Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Monday, October 18, 2010
Make A Difference Day - Oct. 23rd!
One day, ( this Saturday) millions of Americans from kids and corporations to rock stars & MBA players are participating in Make A Difference Day on Oct. 23rd. You can contribute also. It's all about neighbors helping neighbors in your community. To find a project near you, go to makeadifferenceday.com or recruit friends and family for a project of your own. Whether it's a food drive or visiting a lonely neighbor or planting a tree, you can make a difference in a small but meaningful way!
At Optimum, we raised money last week and participated as a Team in the Light the Night Walk in Columbus. Times are tough right now for non-profits and our team raised the donated funds by having a dress down week here at work. Anyone who wanted to wear jeans for the week, paid a price to do so for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A small but meaningful part in Optimum's efforts to make a difference.
Statistics show that employees in companies with good corporate citizenship enjoy higher rates of morale, retention, loyalty and motivation. We seek to share our company gifts and resources in the hope that our efforts will be contagious. Plant a good deed on Make A Difference Day and watch it grow!
- contributed by Dorothy Martin, President of Optimum Companies
At Optimum, we raised money last week and participated as a Team in the Light the Night Walk in Columbus. Times are tough right now for non-profits and our team raised the donated funds by having a dress down week here at work. Anyone who wanted to wear jeans for the week, paid a price to do so for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. A small but meaningful part in Optimum's efforts to make a difference.
Statistics show that employees in companies with good corporate citizenship enjoy higher rates of morale, retention, loyalty and motivation. We seek to share our company gifts and resources in the hope that our efforts will be contagious. Plant a good deed on Make A Difference Day and watch it grow!
- contributed by Dorothy Martin, President of Optimum Companies
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Take Action Against Postal Rate Hike - Today!
It's crunch time. Right now, the Postal Regulatory Commission is making its final decision about whether it will do the right think and reject the Postal Service's demands to increase postal rates by ten times the rate of inflation.
We need you to take action today!
1. Download the fax template at
http://www.pianko.org/awsimages/AMA.doc
2. Personalize it, changing it in ways that make it personal to your situation and how rate hikes will affect you.
3. Then fax it today to the Postal Regulatory Commission at 202-789-6891.
Faxing is the best way to get to the PRC and make sure they pay attention. You can also call them at 202-789-6800. If they don't pick up, be sure to leave a message.
You can also find all this information on the Affordable Mail Alliance website at www.affordablemailalliance.org/
Thanks for your help!
We need you to take action today!
1. Download the fax template at
http://www.pianko.org/awsimages/AMA.doc
2. Personalize it, changing it in ways that make it personal to your situation and how rate hikes will affect you.
3. Then fax it today to the Postal Regulatory Commission at 202-789-6891.
Faxing is the best way to get to the PRC and make sure they pay attention. You can also call them at 202-789-6800. If they don't pick up, be sure to leave a message.
You can also find all this information on the Affordable Mail Alliance website at www.affordablemailalliance.org/
Thanks for your help!
Monday, September 20, 2010
Optimum Companies: Caring About Kids with Cancer
Optimum Companies: Caring About Kids with Cancer: "It's a lifeline of support and programs for many families in the Columbus area touched by childhood cancer - Kids 'n Kamp. The organization..."
Caring About Kids with Cancer
It's a lifeline of support and programs for many families in the Columbus area touched by childhood cancer - Kids 'n Kamp. The organization was founded by Beverly Circone and her husband Nick (a cancer survivor himself) in 1982. Bev and her staff of two provide activities that enable families to begin a healing process during and after battling cancer with a child. What amazing champions working for this wonderful cause!
At Optimum, we support Kids 'n Kamp as it unquestionably meets our Corporate Caring Mission of "supporting those in our community who advance the lives of others". Our CEO is also a child brain cancer survivor and providing support to other children who have cancer is his passion and purpose in life. As a company, we try to make a little bit of difference to help further this cause by:
- Being a volunteer at Christmas time at the Holiday Party in the Secret Santa shop with the young professionals from the Rotaract Club.
