(NOTE: Our resident graphic designer, Lisa, also publishes our internal newsletter.  She has a knack of entertaining us all with her unique sense of humor and perspective on company events. So rather than me writing a retrospective review of 2010, I wanted to share Lisa’s recap of 2010 that she included in our recent newsletter.)

What a year, huh? In spite of our vow not to participate in the recession, unfortunately some of our clients did, so sales were not as stellar as we would have liked. But it was still a good year, and we are staying busy. 

Besides the 16 PIAS awards, and the five NAQP awards, we received a new honor for us – Arkansas Business’  – Business of the Year (Category 1)  award. I think we will all always remember the thrill of our name being announced the winner! 

In April a security door was installed at the front door to keep out unwanteds! Customers are supposed to buzz in and then push the green button and the door simultaneously to exit. It’s amazing how such a simple concept can be so confusing!  Several customers have almost pulled their arms off trying to get in, while others don’t have struggled greatly to push the green button and the door at the same time! 

The Dino Dash was a new event. We had such high participation we won for the largest non-school team. The prize has yet to be claimed – a night out for a private party at the Museum of Discovery. We have until May, so we might need to schedule that! 

The Travs game was fun – always nice to spend time with the kids! 

We participated in the Chamber’s Bowling After Hours again this year. We looked awesome in our bowling shirts – unfortunately the judges didn’t agree and gave the prize for best shirts to some unoriginal, boring shirts.  

In September, Paul made a decision that effects his bottom in more ways than one! He decided his bottom was sitting upstairs every day! And walking up and down those stairs is giving him tight “calves”.  

Sandy moved into Paul’s old office – just took her sixteen years. She loves her new office and hasn’t let the corner office go to her head – she still talks to all of us little people! 

December brought the Christmas Party. We had a great time — more details on the back page (not available for viewing here!)

Overall, it was a good, solid year and we have high hopes for 2011!

Thank you all for a successful 2010.  Happy New Year!

As a practitioner in the graphic arts, I feel it is my sworn duty to annually produce and publsh our our family Christmas cards.  And I continue to do this, much to the chagrin of my beloved family.  So today, I invite you to take a look at Christmas cards past.  You will get a glimpse into our family, and my strange sense of Holiday Humor.

2002 – It’s Ornamental

Nothing really original here. We have four children, how do we include them all in a holiday card?  Oh yeah, silly hats and include them as ornaments. All together now…Awww.

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2001 – I Heart U

While we always had the best intentions, timeliness was not always one of our strengths. We had the perfect photo: All 4 children sitting, calmly reading “The Night before Christmas.”

That, of course, made for our first and only family Valentine’s Day Card.

2004 – Rock You Like A Hurricane

Our family motto is to never let the chance to rekindle the memory of a natural disaster get in the way of a good Christmas card:

2003 – Over the River

Family vacations always offer the opportunity for that perfect group photo.  Even if the entire family is not present.  Notice how we “photoshopped” in the girls?  Our youngest knows that you would never, ever wear a tiara while whitewater rafting!

2008 – Let the Pun Begin

At some point, I thought that the use of puns would be a nice addition to our annual greetings:

2009 – More Pun Intended

Last year, we continued our use of puns, although this card had assistance from others as well:

And now, what about the card for Christmas 2010?  Heck, it’s only December 23!  You cannot rush creativity!

Wishing all of you the Best of the Holiday Season.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 Paul Strack, CustomXM

It’s Amy time! How is everyone? Crazy with end of year and holiday plans? Me too. I’m trying to work on marketing plans for next year, and my brain is fried. I’ve been thinking about we can use print pieces as marketing tools in unusual situations, and I wanted to share this story with you.

A while back, I was asked to give a presentation at a tech conference for women. You know the conference drill — interesting topic, slide presentation (extra points if you use Presi), some good takeaways, maybe a hand out, on to the next speaker.

I knew I wanted to do something different, but I didn’t quite know what. I kept thinking to myself that I didn’t really need any sort of slide presentation. My presentation was more workshop-ish, less lecture. I needed the women to remember only five main points. I knew I wanted to leave them with a reminder of those points, but I didn’t want to give them a boring hand out that probably wouldn’t make it into their suitcases. 

That’s where the team at CustomXM came in. With only a few days to spare before the conference, I settled on the idea of giving the women a bookmark with my presentation highlights on it. I figured that would be kind of useful and less likely to get tossed. I also included my contact information on the bookmark, of course. I have no eye for design, though, so the Custom crew took the conference logo and color scheme and designed the bookmark around that. I was traveling prior to the conference, so we did proofs via email, and they shipped the finished product to my hotel just in time for my presentation. It was an inexpensive and easy process.

The bookmarks were a success. I had women tell me they loved that I didn’t have a slideshow, because they could focus on what I said, rather than being distracted by images. They also loved that they had an eye-catching and meaningful reminder of what I talked about. The conference organizers were pleased that I had incorporated their logo on the bookmarks. And the best part? I still get inquiries about my presentation from people who weren’t even there, because someone passed the bookmark along to them.

