CFG News
Benefits of Employee Recognition and Rewards Programs
July 23, 2010

Companies that recognize their people outperform companies that don’t by 30 to 40 percent. This according to business futurists Roger Herman and Joyce Giola. In today’s economy, a companies’ ability to attract and retain the very best talent is a key element to stability. Successful companies know that they must have the entire team fully engaged in the success of “their” company, especially during challenging times. Cary Francis Group, Inc. has been providing unique and successful employee recognition and rewards programs since 2000. Let us know how we can put our experience to work for your company.

To Learn more…
     The Benefits of Tangible Non-Monetary Incentives
     Recognition Council: Value People, Move Business

For more information please contact Tierney Konitzer at the Cary Francis Group, Inc.
Email: tkonitzer@thecfg.com
Phone: 414-304-6454

PRODUCT TESTING IS NO JOKE!
June 30, 2010

Cary Francis Group, Inc. includes consumer product safety testing in its vendor compliance requirements. Our vendors are required to provide proof of product testing from an accredited, third-party lab and global assurance provider in the toy and premiums industries. Vendor product testing, auditing, and certification from responsible sources help to maintain vendor compliance standards with regard to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008. California’s prop 65 clearly brought product testing to a systemic level.

Feed My Starving Children
June 16, 2010
FeedMyStarvingChildren Logo

Feed My Starving Children is a non-profit organization committed to feeding starving children who are hungry in both body and spirit. Volunteer’s hand-pack meals formulated specially for starving children that are shipped to nearly 70 countries around the world. Cary Francis Group, Inc. in cooperation with Concordia University and Palermo’s Pizza will be participating at a mobile packing station event on September 25th in Mequon, WI. The goal is to pack 500,000 meals with the help of 2,500 volunteers for this important global event.

To find out more about this organization and the upcoming project please visit www.fmsc.org

CFG Donates Clothing to Pioneer Center for Human Services
May 18, 2010

Cary Francis Group has had a long history of supporting charities and veterans organizations. Our latest donation of clothing and gifts is just one more example of our leadership in reaching out to the community to offer continued support of those in need. Pioneer Center, located in McHenry, Illinois, provides services to over 1600 individuals annually with the vision of empowering them to achieve their full potential.

We also contribute to the efforts of St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana, American Council of the Blind, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. Cary Francis Group strives to assist with the community needs - be it clothing, cash donations or volunteer labor. Through these socially responsible acts, we bring pride to Cary Francis Group, its employees, and the community.

www.pioneercenter.org      www.stlabre.org      www.acb.org      www.vfw.org

Updated Web Site Premiers for General Motors
May 1, 2010

Cary Francis Group, Inc. has recently completed a refresh of the GMC Promotional Merchandise web site on behalf of General Motors and the over 2000 GMC dealers across the U.S. The site is entirely created, hosted and supported by Cary Francis Group, Inc. Explore it at http://www.GMCCollection.com

You will find high quality branded apparel and authorized customized accessories carefully selected to enhance the GMC Brand at both the consumer and dealership levels.
When great brands call for greater dimensions, we deliver.

GMC Logo

Warehouse Fulfillment has Strong 1st Quarter
April 2010

During the 1st Quarter, Cary Francis Group, Inc. has received, collated and distributed over 2.1 million pieces of client sponsored promotional material packets, enveloped kits, boxed kits, premium kits, master catalog coordination / distribution and time sensitive dealer kits for our major accounts and other prestigious clients. This includes individual order shipments to our inventory customers as well.

There are very few in our industry that can compare to this volume, capacity and execution with a 99.96% accuracy rate.

Environmentally Friendly Products Available
April 2010
Green Catalog

Cary Francis Group, Inc. is broadening our environmental initiatives by providing our customers the opportunity to “buy green”, offering various product options in The Green Catalog 2010. This comprehensive listing provides items for any budget. Look for the Key to Being Green symbols associated with each item, signifying the specific eco category advantage; Recycled, Energy Efficient, Reusable, Animal Friendly, Recyclable, Environmental Friendly, and Organic. Request a catalog. It is a complete guide to environ-mentally friendly products.

Contact a Sales Representative to learn more or place an order.
888-556-5174 / sales@thecfg.com
Respect Logo
Proprietary Technology Installation Achieved
December 2009

A new Core Operating Platform has been launched to provide Cary Francis Group and its clients with several new functionalities that will enhance accuracy, provide real time views and increase service levels. It integrates three, unique, proprietary systems which were designed to manage every aspect of the business. The AIROS System (Accounting, Inventory, Reporting, Order Processing, and Sales) serves as the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool. The Total On-Demand Distribution (TODD) system utilizes hand held radio frequency scanners, bar coding technology and integrated databases to accurately track real time data and provide for an unprecedented level of visibility. Morpheus serves as the E-Commerce Website platform. It provides for cutting edge web design capabilities as it employs a data structure that is rarely seen in this industry. The scalability, integration with the other platforms and customization capabilities make it a unique tool that was designed to meet the changing needs of our current and future clients.

