Safety-Happy Holidays

Back in late October some of us here at Optimum attended a safety seminar conducted by Mr. Gary Hanson.
The theme was "Improving Profits Through an Effective Safety Program" and besides making good points about
helping the company by employees making safety a priority, it also improves everyone's personal lives.

A few bullet points from the seminar:

Safety is for Life
• It is not a project
• It is not a one time event
• Every decision employees make will impact their future and the future of the business

Why Accidents Happen
• Accidents do not happen by accident; they are caused
• There are many reasons for accidents
• Accidents usually happen from repeated activities

Things we do routinely are things we tend to not think about as we do them. We start thinking about what to have for dinner or about the kids, etc. In this age of multi-tasking our attention is divided. Safety issues should always remain at the forefront of our activities.



Have a safe and happy holiday!
Jim "Doesn't Run With Scissors" Stahl

TD Bank Gives to Capital Area Food Bank

This article originally ran on www.bizjournals.com:

Capital Area Food Bank, the area’s biggest, public nonprofit food bank, will get $25,000 this holiday season from TD Bank.

The Cherry Hill, N.J.-based bank’s charitable arm is giving $100,000 to four food banks to support families throughout the mid-Atlantic and in Florida.

Also receiving $25,000 each are Daily Bread Food Bank, which helps other Florida nonprofits feed needy people; Food Bank for New York, which nourishes low-income New Yorkers throughout the five boroughs; and Philabundance, which has a network of more than 600 agencies in the region to provide food for Delaware Valley residents.

“These donations support the basic needs of our communities,” said Elizabeth Warn, president of the TD Charitable Foundation, in a statement. “We are happy to step in and offer our help with the hope that no one goes hungry this holiday season and beyond.”

Its foundation has made over $40 million in charitable donations since its inception in 2002.

After TD Bank Financial Group bought Commerce Bancorp Inc. on March 31, TD Banknorth and Commerce Bank merged on May 31 to become TD Bank.

Banking on the Green

These are cautionary times, indeed. Economists, public officials, and journalists address are struggling to find the best explanations for subprime mortgage collapse and the ensuing turmoil in the financial sector. The Federal Reserve continues to experiment with possible economic cures. There is no single solution can resolve the country’s financial problems. But that does not mean that we are without hope.

New opportunities are emerging, especially in the western states, where climate change has become an economic stimulus. Climate change has moved from an abstract to an inconvenient truth.

In the West, in particular, it has become intermingled with discussions of water shortages, sprawl, and restoration of natural resources, rural development, tourism, population growth, and industrial expansion.

• The Western Governors’ Association which represents 19 states and three U.S. territories recently adopted a resolution to increase the use of alternative fuels and improve vehicle fuel efficiency while reducing dependence on foreign oil and cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

• There is an enormous demand for energy - particularly clean, affordable energy such as wind power and biodiesel, which can be produced in America while adding value to agricultural products. Clean coal technology is an important solution for the near future, bridging the petroleum economy of the past together with the hydrogen economy of the future.

• In another major action, eight of the nation’s largest water agencies have formed the Water Utility Climate Alliance, which will develop unified strategies to understand, prevent and respond to climate change.

• In Colorado, a new Solar Residential Program offers $1 million in rebates to residents who install solar systems in their homes. The program is part of Gov. Bill Ritter’s commitment to build a new “energy economy” in the state.

Setting the standards in a relentless battle
Battling something like climate change is a daunting task, especially when viewed in a global perspective. Yet banks can make a difference. The key is to take a ground-up approach: attacking climate change first within their own operations, then in their communities, and finally at state and national levels.

Lewis Bank of America, which began in San Francisco in 1904, is setting a high standard for all banks. Last year, it launched an $18 billion program to promote environmentally sustainable business activity that addresses global climate change. The 10-year initiative encompasses lending, investing, philanthropy, and the creation of new products and services.
Among the initiatives are financing real estate projects incorporating LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification; offering homebuyers, through its Green Mortgage Program, a reduced interest rate or $1,000 back for each home-purchase mortgage meeting the federal government’s ENERGY STAR specifications; and working with nonprofit organizations committed to improving the environment, such as the Redwood Forest Foundation, which acquired 50,000 acres in the Usal Redwood Forest by using $65 million attained with flexible long-term financing.