- Attend the Cherish the Moment Charity Social fundraiser hosted by Jim & Ellen Tressel.
- Provide in-kind printed materials for Kids 'n Kamp. This year, we printed their stationary
package for them.
As you probably already know, the best thing about giving back is that you reap more benefits than you sow.
We entered the Kids 'n Kamp printed stationary pieces into the Print Excellence Awards for the Printing Industry of America and won big time! Best of Central Ohio, Best of Region and Best of Show in the Stationary Category for Ohio and N.Kentucky! What an honor to be recognized by our peers for our quality and craftsmanship!
More than money, Kids 'n Kamp need people who have the time and the desire to help. Make A Difference Day is almost here. On Oct. 23rd, millions of Americans will volunteer in their communities making it the nation's largest day of doing good. My hope is you'll join the cause. For ideas, planning quides and tips visit makeadifferenceday.com. or sign up to help with Kids 'n Kamp at www.kidsnkamp.org/
At Optimum, we support Kids 'n Kamp as it unquestionably meets our Corporate Caring Mission of "supporting those in our community who advance the lives of others". Our CEO is also a child brain cancer survivor and providing support to other children who have cancer is his passion and purpose in life. As a company, we try to make a little bit of difference to help further this cause by:
- Being a volunteer at Christmas time at the Holiday Party in the Secret Santa shop with the young professionals from the Rotaract Club.
- Attend the Cherish the Moment Charity Social fundraiser hosted by Jim & Ellen Tressel.
- Provide in-kind printed materials for Kids 'n Kamp. This year, we printed their stationary
package for them.
As you probably already know, the best thing about giving back is that you reap more benefits than you sow.
We entered the Kids 'n Kamp printed stationary pieces into the Print Excellence Awards for the Printing Industry of America and won big time! Best of Central Ohio, Best of Region and Best of Show in the Stationary Category for Ohio and N.Kentucky! What an honor to be recognized by our peers for our quality and craftsmanship!
More than money, Kids 'n Kamp need people who have the time and the desire to help. Make A Difference Day is almost here. On Oct. 23rd, millions of Americans will volunteer in their communities making it the nation's largest day of doing good. My hope is you'll join the cause. For ideas, planning quides and tips visit makeadifferenceday.com. or sign up to help with Kids 'n Kamp at www.kidsnkamp.org/
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Optimum Companies: Affordable Mail Alliance is 1,000 Strong
Optimum Companies: Affordable Mail Alliance is 1,000 Strong: "They set out to recruit 1,00 members and did just that last week! On August 26th, Affordable Mail Alliance (AMA) announced that it had reac..."
Affordable Mail Alliance is 1,000 Strong
They set out to recruit 1,00 members and did just that last week! On August 26th, Affordable Mail Alliance (AMA) announced that it had reached its goal of 1,000 members. Non-profits, Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, major trade associations like the printing industry, consumer groups and citizens that represent the vast majority of the mail sent in the United States have all come together to tell the USPS that the proposed rate hike is too costly for us!
AMA says it is proud of this alliance and of all the work members have accomplished thus far. Members have successfully launched a tough, hard hitting campaign that has gotten the attention of not only the Postal Regulatory Commission but also the national media. In addition, they have organized substantial grassroots campaigns in target states around the country by engaging their elected officials, local media and participating in AMA's online community.
There is still a lot more to be done. The time is right to reinvigorate and re-energize their commitment to defeating the US Postal Service's proposed rate hike.
You can make a difference, if you haven't already, by joining them on Facebook or send an email with your story to affordablemailalliance@gmail.com or write to your Member of Congress.
There are many ways to get involved in your local community too. For more information or for help getting started, please contact Jessica McCreight at (202) 464-6900 or email affordablemailalliance@gmail.com.