The whole idea was a test. I had no idea if my presentation style would be effective, or if people would like the bookmarks, or if anyone would laugh at me for relying so heavily on a print piece at a tech conference. I was thrilled at how everything turned out, and I’ll always be amazed at the power of one little piece of paper.

(Here’s a peek at one side of the bookmark.)

Sometimes we do things a little differently around here. So instead of a traditional company turkey-laden potluck before we take a couple of days off to repeat this process, we decided to go Mexican, buffet-style.  We call it our Annual Mexican Thanksgiving Feast.  If you are not thankful for tacos, cheese dip, taco soup, homemade salsa and four layer delight dessert, then you are truly un-American.

But in keeping with tradition during this time of year, I did ask our staff what they are thankful for.  (I realize that is not original, but some traditions shan’t be messed with.) I wanted them to share, from a personal, or professional point of view, what Thanksgiving 2010 meant to them.  Here are a few responses:

I am thankful for the love and support of my friends and family and that I respect the people that I work with. – Steve, Sales and Marketing

After working for over 21 years in the bindery for a printing company, I finally had the chance to do what I had wanted to do for years. I went to work in the customer service/administrative side of printing. But after 5 years that company downsized and I found myself without a job for the first time in over 26 years. I began to panic over the thought of having to go out into the world and look for a job. I made my resume and started applying. Then one day, I was blessed with an interview at CustomXM. The company decided to give me a chance and I have been blessed ever since. I am so thankful to them for taking a chance on me and I hope that I can bless them as well for years to come.   – Cindy, CSR

Simply put: I am thankful for Faith, family, friends and health…and yes, a job I enjoy going to almost every day. – Jimmy, Production Manager

I’m thankful I have a fun place to work and work with good people.  And I’m most thankful that Sandy is back from medical leave!  – Lisa, Graphic Design

And I would have to second Lisa’s comment regarding Sandy’s return!

What about me?  It’s hard to add to what was said above, but I would say that I am thankful for the Opportunity.  The opportunity to work, the opportunity to succeed, the opportunity to love and care, and the opportunity to make a difference.  I hope I continue to make the most of all these opportunities.

So, we’re thankful for many of the same things that you probably are. It’s nice to take the time to reflect on all the blessings we continually receive.  And it’s nice to enjoy this time, while eating a taco!

Happy Thanksgiving.

 Paul Strack, CustomXM

I recently moved into another office.  After 20 years, I figured I was entitled to a change of scenery. As with any move, I was amazed at the junk I’ve accumulated over the years. Fortunately, I also stumbled across some treasures as well.  One of these was an envelope that contained samples from a job we produced in 1980 for the Junior League of North Little Rock.  Entitled “Memories in Print,” this project contained a collection of prints by Richard DeSpain, a renowned local artist who has received national acclaim for his pen and ink renderings of local landmarks.

Flipping through the samples, it dawned on me how appropriately titled this collection was.  Page by page, each print invoked memories of days gone by.

“The Indian at the Arkansas Arts Center.”  This was my favorite as it reminded me of the Sundays I witnessed an old dead tree come to life at the hands, and chainsaw of the Hungarian emigrate, Peter Toth.  You see, my paternal grandparents lived on Commerce Street, directly across the street from the Arts Center. We would visit Momma & Papa Strack every Sunday afternoon. This project began in 1975, and was part of Toth’s goal to sculpt a giant Indian face in every state as a permanent reminder to Americans of their inhumanity to the native Americans.

“MacArthur Park Arsenal.” Since my grandparents lived so close to MacArthur Park, this building held many memories as well. An old arsenal building, which was once the home of army officers and their wives, was the birthplace of General Douglas MacArthur.  During my younger days, (actually, in 1964), the building had become the Museum of Science and Natural History. My favorite exhibit during those days was the “rock room”.  A darkened room showing encased native stones where you could press different buttons that would illuminate different colors of light.  For some reason, we always had a dreaded fear of being locked in this room, and in this old building.

 In 1983, the Museum’s name was changed to the Arkansas Museum of Science and History.  In 1997, the museum moved to a new location in the River Market, where it is now known as the Museum of Discovery.  Today, this building now stands as the  MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History. 

“The Twin Cities.” This 1979 drawing by DeSpain shows how far the Twin Cities have evolved, and improved in 31 years.  I recall the implosion of the Hotel Marion in 1980, to make way for the Excelsior Hotel (now the Peabody). Notice too how the North Little Rock skyline has changed. Although the population of the twin cities has not changed drastically, the amenities certainly have.

During this past year, I have often preached that one of the many values of the printed piece is its longevity, and its ability to tell a story.  This collection of Memories in Print certainly accomplishes both. So tell me, what memories do these prints evoke? What stories of your bygone days to they tell? Please share, won’t you?