Becoming Green
Bank of America’s environmental efforts are external and internal, with $1.4 billion committed to achieving LEED certification in all new construction of office facilities and banking centers. Needless to say, most banks can’t match Bank of America; however, they can initiate programs that match their own capabilities and goals.

Mechanics Bank of Richmond, Calif., for instance, has launched a program to make all of its 31 retail offices LEED certified. Yet although the bank has gained customers and reduced its utility and maintenance costs, ROI is not the sole stimulus for the green program.

Uzel’s National Bank is promoting a paperless system of operations and using recycled materials where possible. The bank also was instrumental in the launch of Greenecco.com, an ecologically inspired website, and in the creation of a green credit card, where 50 percent of the proceeds from the card are donated to the environmental charity of the cardholder’s choosing. These types of credit cards will no doubt find increasing favor among banks. Bank of America’s new Brighter Planet Visa credit card, for example, allows customers to earn points used to help build community-based renewable energy projects across the United States.

Alpine South Rifle At Alpine Bank, with 38 locations located throughout western Colorado, a Green Team was created two years ago to study every facet of the bank’s operations. The result is an impressive list of environmental initiatives. Among the many achievements are attaining ISO 14001:2004 certification — the internationally recognized gold standard for environmental management — and receiving LEED certification for its South Rifle location.

Getting Started
The creation of jobs related to climate change and the restoration economy translates into unprecedented opportunities for banks willing to be leaders and innovators, even when the risks may be high. Here are a few suggestions:

• Become involved in local, state or regional organizations as a member of a working group or advisory committee.

• Explore how to become an equity partner or a participant in a public-private partnership to promote local, county or state green projects.

• Develop lending programs to encourage existing customers — and potential new customers — to invest in green technologies, such as solar power and green construction.

• Help existing businesses to become more environmentally friendly and establish programs to help new businesses dedicated to helping the environment.

• Introduce new products and services, such as green credit cards, that strengthen your relationship with customers seeking ways to help the environment.
Make your bank green, such as gaining LEED certification for your facilities and introducing programs such as Alpine Bank’s “Reduce, Recycle, Renew.”

The banks mentioned here realize that improving the environment helps their customers, their communities, their own institutions and their business outlook. If you are still caught under the yellow caution flag, it may be time to explore how to turn your institution — and your community — green.

First Snow

If you are lucky enough to live in Hawaii, you probably aren't getting pelted. But here in Ohio, we've seen a few large fluffy snowflakes fluttering down.

Kawaii (sounds like Hawaii with a K)is the Japanese word for cute. This video is a collection of pets experiencing snow for the first time:

Little Lost Grey Kitties! Adorable kitties on The Daily Squeak @ Yahoo! Video

Hopefully this video can warm a few hearts up a bit.

Do you remember your first experience with snow? How about the first time you took your pet out into the winter wonderland?

10 Things to Do if You're Alone for the Holidays

For a wide variety of reasons, many of us might find ourselves alone for the holidays.

With the emphasis on families and being with others, the holidays can be an especially lonely and trying time, even for the most introverted among us. Don’t worry, there are many things you can do to make the holidays a little less lonely when you’re alone.

1. Adjust expectations. There are so many categories of expectations about the season being just right that it brings up all sorts of issues relating to family, stress and anxiety, eating disorders, sobriety, self-esteem, competency — the list goes on. The number of “traditional households” in this country is not in the majority.
2. Pick up the phone. Call friends and ask to be included in whatever they’re doing. Offer to bring a recipe or another way to help the host contribute to the gathering. Most people love opening their homes and expanding the celebration. It works for everyone.
3. Be proactive. Create an “alternative family” made up of people whose company you enjoy. Plan and prepare a potluck feast if you like. Remember that you are not alone in being alone during the holidays. Get together with others and have some fun.
4. Plan an outing. Go on a hike, a park or a museum, or see a movie. Enjoy the outing with a friend or by yourself.
5. Pamper yourself. Treat yourself to a day of beauty at a spa, get a massage or find some other special way to luxuriate. Do whatever you enjoy doing.
6. Reach out. If you can’t be with family or loved ones physically during this time of the year, send them letters or e-mails or call them — in other words, reach out to them.
7. Remember your bonds and blessings. Pull out photo albums and read old letters. If possible, get on the phone and talk with loved ones who are still living.
8. Help others. Volunteering at a mission or shelter for the homeless will help you feel connected. Participate in activities with this organization at other times of the year, not just on one day of the year. This will make the experience more fulfilling.
   