Please help with this important grassroots effort for companies like Optimum who rely on our postal rates to be affordable to stay in business! by Dorothy Martin, President
AMA says it is proud of this alliance and of all the work members have accomplished thus far. Members have successfully launched a tough, hard hitting campaign that has gotten the attention of not only the Postal Regulatory Commission but also the national media. In addition, they have organized substantial grassroots campaigns in target states around the country by engaging their elected officials, local media and participating in AMA's online community.
There is still a lot more to be done. The time is right to reinvigorate and re-energize their commitment to defeating the US Postal Service's proposed rate hike.
You can make a difference, if you haven't already, by joining them on Facebook or send an email with your story to affordablemailalliance@gmail.com or write to your Member of Congress.
There are many ways to get involved in your local community too. For more information or for help getting started, please contact Jessica McCreight at (202) 464-6900 or email affordablemailalliance@gmail.com.
Please help with this important grassroots effort for companies like Optimum who rely on our postal rates to be affordable to stay in business! by Dorothy Martin, President
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Former U.S. Rep. Michael Oxley, Co-Author of Landmark U.S. Financial Regulation, to Keynote INVESTIndiana Equity Conference
Former U.S. Rep. Michael Oxley, Co-Author of Landmark U.S. Financial Regulation, to Keynote INVESTIndiana Equity Conference
Optimum is a participating sponsor of this investment seminar in Indiana. Great keynote speaker - take a look!
Optimum is a participating sponsor of this investment seminar in Indiana. Great keynote speaker - take a look!
Monday, August 23, 2010
We made a difference at Optimum!
We made a difference at Optimum last week! We turned our power off for one (1) hour (as a test) for the business energy conservation group in Ohio that we participate in. The test occurs every year - for one hour - and we passed with flying colors! (we needed to tweek a few things here and there)
You might be thinking - What's the big deal with that? In the printing industry, we strive to become sustainable and "green" through the incorporation of economic, socially responsible and sound environmental practices in our business operations.. As a print manufacturer, our presses consume a large amount of energy in addition to keeping the production environment under climate controlled temperatures with air conditioning. In extreme weather conditions, Optimum might be called upon to shut our power off during peak energy consumption in the State of Ohio. In return, we will receive a credit on our electric bill for our participation. Not such a bad trade off!
Just this past July, the east coast suffered record breaking heat for several days consecutively. Businesses in those states who participated in this program shut down and (I was informed by our energy rep) it saved the East coast from power outages or rolling brown outs. All types of business were able to make a difference that week together-a synergistic approach-each by contributing a small portion of power reduction.
Last week, our nervous Optimum team, (during the hour) sat in our low lighted office with our computers on still working and servicing our customers via email, our website and phones while our manufacturing and warehouse went dark.. There was a buzz around the office, some shouting out to one another, others walking around and putting flashlights on their desks or just checking in with one another. Our purpose shifted for just that one hour as our team contributed to a greater energy conservation purpose. It felt good to be at Optimum that day.
We made a difference at Optimum last week and we discovered that we are prepared and ready to contribute our part!
You might be thinking - What's the big deal with that? In the printing industry, we strive to become sustainable and "green" through the incorporation of economic, socially responsible and sound environmental practices in our business operations.. As a print manufacturer, our presses consume a large amount of energy in addition to keeping the production environment under climate controlled temperatures with air conditioning. In extreme weather conditions, Optimum might be called upon to shut our power off during peak energy consumption in the State of Ohio. In return, we will receive a credit on our electric bill for our participation. Not such a bad trade off!
Just this past July, the east coast suffered record breaking heat for several days consecutively. Businesses in those states who participated in this program shut down and (I was informed by our energy rep) it saved the East coast from power outages or rolling brown outs. All types of business were able to make a difference that week together-a synergistic approach-each by contributing a small portion of power reduction.
