamental principals of marketing. In B2C, B2B and B2G marketing situations, the marketer must always:

• Successfully match the product/service strengths with the needs of a definable target market

• Position and price to align the product/service with its market, often an intricate balance

• Communicate and sell it in the fashion that demonstrates its value effectively to the target market

Would changing (think re-targeting) advertising or promotions help increase sales by better serving your customer’s needs?  Can you serve your consumers and business better by keeping a unique sales staff for each?  Do volume discounts apply equally or does a business always buy at a better price point?  If that is true, why is it true?

Does the end use of the product or the end user of the product change your price points?  Does the purchase of your product or service change if bought by an institution or a government agency affect your selling price?  Do you ever price items by “we’ve always done it that way” methods?  Do you ever change price structure as the result of a lost sale?  Do you try to re-capture that customers business?

Do your customers appreciate rewards for purchases or would they like an overall lower price and no rewards?

If you need help getting your sales messages out using printed material or promotional items please give MI Printing a call at 623.582.1302 and see how we can help all of your business communications.

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MI Printing Special: 15% Off Roll Labels

15% off roll labels: Full color Roll labels are great for packaging and promotions, us them on bottles, as warning labels or for branding. Sizes are as small as a 1 x 1 as large as a 6 x 6

For best results a PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork. Please mention this ad when calling to order.  Offer expires August 15, 2013

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your business printing needs.  Learn about the many printing services we offer.   Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

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MI Printing
Phone: 623.582.1302
http://printinginaz.com
Email: sales@printinginaz.com

Can You Say Incentive?

Like a shiny new toy Social Media is the new darling of fresh faced marketers.  You will hear it over and over again.  You need to have a Facebook page, a Twitter account and a YouTube account and the world will beat a path to your door.

The reality is that it is not that simple and you still must do the work necessary to attract those new viewers and potential customers. People are funny about trying new stores or things.  They want a reason to make a change.  They are saying to themselves, “What is in it for me.”

That is where the word incentive comes in.  What is the incentive for them to follow your information online?  What incentive do you offer to a first time customer?  What incentive do you offer your existing customers to stay as your customer?  Consider the words incentives and rewards as interchangeable.

When you send out an email to your list what incentive to you give the reader to open that email.  If in the past your emails have offered good content for your reader that can be the incentive to open the next one.  Your subject line can also give the potential reader the “reason” to open your emails.

Keep in mind that the incentive can be a sale that is based on timing or price.  But your message can not be a constant buy, buy, but, buy!  You will find that over top sales pressure is not a promotional message and it will turn off nearly all of your reader, viewers and potential customer.

Keep in mind the famous quote.  “Honey attracts more flies than vinegar.”  You will always find that a promotion with a good incentive is a successful message.

Consider giving incentives to your employees for doing a good customer service approach as well as selling. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider using incentives as a selling tool:

Knowledgeable and attentive employees account for 80% of the reasons consumers feel satisfied, according to a PNC Bank Corp. survey.

Fewer than one in four American workers is working at full potential; half of all workers do no more than directly asked, and 75% of employees say they could be more effective in their jobs, according to the Public Agenda forum.

70% of unhappy customers abandon vendors because of poor service, according to the Forum Corp.

A 5% increase in customer retention can increase lifetime profits from a customer by 75%, according to the Loyalty Effect by Frederick Reichheld.

This is one of those promotional techniques that need to be under the banner of “Just Do It.”  Call MI Printing to have your coupons and promotions printed. We are as close as your phone… 623.582.1302

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Made In The USA - Black Mountain USA

Manufacturer’s of Natural Sheep's Wool Insulation and Wool Products

SheepRollTM, SheepBattTM, SheepRopeTM and SheepFillTM insulation are general purpose natural wool fiber products designed for use in loft, rafter, internal wall, and inter-floor applications. SheepRollTM, SheepBattTM, SheepRopeTM and SheepFillTM meet and surpass US building product standards for Thermal, Fire, Mold Resistance and Structural performance.

Why Sheep’s Wool Insulation?

The manufacture of sheep wool insulation requires 90% less energy to manufacture than mineral wool insulation. In use, the durability and moisture control properties of wool allow for a higher level of performance and longevity — retaining its insulating properties for the life of the building.

