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.