Last week, our nervous Optimum team, (during the hour) sat in our low lighted office with our computers on still working and servicing our customers via email, our website and phones while our manufacturing and warehouse went dark.. There was a buzz around the office, some shouting out to one another, others walking around and putting flashlights on their desks or just checking in with one another. Our purpose shifted for just that one hour as our team contributed to a greater energy conservation purpose. It felt good to be at Optimum that day.
We made a difference at Optimum last week and we discovered that we are prepared and ready to contribute our part!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Young Professionals Spotlight: Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club
This is a fantastic opportunity for young professionals looking for a great networking group.
At Optimum we consider the Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club to be extremely noteworthy and strongly support their activities. I encourage any young professional to take a look at the information below and to consider joining this wonderful organization.
At Optimum we consider the Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club to be extremely noteworthy and strongly support their activities. I encourage any young professional to take a look at the information below and to consider joining this wonderful organization.
Each month, the Columbus Chamber spotlights a local young professional or professional organization to showcase what they offer, how to get involved and when to check out their next event. For the month of August, Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is featured.
When and why was Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club started?
Rotaract has evolved quickly in its short by dynamic history. In the early 1960s, Rotary clubs around the world began to sponsor university youth groups as community service projects. The 1967-68 Rotary International president, Luther H. Hodges, and the RI Board of Directors considered this club activity to have international relevance, and Rotaract was approved in 1968 as an official program for Rotary clubs. Several decades later, the Rotaract program has grown into a strong, international network of 7,300 clubs in more than 150 countries and geographical areas. Rotaract's 145,000 members are young men and women who serve the needs of their communities, widen their personal and professional contacts, and increase their understanding of the world.
The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club was founded in the fall of 2007, receiving its official charter in May 2008. Columbus Rotaract is sponsored by Columbus Rotary which supports the club through mentoring, professional development, fellowship and financial means. The Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals has over 40 members.
Why should I become a member?
The purpose of the Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club is to provide an opportunity for its members to serve the community by participating in service projects that make a difference and to develop professional skills by creating venues to learn from proven leaders. As a Columbus Rotaract member you will:
- Contribute to the community where you work and play through a variety of monthly service activities.
- Build relationships with the Columbus Rotary club, central Ohio's largest Rotary chapter.
- Gain access to Columbus-area professionals through quarterly development meetings.
- Connect with new people who have common interests through social events.
How do I become a member?
Just send a quick e-mail noting your interest in joining Columbus Rotaract to our membership chair, Kirstin at membership@columbusrotaract.org. We will send you an informational packet and connect with you to discuss Columbus Rotaract in more detail! You may also attend one of our upcoming events that are listed within the Columbus Chamber's Activities and Events for Young Professionals weekly emails. Feel free to attend events to learn more about Columbus Rotaract before joining. Membership dues are $50 annually.
Tell me about your upcoming events.
During the upcoming months we have several events planned, including:
- Alex Fischer, president & CEO of The Columbus Partnership will join us for a luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at the Huntington Building, Floor 11. Alex will share how more than 600 Central Ohio business leaders have collaborated to create a bold initiative that will position Columbus to become the fastest growing economy in the country. Columbus 2020! is a comprehensive economic development strategy for our region to grow 180,000 net new jobs, increase income by 40 percent and make Columbus a top 10 city in economic development in the nation. You won't want to miss this lunch! RSVP at www.columbusrotaractalexfischer.eventbrite.com.
Join us at these two fantastic events to volunteer for in one weekend, August 21 and 22!
- Junior Achievement needs help staffing its registration tables at the Bowl-a-thon this year! Join us for a quick shift lasting an hour and a half, making it easy to squeeze into your busy schedule! Saturday, August 21, 4:45-6:15 pm; Sunday, August 22, 10:45 am - 12:15 pm and 1:15-2:45 pm.