9. Travel. If you have the finances, get away for a few days. Go skiing or take a tropical holiday. Singles groups often have tour groups during the holidays.
   
10. Get through the day. If you’re unable to do any of these things, just get through it. Read. Sleep. Rent a video. And remember, tomorrow it’ll all be over.

The holidays can be a lonely time, but that doesn’t mean you have to feel alone. Stay focused on acknowledging and meeting your needs, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly the holidays are over.

- article requested by John Martin

6 Ecofriendly Terms Everyone Should Know

It should be easy to be green.

To make it a little easier, here is a list of some of the commonly used product labels.

Organic: Produced without using fossil-fuel fertilizer, synthetic pesticides or genetically modified plants.

Sustainable/Renewable: made from sustainable or renewable materials that can be replenished easily, i.e.: using plant fibers such as bamboo, hemp or cotton rather that wood or materials made from petroleum.

Reusable: Designed to be used repeatedly for an extended time period.

Recycled: Made from recycled materials that come from previously used consumer products (post-consumer waste); from scraps created during the manufacturing process otherwise earmarked for landfills (post-industrial waste);or other waste (elephant dung).

Recyclable: Produced using materials that can be reclaimed and reinvented into usable products.

Compostable/Biodegradable: Manufactured from materials able to decompose safely in the environment. Both natural, biodegradable materials such as paper or plastic made from polylactic acid (PLA) derived from corn starch and synthetics such z bio-plastics with added accelerators belong in this group.

Let Them Eat Turkey

I have no desire to crow over anybody or to see anybody eating crow, figuratively or otherwise. We should all get together and make a country in which everybody can eat turkey whenever he pleases.

- Harry S. Truman

Have a Great Thanksgiving from your friends at Optimum!

OC Blood Drive

Pardon me if my typing is imperfect here. I promise to use spell check and go through this before I click that "publish post" button below the entry box here.

My typing may be imperfect because I am proudly wearing a blue and white band-aid over my middle finger at the moment. This band-aid was part of the donation process today. One tiny little pinprick to test my iron and next thing you know I'm sentenced to the chair.

The blood donation chair that is.

This is of course a voluntary sentence. I've been giving blood since high school. My first time a disturbingly enthusiastic political science teacher prompted all of us to give.

A big congratulations to all who participated in today’s blood drive! You can tell which ones we are, we have the courage, we have the stickers, we have the snacks, and we have the yellow iodine stains on our arms to prove it.

Today Optimum Companies employees and friends were able to donate 13 units which will give people plenty to be thankful for during the holidays.

If you don't know how much giving blood matters, you might want to see this video:



If you are interested in giving blood you might want to check out www.givelife.org, where you can make an appointment.

- Molly

Oh how fun!!!!

Well citizens, its that time again.
Time for the annual battle between our own Ohio State Buckeyes & The Team Up North.
I have respect for our evil neighbors in that mitten shaped state, so I don't like to talk a lot of crap, cuz crap tastes bad if things don't go my way.
I know this as fact. :)

I will leave it @ this.
I want the conservative sweater-vest wearing Jim Tressel to be asked the same question Wayne Woodrow Hayes was asked in 1968, 40 years ago.
And I want him to respond exactly the same.
While winning 48-14, Woody instructed the Buckeyes to go for a 2pt conversion (which we converted) after scoring a late touchdown. When asked by reporters in the post-game interview why he went for two despite a 34 point lead, Hayes narrowed his field of focus & testified...
"BECAUSE WE COULDN'T GO FOR THREE!!!"
I would love for Tressel to get the opportunity to re-visit a classic statement like that.