 Sheep wool insulation has a 10% greater insulating factor than that of glass fiber insulation. Wool insulation is not only breathable but also able to absorb, retain and release moisture without affecting its thermal properties or performance. Wool insulation is ideal for breathable wall construction.

 Wool is naturally fire retardant; the material only chars since there is insufficient oxygen in the atmosphere to support combustion of wool. In the event of a fire, wool will not add to the fire risk and produces no toxic gases.

 Why settle for mineral wool when you can use the real thing?

If you’re going to hike in the snow, you’ll probably want to wear your wool socks. Not only do they insulate your toes from the cold, but your socks will still do a good job if a little snow or slush gets into your boots. That same principle applies for insulating wall cavities in places where sheep’s wool is plentifully available.

Location: 110 E. MAIN STREET ADAMSTOWN, PA 19501 727-366-1368

Website: http://blackmountaininsulationusa.com

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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Do You Need A New Idea For Promotions?

Start and enhance your promotion ideas by getting creative with free advertising strategies.  What follows are some of my favorite marketing and promotion articles from across the web and other marketing resources and formed into a great list.

Use social media to promote your product and brand. Make connections with Twitter and Facebook.

Write your own blog, create meaningful informative content… No Hard Sell!

Comment on other blogs, many blogs will link your name back to your website. When you comment make sure you enter your website in your follow-up.

Do a free information giveaway on your blog and website

Include promotion offers to returning customers.

Send out a monthly newsletter with informational content and a sales offer.

Hand out business cards, take them with you everywhere

Participate in a craft show, make sure to hand out business cards or postcards

Use Google Analytics to analyze existing traffic so you can reach your target audience and keep them in your shop

Fill in your country, city and state so people can find you using the Google Maps Shop Local feature.

Optimize listing descriptions for Google organic searches.

Donate items to charity fundraisers, include a stack of business cards

Brand your items with sewn in tags, hang tags, and packaging (especially if you wholesale)

Always provide awesome service and communication to your existing customers, they’ll tell their friends

Find free places to advertise in your local community – put your business cards up in coffee shops, at your salon, gym, or places your customers might frequent

Offer a variety of items at different price points, this will attract a wider range of buyers to your listings. Use your own products in public as much as possible (wear them, etc.)

Post tutorials, information with tips and tricks on YouTube

If you need help with your business printing needs make sure MI Printing is the printer to consider for your next printing job.  We can start with a quick phone call to 623.582.1302.  We want to say “Thanks In Advance”!

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Business Card Design Tips

We haven’t talked about business cards in a while and now seems like a great time.  Business cards can be one of the most effective ways to promote your business by passing out current contact information.  Here are some tips and tricks to make your next business card more effective.

Use a compelling image that complements your business, products or services.

Use a solid card stock or plastic material as your card base. Use non-standard materials such as plastic or colored stock, even something out of the ordinary is bound to be kept and remembered.

Be different with shape, such as over-sizing the card or making it in the shape of your product. Consider changing direction with a vertical card can draw extra attention.

Cards that fold in half or tri-fold can be used as mini-brochures.

Produce multiple interesting cards that encourage people to collect them.

Utilize a noisemaker attachment, or even a distinctive scent, but do keep in mind that many people are allergic to perfumes.

Include all standard contact information such as a company name, address, phone numbers, fax number, website and e-mail as well as your name and title. Include a logo, picture or graphic image that you will use consistently on all of your marketing materials.

Include an advertising slogan that stimulates an emotional response, announces a distinctive brand identity and acts as a directory to your specific customer.

Keep your card simple with no more than a few different fonts and stay away from unusual fonts that are hard to read.

Use a font size large enough for people of any age to read with ease.

Never use cards with outdated information.

Keep your business card information to the point and as concise as possible.

Utilize the back of your card for product information, testimonials, a special discount or free trial of your service, a calendar or something that they will want to keep and use.

Let MI Printing help you with your next business card. Call us at 623.582.1302

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Make Your Marketing Match Your Message

Before you think car dealer versus your local community college marketing is more complex than that.  Yes, while the loud brash, buy-it-now ads do bring car dealers to mind, all types businesses continue to use that arrangement.  The most important point is your advertising and marketing set the tone for what your customers expect and even the demographics of the customers you attract.