- PELOTONIA is a grassroots bicycle tour with one goal: to end cancer. Columbus Rotaract is extending the invitation to volunteer along the route from Columbus to Athens. For various volunteer opportunities check out http://www.pelotonia.org/ride/volunteer.jsp.
Don't miss out on the following opportunities to network and meet other young professionals as we venture out for two upcoming events:
- Columbus Rotaract will be attending Cocktails at the Conservatory on Thursday, August 26 at 6 pm. Cost is $10 and may be applied toward food and beverage purchases. Let us know you'll be attending at www.columbusrotaractcoctailssatfpc.eventbrite.com.
- Don't miss out as we support the Nationwide's Children's Hospital Slice of Columbus on Wednesday September 15 at 6 p.m. Tickets may be purchased at the door for $12. Let us know you'll be joining us at www.columbusrotaractsliceofcolumbus.eventbrite.com. We will set up a meeting location for those in attendance!
What are some successes or cool facts about Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club?
- Columbus Rotaract Young Professionals Club golf scramble, a Round to Remember, has contributed over $10,000 to Alzheimer's Association, Central Ohio Chapter.
- Columbus Rotaract partners with Junior Achievement and Columbus Rotary to host the annual Barons of Business Professional Development Luncheon recognizing Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame. The 2010 honorees include: Larry Abbott, Retired Chairman, Abbott Foods; David Biaconi, Founder and CEO, Progressive Medical, Inc.; Sandra Harbrecht, President and CEO, Paul Werth Associates; and William J. Lhota, President and CEO, Central Ohio Transit Authority. Save the Date: Monday, January 24, 2011.
- Columbus Rotaract has featured key business leaders through its Speaker Series including Tanny Crane, Elizabeth Lessner, Cameron Mitchell, Michael Schoedinger, Jane Abell, and Andrea Cambern.
Where can I go to learn more?
To learn more about Columbus Rotaract YP you can go to www.columbusrotaract.org or contact us at membership@columbusrotaract.org.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Goodnight and Good Luck
This is my last week here at Optimum, and I'm so glad I was able to spend my summer here. The employees are hardworking and dedicated and the owners approachable, efficient, and driven. I'm a pretty opinionated person, and it's been great to work somewhere where my opinions [even as a lowly intern ;-)] are listened to and respected.
It's been a pleasure working with each and every person at Optimum, and I look forward to seeing what this incredible company does in the future.
Farewell, all! And, remember, my departure does not mark the end of this blog--stay tuned for more updates.
It's been a pleasure working with each and every person at Optimum, and I look forward to seeing what this incredible company does in the future.
Farewell, all! And, remember, my departure does not mark the end of this blog--stay tuned for more updates.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Who doesn't love fairs?
I got to leave the office yesterday and head over to the Ohio State Fair to work at the Printing Industries Association of Ohio and Northern Kentucky (PIANKO) booth, since it was Optimum Day. The booth was amazing--I got to see samples of award-winning print designs from the year, learn more about how print is green (did you know 70% of printers use eco-friendly ink?), and hand OSU football schedules for the season (Go Bucks!) to passersby.
If you're at the fair, be sure to head over to the marketplace and stop by PIANKO's booth. If you get 70% of the answers correct on a 12-question quiz about printing and the environment, you even win a free t-shirt or customized poster, printed on the spot. PIANKO also will give you an opportunity to win concert tickets--just ask the people at the booth how and they'll set you up.
Hope to see you there!
If you're at the fair, be sure to head over to the marketplace and stop by PIANKO's booth. If you get 70% of the answers correct on a 12-question quiz about printing and the environment, you even win a free t-shirt or customized poster, printed on the spot. PIANKO also will give you an opportunity to win concert tickets--just ask the people at the booth how and they'll set you up.
Hope to see you there!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Be Careful What You Tweet
Twitter is a fascinating phenomena. I'm sure you've heard about the hundreds of thousands of followers that celebrities have been able to attract on Twitter. People interested in Celebrity news and gossip can now go straight to the source instead of having to rely on magazines and tabloids.