RIP Woody & Bo... & GO BUCKS!!!
And now a photo documentation of what to expect @ noon tomorrow.

*The statements & sentiment above is not representative of all employees @ Optimum Companies and should not be construed as such.

THE BIG GAME

Being one of the largest Buckeye Fans at Optimum Companies I am know for spreading Buckeye cheer everywhere I go through the building. Here are just a few of my Buckeye collectibles enjoy them as we get ready for the big game. Even our daily postman have a Buckeye bond.





- Myrna

Quotes of the Day from Charles Schwab

A man can succeed at almost anything for which he has unlimited enthusiasm.
Charles Schwab

I consider my ability to arouse enthusiasm among men the greatest asset I possess. The way to develop the best that is in a man is by appreciation and encouragement.
Charles Schwab

I have yet to find the man, however exalted his station, who did not do better work and put forth greater effort under a spirit of approval than under a spirit of criticism.
Charles Schwab

HAPPY FRIDAY FROM MYRNA AND MOLLY

G O B U C K S!

Happy Friday from Optimum!

Why Use PDF Files?

Streamlining! PDF stands for "Portable Document Format". With so many un-compatible software packages there needed to be a way for each end user to communicate with one another. PDFs are a common file format that all users can open and read.

PDFs provide a more consistent and reliable file for hi-res imagesetters. They allow for fewer delays from missing components or unstable files.

PDF files contain all fonts, graphics and page layout information necessary to display and print the file exactly as it is laid out. Of course, there are certain rules to go by when creating the perfect PDF. As long as the graphics are hi-res and the fonts are imbedded, you can't go wrong with the file.

The key benefits of PDF files are page, platform, application and device independence. Most programs today can create a PDF file. Making it possible to share your electronic documents easily with different end users.

Anita D. Pasco
PrePress Technician

Center Bancorp Q3 Earnings Up

Even in these trying financial times, not everything is doom and gloom.

According to banking-business-review.com; Center Bancorp has reported third quarter earnings which have amounted to $1.5 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2008, as compared to $1 million, or $0.07 per diluted share, for the third quarter ended September 30, 2007. The corporation recorded net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis of $7.1 million for the quarter, as compared to $5.9 million for the comparable quarter in 2007.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, net income was $4.1 million, a growth of $819,000 as against the comparable nine-month period ended September 30, 2007. Diluted earnings per common share for the nine months ended September 30, 2008 were $0.32, as compared with $0.24 for the same period in 2007. Net interest income on a fully taxable equivalent basis was $20 million for the period versus $17.7 million in the prior-year period.

The corporation had total loans of $661.2 million at September 30, 2008, representing a $29.9 million, or 4.7%, increase on a linked-quarter basis and a $109.5 million, or 19.8%, increase from December 31, 2007.

At September 30, 2008, non-performing assets totaled $654,000, or 0.06% of total assets, as compared with $4.4 million, or 0.43%, at December 31, 2007.

There is still a profit to be made even in troubling times. Apple computer's fourth-quarter earnings conference call was made a bit more lively due to its unusual guest star: CEO Steve Jobs.

Steve had the following to say about the economic future:

"We may get buffeted around by the waves a little bit, but we'll be fine, and stronger when the waves recede in the future."

Choosing the Right Paper

This article can also be found on Optimum-Print.com, in the resources and support section.

Choosing the right paper for a printing job can be a daunting task. It doesn’t have to be though. When selecting the best paper type for a particular job, you’re often faced with an overwhelming number of options. Asking your printer for “white” is like asking your waiter for “food” — you’ll have to be more specific than that.

To the educated consumer, the choices don’t seem nearly as intimidating. Before you order though, you’ve got to know the menu. Paper has ten characteristics that affect its cost and appropriateness for a given job.