Other types of advertisements are more laid back and they message can be very soft and informational in nature.  These ads can be informative and educational.  They try to inform the consumer or perhaps even warn the consumer.

Your marketing should match the feel of your business.  As you watch Television or listen to the radio you see and hear all types of advertising.  Some could be called “In Your Face”.  They are loud and brash with a short focus message that is usually “Buy, Buy, Buy!!!”

We all know that where and how you advertise will limit who (the demographic) your ad reaches or is targeted to.  Generally the advertising medium will be more than happy to tell you the age group and buying power of their target market.  Knowing that will tell you if the audience they reach is the audience you want to attract.

A nice quiet sit-down Italian restaurant may not be looking for the same buyer that the local pizza parlor with arcade games wants.  While they might both sell pizzas, they need a different buyer.  Your customer can make the choice between warm breadsticks and screaming children.

Major companies target consumers even through the tone and language used.  You may remember the Mickey D’s for the "shortened" version of McDonald's name.  Kentucky Fried Chicken became KFC for several reasons and image and perceptions were chosen to be hip and hide the negative word “Fried” all at the same time.

So what is your marketing message and how do you use it to promote your message and your business?

Your printed materials work the same way.  Your choice of colors, font types and sizes have somewhat the same affect on the viewer.  Make sure your message is a match to the buyer you expect.  Call MI Printing and let us help you make those choices.

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Made In The USA - Remington Arms Company

Remington Arms Company, LLC, headquartered in Madison, N.C., designs, produces and sells sporting goods products for the hunting and shooting sports markets, as well as military, government and law enforcement markets. Founded in 1816 in upstate New York, the Company is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating manufacturers. Remington is the only U.S. manufacturer of both firearms and ammunition products and one of the largest domestic producers of shotguns and rifles. The Company had revenues in 2004 of approximately $393 million and distributes its products throughout the U.S. and in over 55 foreign countries.

1828 - Remington moved its operations from Ilion Gulch to a site close to the newly constructed Erie Canal.  This site, in Ilion, New York, is part of the property on which the Ilion firearms plant sits today.

1860 - Marcellus Hartley founded the Schuyler, Hartley & Graham Sporting Goods Company, which would later become one of the largest sporting goods companies in the world.

1873 - E. Remington & Sons embarked on a new venture, and in September of 1873, the first Remington typewriters were produced.

1886 - Remington sells the typewriter business. This business would later become Remington Rand, then Sperry Rand.

1888 - In March 1888, E. Remington & Sons was acquired by Marcellus Hartley and partners. E. Remington & Sons was reorganized, and the new company was named the Remington Arms Company. In later years, in order to better utilize the potential of the Remington Plant, the company would produce sewing machines and cash registers.

1920 - Remington Arms Company was incorporated in Delaware.

1926 - Remington began distributing and selling decorative patches bearing the Remington logo. This eventually led to Remington's clothing and accessory business.

1931 - Remington sold the cash register business to the National Cash Register Company.

1933 - As a result of financial pressures brought on by The Great Depression, Remington's management offered a controlling interest in the company to E.I. DuPont de Nemours & Co., Inc. (DuPont). On May 24, DuPont purchased a 60% share of the company.

1966 - Remington commemorated the 150th anniversary of its founding.

Location: 870 Remington Drive • P.O. Box 700 • Madison, NC  27025-0700 • 800-243-9700

Website: http://www.remington.com

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

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Buying Local – A Smart Choice

As a local small business we fully understand the benefits for both the business and the customer.  We were very happy when the American Express company started their program called Buy Local: Small Business Saturday.   While the program doesn’t relate directly to a local printing company and is directed to small businesses that sell a variety of wholesale and retail products, the better all local business do the better a local business printer will do.