Some celebrities, however, are better at Tweeting than others. (One particularly shocking tweet was posted by Jose Canseco when he announced that the FBI was about to arrive at his home.)
The most recent addition to the ranks of celebrity Tweeters is Kanye West, whose Tweets have been the butt of several jokes of late--people have even started pairing the text of his Tweets with New Yorker Cartoons.
Here is my favorite Kanye Tweet so far:
And if anyone can explain what this one means to me, I will be forever grateful:
Have any favorite Tweets? Share them below--I'm always up for a good laugh or some interesting news.
For tips on using Social Media Marketing, please visit: http://optimumsystem.blogspot.com/2010/07/6-tips-for-your-banks-social-media.html
Looking to save money on office supplies? Visit http://www.optimumcompanies.com/
Some celebrities, however, are better at Tweeting than others. (One particularly shocking tweet was posted by Jose Canseco when he announced that the FBI was about to arrive at his home.)
The most recent addition to the ranks of celebrity Tweeters is Kanye West, whose Tweets have been the butt of several jokes of late--people have even started pairing the text of his Tweets with New Yorker Cartoons.
Here is my favorite Kanye Tweet so far:
"I specifically ordered persian rugs with cherub imagery!!! What do I have to do to get a simple persian rug with cherub imagery uuuugh" - Kanye West
And if anyone can explain what this one means to me, I will be forever grateful:
Have any favorite Tweets? Share them below--I'm always up for a good laugh or some interesting news.
For tips on using Social Media Marketing, please visit: http://optimumsystem.blogspot.com/2010/07/6-tips-for-your-banks-social-media.html
Looking to save money on office supplies? Visit http://www.optimumcompanies.com/
Monday, August 2, 2010
Focusing on core competencies: A must for community banks
I recently wrote an article for the Banker's Bank of the West July 2010 newsletter (you can see the full newsletter here: http://www.bbwest.com/news/July2010NL.pdf ) and I just wanted to share the article with you all. Hope that you find it interesting and helpful--I would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on it.
As financial regulations have mounted, smaller banks are having a hard time keeping up. Precious time formerly spent on tending to customer needs has been diverted to deciphering new financial regulations and complying with all their requirements. Consequently, banks can easily become focused on internal affairs at the expense of over-looking customers’ needs and business growth.
In fact, it is not always smart or cost-effective for a community bank to try to do as much as possible in house. A sensible alternative to asking employees to accomplish tasks that fall outside their specialties is to outsource select functions like printing and office supply purchases. Judicious outsourcing can often save both money and time, allowing your bank to focus on core competencies.
Optimum System Products has established itself as a reliable, cost-effective partner for your bank’s printing and office supply needs. Our average community bank customer saves 20% to 30% annually by switching to Optimum.
Additionally, through Optimum’s new printing partnership with Mimeo, print-on-demand is now available to your bank, making Optimum your one-stop shop. This revolutionary technology allows you to submit your documents online by 10 p.m. Eastern Standard Time and receive them by 8 a.m. the next business day—a giant step forward in terms of quick turnaround.
What does this mean for your bank? Adam Slutsky, CEO of Mimeo.com, put it this way: “With the Mimeo Open Platform, Optimum will be able to offer community banks the same services that are now utilized by Mimeo’s Fortune 100 banking customers without incurring the capital expense and risk associated with building a homegrown digital print solution.”
Optimum System Products, Inc., is an award-winning national provider of bank supplies. We work with more than 1,500 financial institutions and provide virtually every product your bank needs to operate.
For a free consultation on how your bank can save money on printing costs, call Optimum today at 800-869-0632. Visit www.optimumsystem.com.
For a free consultation on how your bank can save money on printing costs, call Optimum today at 800-869-0632. Visit www.optimumsystem.com.
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