Surface
The surface of paper affects its look, feel and printability. When paper is pressed at the mill, it passes through a series of rollers in a process called calendaring. Calendaring affects paper in numerous ways. As the extent of this process increases, paper is made smoother, glossier, more capable of retaining ink, thinner, less opaque and less bright. Why does surface matter? Because people do judge books by their cover.

Color
The color of paper is perhaps the most salient of all characteristics. White is by far the most popular color and is generally optimal for conventional usage. Not all white is the same, however — it runs the gamut from ultra-severe hues to softer, more antique shades. Photo white paper is best for accentuating the contrast between light and dark hues.

Off-white sheets produce less glare, and are best used for publications such as novels or technical manuals that demand long and uninterrupted attention from readers. When comparing color, always examine paper under standard viewing conditions and with minimal atmospheric distractions.

Brightness
The brightness of paper measures the percentage of light that it reflects. Most papers reflect approximately 60 to 90% of incoming light. Remember: brightness and color are not the same thing. Unlike the color characteristic (which is highly subjective and imprecise), brightness is a strictly quantitative, or measurable, attribute. Brightness is important because it affects readability — high brightness can cause eye strain, while low brightness can produce a blurring effect.

Opacity
The opacity of paper is the degree to which other printing is visible through the page. High opacity, or density, minimizes the visibility of printing on subsequent pages, thus enhancing readability. Opacity increases with the bulk and weight of paper, and is influenced by numerous other factors, including paper color, ink color, coatings, chemicals and coverage.

Grain
The grain of paper describes the direction, or alignment, of its component fibers. Paper grain is either grain long or grain short. When fibers are patterned parallel to the length of a sheet, the paper is grain long. When fibers run parallel to the width of a sheet, the paper is grain short. Grain direction is a critical factor for print jobs because it directly affects usage — for example, paper strength, flexibility, tack and versatility are all impacted by grain direction.

Weight
The basis weight of paper is calculated as the weight in pounds of one ream, or five hundred sheets. Each main grade of paper has a basic size that is used to determine its basis weight. Remember that paper of equivalent basis weight is not necessarily of equivalent basic size. Smaller sized paper that is thicker can possess a basis weight identical to that of larger, thinner paper. Since paper is sold by the pound, understanding paper weight is imperative to successful cost control programs.

Caliper
The caliper of paper is its thickness. Caliper is measured in thousandths of an inch and referred to as point size. In this system, .001 inch equals one point — and eight-point paper would have a thickness of .008 inch. Do not confuse type point with caliper point. Type point describes the height of a particular font; caliper point describes paper thickness.

Bulk
The bulk of paper denotes its thickness relative to its basis weight. For example, uncalendared paper would have a higher bulk than gloss coated paper. Remember though that paper may be bulkier or thicker than another grade, yet still have the same basis weight.

Size
The size of paper describes its physical dimensions. An 8.5 x 11 sheet is 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches long. Access to specific information concerning the range of paper sizes available for any given printing job is essential to containing costs and ensuring efficient usage.

Quantity
The quantity of paper refers to the number of sheets bought, sold or used. A ream is a standard unit of numerical paper quantity. Paper that is “ream-wrapped” is packaged in a bundle of 500 sheets. Cartons of paper are not defined by exact numerical specifications, but approximate weight. Cartons typically weigh around 150 pounds and are used in practice as a standard unit of sales.

There are a lot of options available, and sometimes the terminology can be a bit confusing. The Optimum-Print website offers a glossary of terms may help. Choosing the right paper for your print job can make a world of difference.

The Buckeye spirit is alive and well at Optimum Companies. The OSU homecoming game will be nationally televised by ABC as Penn State's Big Ten clash with rival Ohio State on Saturday, Oct. 27. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at OSU Stadium aka. the horseshoe.

Optimum company founders John and Dorothy Martin are throwing a huge tailgating party in celebration.

Our receptionist Myrna, who bleeds scarlet and gray had the following to say:

Hey I truly am a blogger yea Myrna and GO B U C K S !!

WIND POWER IS HERE!!!!

Did you know that a majority of our # 9 and # 10 envelopes are manufactured using 100% wind power? You may already have some of these envelopes, but do your customers know that you are doing your part to be "Green"?