I saw a symbol on the Cave Creek / Carefree web site (http://www.cavecreekchamber.org) that summed up why buying local makes good sense; “Buy Local or Bye Bye Local”

American Express is partnering with an effort known as the 3/50 project (http://www.the350project.net), led by speaker and retail consultant Cinda Baxter, that encourages people to shift $50 of spending each month to their three favorite independent retailers. Baxter, who is being sponsored by American Express for an undisclosed amount, says they are looking to extend the local business promotion beyond the holiday season. "This isn't just a one-weekend kind of arrangement," she says. "We're going to look at the entire year going ahead."  The 3/50 web site’s slogan is “Saving The Brick and Mortar Business Our Nation Is Built On”

"Buying Local" is a conscientious effort to patronize independents, or locally owned businesses, over chain stores when it's possible to do so. "Buy Local" campaigns draw the support of like-minded citizens and community groups, particularly as businesses and consumers continue their slow crawl from recession. The pro-indie argument usually centers on community benefits, from social interaction to tax revenues. There's an impact on the wallet as well.

The comparison of shopping between independent businesses and chains is about "overall value, not just price," says Jeff Milchen, co-founder and outreach director at the American Independent Business Alliance. "There are other factors, such as service, selection, durability. You have to look at the lifespan of products before determining whether they are more expensive than at chain stores" where higher sales volume tends to lower price tags.

A recent study examined the economic impact of 10 local businesses in the Andersonville commercial district against that of chain businesses in the area. The study's findings: Of every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remains in the Chicago economy, while of every $100 spent at a chain, $43 remains in the Chicago economy. For every square foot occupied by a local firm, the local economic impact is $179. For every square foot occupied by a chain firm, local economic impact is $105.

If you need help with your business printing needs make sure MI Printing is the printer to consider for your next printing job.  We can start with a quick phone call to 623.582.1302.  Can I say “Thanks In Advance for buying local”!

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MI Printing 
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

MI Printing Special:15% off 2 x 3.5 plastic cards

2 x 3.5 plastic cards 20 mil. Frosted, white or clear
with round corner, printed one side or both sides,15% off

For best results a PDF file is required for the customer supplied artwork. Please mention this ad when calling to order.  Offer expires July 31, 2013

At MI Printing we can take care of all of your business printing needs.  Learn about the many printing services we offer.   Please give us a call at 623-582-1302.

Presented By
MI Printing
Phone: 623.582.1302
http://printinginaz.com
Email: sales@printinginaz.com

Celebrating Our Independence Day

Celebrating the Fourth of July is one of the best parts about summer. You get to barbecue with your family, go for a swim, watch a fireworks show, go to a parade, take part in all the fun summer activities.

But another reason why July 4th is so special is because it’s Independence Day, a holiday celebrating the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, founding father and soon-to-be president, Thomas Jefferson wrote what is now the United States’ most famous and cherished document to give a list of grievances against King George III of England. It was written to justify the colonies breaking away from the mother country and becoming an independent nation. Revised by Benjamin Franklin and John Adams, the Declaration of Independence was signed by our founding fathers and accepted by Congress on July 4,1776.

But the spirit of Independence Day is not only about the United States officially becoming a country. It’s about celebrating the values that the country was founded upon. The Declaration of Independence was written with the theory that every person has inherent rights, called “self-evident truths” in the official document. It reads: “We hold these truths to be self-evident: That all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

Did you know that when the Declaration of Independence was signed, John Adams believed it should be commemorated in a celebratory manner? He wrote to his wife Abigail, “I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated, by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary festival... It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”

Did you know that on July 9, 1776, George Washington ordered his officers to read the Declaration of Independence to their troops? He felt that explaining the rightness of the American cause would help the armies press the fight against the British.

This July 4, more than any of recent memory, it is right to reflect on "the blessings of liberty" and the acts of heroism required to secure them. The events of the last ten months have reminded us that despite their fame and talents, professional athletes, pop singers, and movie stars are not genuinely "heroic." Americans now look in admiration upon those firefighters, police officers and soldiers who risk — and sometimes sacrifice — their lives for others. This is a truer heroism, both sobering and inspiring.

If your customers aren’t noticing your business, you should work on that with MI Printing for your next business promotions.

Presented By
MI Printing 
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

Made In The USA - DeFrancisci Pasta Machinery

The DeFrancisci family has manufactured pasta machinery in the USA since 1914.