The "Wind Power " logo can be printed on the back of your envelopes for a small additional charge, what a great way to show the world you care! The logo is printed in the same ink color as the copy on the front of the envelope and can be positioned on the flap or at the bottom of the envelope. Other "Green" options are also available, such as having the window manufactured from a renewable corn source that is biodegradable.

Click on the envelopes to see them full size.

Vendor Relations Attends the Largest ASI Show of the Summer

With 800 exhibitors on the floor, the idea of finding the perfect new item for our customers seemed a bit daunting, BUT, that's what OSP Vendor Relations team members, Sharon Kientz and Jane Queen, set out to accomplish back in July. The 2008 ASI Show Chicago was an exciting three day jam packed event! We walked through hundreds of the newest products, discovered money -saving, business growing ideas during our educational sessions, and made new friends at the various networking events each day. We started the two day show with an inspiring Keynote by ASI President and CEO Tim Andrews. Then onto the free educational workshops, where we learned exciting cutting-edge sales and marketing tools. One goal was to search out environmentally friendly products for our customers, that was a bit easier than planned with the Green Product Showcase located in the exhibit hall. Many suppliers showcased their ecofriendly items for us! All in one spot! (Our feet were so happy!) Take a look at the photos below and see if you can find us!

Congratulations!

Congrats to our President, Dorothy Martin, on being a finalist for the 11th Annual Visionary Award presented by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO). Several members of Optimum's management team attended the luncheon on July 10th when presentations created by each finalist were shown and this year's winner announced. Although Mrs. Martin was not this year's winner, she joins a select group of outstanding business owners that have been nominated and/or given this prestigious award. Previous winners include Cheryl Krueger of Cheryl's Cookies, Sue Doody of Lindey's Restaurant, Lisa Griffin of Griffin Communications and Elizabeth Rosetti of Americheer. The 2008 Visionary Award winner was Lynn Elliot, President of Columbus Window Cleaning.

The vision statement of NAWBO is "The National Association of Women Business Owners propels women entrepreneurs into economic, social and political spheres of power worldwide." Their Mission Statement is ". . . . helping women entrepreneurs toward economic, social and political achievement by helping them; develop, educate and grow strong profitable businesses; build strategic alliances and affiliations within NAWBO and other organizations; provide resources to emerging and sustaining women business owners; enhance the profile of women business owners; and transform public policy, influence opinion makers and politically educate members."

We may be biased, but all the Optimum associates attending voted Mrs. Martin's presentation as the best of the four shown. Her entry profiled Optimum as a family organization where associates care about each other and work as a team not only in the company's business but in making a difference in our community. The last line of the video said it all. . . ."experience the Optimum vision." We hope to obtain a copy of the presentation and present it at our next corporate meeting.

Green is good!

With spring showers fading & making way for blistering-hot summer days, I was thinking what a great time this is to take a deep breath, look around and enjoy all that nature as to offer. In between margaritas on Saturdays & lemonade on Sundays it does seem like the perfect opportunity to appreciate what surrounds me – while making sure I’m doing my part to protect i - And I know I’m not the only one to feel this way...

Optimum is no exception! I am proud to say that through our actions as individuals and as a company it is clear how much Optimum cares about the world around us. As a group we do strive to do our best to protect & preserve what’s around us for both present & future generations with our environmentally conscious actions. What’s even more exciting is that in recent months, as I’m sure is the case for many businesses around the country & the world, it seems we have found a renewed sense of urgency to do something now! We have really stepped up our efforts! From increasing the products we recycle internally (not just aluminum cans & paper anymore!) to touring plants that specialize in green products, it’s been refreshing to watch our group unite for this important cause. For some interesting facts & information, please read on! For products you can purchase to exhibit your company’s environmental commitment to its employees & customers, check out Optimum’s store.

The Store of YOU

Why buy off the rack when you can customize? Modern shoppers design everything from clothes, candy and even credit cards. Personalization has come a long way from those checks with Looney Toons on them that your grandmother had.