Ignazio DeFrancisci and his son Joseph formed I. DeFrancisci & Son using expertise gained while building food machinery in Italy. Ignazio’s family owned a well known Italian pasta company and he combined his experience working there with his engineering know-how to create state of the art pasta machines in America.

The father and son team founded the company based on innovation and from the beginning, they developed breakthrough technologies both in processing methods and equipment design. Their designs helped automate pasta making and revolutionize the industry. Business was good and during the 1930’s the company expanded by merging with Ambrette Machine Corp and Cavasco & Cavinaro Company to form Consolidated Machine Corp.

With Joseph DeFrancisci as its President, Consolidated grew rapidly with increased international sales. During World War II, Consolidated’s large and well equipped manufacturing facility geared up for war production. Using proficiency in precision machining and equipment design, the plant made specialized hardware to support the war effort, such as Norden bomb sights and wing construction tooling for Grumman Wildcat and Hellcat fighters. For this effort, the company won the Navy Battle “E” for Excellence. After the war, worldwide demand for Consolidated machines spiked and sales expanded to one production line per week. Unable to keep up with demand, Joseph DeFrancisci licensed his designs for production in Italy where they achieved popularity throughout the post war years.

In 1952, Consolidated’s partners went their separate ways and Joseph DeFrancisci formed DeFrancisci Machine Corporation (DEMACO). Joseph DeFrancisci maintained his traditional approach to machine design with an emphasis on innovation, reliability and user friendly equipment. With a focus on engineering, DEMACO leveraged emerging technologies in materials, automation, electronics and computerized control systems. During this time, DEMACO fielded rugged and dependable machines with features that facilitated operator ease of use. Now led by Ignazio’s three grandsons, Ignatius, Joseph and Leonard (mechanical, electrical and chemical engineers) the company increased its efforts on product improvement and manufacturing quality. These efforts led to new developments in sanitary equipment design and enhanced food processing techniques, particularly in the fresh and frozen sectors.

Location: 7610 Coral Drive West Melbourne, FL 32904-1102 • 321-952-6600

Website: http://www.defranciscimachine.com

Do you want your business printing made in the U.S.A.?  Then please contact MI Printing and tell us about your printing needs.  We are ready to listen and help.

Presented By
MI Printing, LLC
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com

Basic Business Promotions

Looking for some basic and inexpensive business promotions.  Here are several you might want to look at.

Product Giveaways
Product giveaways and allowing potential customers to sample a product are methods used often by companies to introduce new food and household products. Many of these companies sponsor in-store promotions, giving away product samples to entice the buying public into trying new products.

Customer Referral Incentive Program
The customer referral incentive program is a way to encourage current customers to refer new customers to your store. Free products, big discounts and cash rewards are some of the incentives you can use. This is a promotional strategy that leverages your customer base as a sales force.

Branded Promotional Gifts
Giving away functional branded gifts can be a more effective promotional move than handing out simple business cards. Put your business card on a magnet, ink pen or key chain. These are gifts you can give your customers that they may use, which keeps your business in plain sight rather than in the trash or in a drawer with other business cards the customer may not look at.

Customer Appreciation Events
An in-store customer appreciation event with free refreshments and door prizes will draw customers into the store. Emphasis on the appreciation part of the event, with no purchase of anything necessary, is an effective way to draw not only current customers but also potential customers through the door. Pizza, hot dogs and soda are inexpensive food items that can be used to make the event more attractive. Setting up convenient product displays before the launch of the event will ensure the products you want to promote are highly visible when the customers arrive.

Free Trials
Have a product or service that takes more commitment before someone buys? A free trial or test trial is an excellent way for them to get the product in their hands and trying it out.

This allows potential customers to see the benefits it has and compare its value to the price. There is no better sales pitch than allowing consumers to give your product a try in real life. It will bring them further down the sales funnel, and one step closer to purchasing.

Just require some basic info before they begin the trial so that you can continue to connect with them as they experience it and afterwards. Certainly pitch this as a promotion however. It's a lot more enticing from a consumer's viewpoint if it's only available for a limited time as a free trial.

For more cool ideas give MI Printing a call about your business printing needs. Give us a call at 623.582.1302 and see what we can do for your business.

Presented By
MI Printing
Phone: 623.582.1302
Email: sales@printinginaz.com
http://printinginaz.com