This is good news for the nonconformists, the sports fans, the gift givers. In order to get that competitive edge marketers must pay attention to this growing trend - the store of YOU and add something different, something personal to their branding options.

Driven by increasingly demanding consumers empowered by the Internet and new technology such as digital printing and online ordering systems, the shift to personalized production represents such a departure from tradition that the retail industry has been forced to come up with new terminology to describe it.

Owning one-of-a-kind sneakers, clothes, jewelry, wine, and even credit cards goes beyond keeping up with the Joneses. It is the need for individuality, expressing your own personal taste, personality, and lifestyle is the new sign of success and luxury.

At the same time, personalization is a form of frugality which is well suited to the current economic downturn. By customizing, shoppers can get the most out of less frequent splurges. This trend is not restricted to those with money—it spans ages, income groups, and regions.

Custom-made products were once so labor intensive, he says, that only the wealthy could afford them. While the printing and ordering technologies to customize for "the masses" have been available for at least a decade, only now is the trend really taking off as customers have come to realize it's available. Customers are no longer satisfied with generic items when they can get everything from M&Ms to shoes and even furniture distinctly tweaked to their liking.

This "me-tailing" instead of retailing has been a growing market for at least a decade. Visit Optimum's logomall to get a better idea of the thousands of customizable personalized products available.

GPS Winners!

Optimum staff members, Brandi, Joe and Ember were recently at the 2008 TBA Conference in San Diego at booth #504 to promote Optimum Southwest and to give away 2 brand new GPS systems!



Here are Brandi & Ember with one of the lucky winners!

Optimum Companies Corporate Caring

Companies foster community pride by supporting those in the community who advance our quality of life. Optimum Companies are proud to support several organizations. One of these is Kids 'n Kamp.

Kids 'n Kamp was founded in 1982 and is dedicated to children who have cancer and their families. In the early years, Kids 'n Kamp provided only a small group of cancer kids with a weekend camp, but has now grown to a full-service non-profit organization providing over 300 Ohio Childhood Cancer families (patients, siblings and parents) the opportunity to participate in much needed programs and services. All programs are free for kids ranging in age from infants to young adults who are either receiving chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments now or have finished treatments and are in remission. Kids 'n Kamp also maintains a close and active relationship with families who have lost children to cancer and continues to offer them all programs and services.

This summer, several Optimum employees and their family members helped with unloading supplies and assisting in craft projects for a weekend camp. This organization is special to our CEO, John Martin, who is a cancer survivor. Having been afflicted as a teenager with a brain tumor he knows first-hand how important these services are to a family stricken with cancer.

Kids 'n Kamp has fund raising events such as a Mystery Night and Auction in the fall and the Quilt Auction at the 'Shoe'. If you would like more information on Kids 'n Kamp, please call 614-262-2220 or visit www.kidsnkamp.org.

Over the next several months, we will be spotlighting other organizations which are a part of Optimum Companies' Corporate Caring.

Congratulations Ember!

Congratulations to Ember on being voted Employee of the Year for 2008!

Here are some of the comments our Optimum team members had to say about why Ember was picked to represent us:

1. A great Team Player.

2. Always positive with me and great help with any problems.

3. Takes everything in stride.

4. Truly genuine and has Optimum’s success at heart.

5. She has won people over with her actions and work ethic.

6. Has become a driving POSITIVE force within her department but throughout Optimum. It is a pleasure to work with her on a daily basis.

7. I have always admired her composure in any situation. I’ve always wanted to be like her.

8. What a difference this young lady has made in the way she handles the Client Service department and her interactions with the other departments. She wants to learn everything and has a good demeanor about her.

9. She has many qualities of the award plus has taken on many hats effectively in her first year at Optimum. She goes above and beyond on a daily basis and is not afraid of challenges.

10. She has served a s the team leader in a great fashion. Does more than is expected and has made the customer service department function as a whole.

11. The way she treats customer service and the rest of the family is an excellent example for the rest of the team.

12. She has done so much in such a short time and will go above and beyond to do her specific job duties. She is the epitome of what Optimum represents!