CFO OF THE YEAR!
October 2009

CFO OF THE YEAR! — “This honor is a reflection of outstanding financial management at Cary Francis Group, Inc.”

Cary Francis Group is proud to announce that Eddie Long, CFO, is one of sixteen winners of The Business Journal’s 2009 CFO of the Year awards. The Honoree joined Cary Francis Group, Inc., in January 2007. Prior experience included Cardinal Healthcare Corporation, for over 25 years. Please join the Business Journal and all of us here at Cary Francis Group as we congratulate Eddie and the other winners who will be recognized at the 2nd Annual Awards luncheon to be held October 9th, 2009, at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. A special CFO of the Year insert publication will also appear that day.

Warehouse management System
Warehouse Management System
April 2009

Cary Francis Group Inc. signs purchase commitment for implementation of a fully automated Warehouse Management System, using bar coding technology, for its Franklin, WI distribution facilities. Installation of this state of the art application and associated hardware will provide increased efficiency and quality in support of all our client programs and further differentiate Cary Francis Group from the competition.

Cary Francis Group Acquires Cyrk Assets
January 2009

In a deal first discussed in November, Wisconsin-based Cary Francis Group (asi/158924) has purchased the assets of now-defunct and former Counselor Top 40 distributor Cyrk (asi/173519).While specific terms of the deal were not disclosed; Cary Francis Group acquired significant inventory and intellectual property from Cyrk, including creative artwork, web sites and trademarks. In addition, Cary Francis Group has been able to negotiate deals with former Cyrk customers. “We’ve been trying to buy Cyrk for three years, “says Phil Krempely, president of Cary Francis Group. “This is in keeping with our long-term strategic plan.”

According to Krempely, his company completed talks with Cyrk in late December and moved inventory just before the end of 2008. In January, Cyrk auctioned off remaining inventory and other office items. Its main facility near Seattle is now closed. As part of the deal, Cary Francis Group acquired information related to some of Cyrk’s largest clients, including John Deere, Peterbilt, Kenworth and General Motors. Already, Cary Francis Group boasts a variety customers that includes John Deere, Case/IH, Grainger, Sears and Tenneco. “We feel we’re in a good position in the current market,” says Krempely.

Founded in 1999, Cary Francis group employs 77 people and reports annual revenues of $26 million. Krempely is hopeful that his company’s revenues will increase at least $5 million based on the assets acquired from Cyrk. This is Cary Francis Group’s third acquisition in its history.

Cary Francis Group Recognition
January 2009

Cary Francis Group Inc. is recognized in the Advertising Specialty Institute Multimillion-Dollar Roundtable for the 9th consecutive year! The Gold designation lauds sales and sales growth achievement. Consistency in innovation and a focus on quality are foundations to the continued performance excellence for the company.

Eugene Joseph Company Inc
December 2008

December 2008 Cary Francis Group Inc. acquires the assets of Eugene Joseph Company Inc, a Franklin, Wisconsin promotional merchandise distributor.

Cary Francis Group Inc. launches its GREEN
May 2008

May 2008, Cary Francis Group Inc. launches its GREEN initiative. Installing solar lighting in the parking lot and requiring company wide recycling are amongst the many ideas. Client programs are being merchandised with Eco friendly in mind! “It’s a company wide awareness campaign where we can all play a role” say’s Phil Krempely, CEO/President. A newly formed internal GREEN Committee will help raise company awareness and identify additional ways to participate and conserve.

Statistical Modeling
January 2007

January 2007, Cary Francis Group Inc. functional departments employ continuous process improvement techniques and implement statistical modeling as a matter of course. CFO, Eddie Long, is the executive responsible for the effort to drive “Statistical Modeling” throughout every department. It is our fiduciary responsibility to our clients to continually seek ways for process improvement, and the benefits for Cary Francis Group are potentially huge.

Cary Francis Group expands warehousing
November 2006

November 2006 Cary Francis Group expands warehousing and fulfillment capacity by building their 2nd distribution facility. The126,000 sq. ft. building is located in Franklin Business Park adjacent to the company’s current corporate headquarters and warehouse operations. This brings the total facility footprint for the company to almost 200,000 sq. ft.

Cary Francis Group Inc. acquires the assets of DMDMarketing Inc.
January 2006

January 2006 Cary Francis Group Inc. acquires the assets of DMDMarketing Inc., a Crystal Lake, Illinois promotional merchandise distributor.

Cary Francis Group Inc. expands.
February 2005

Cary Francis Group expands corporate headquarters building to 70,000 sq.ft. by adding 40,000 square foot to their warehouse facility in Franklin, Wisconsin

Cary Francis Group Inc. moves.
April 2003

Cary Francis Group moves into their new, “build to suit” 30,000 square foot head quarters office and warehouse facility, Franklin, Wisconsin

Cary Francis Group Inc, acquires promotional merchandise assets of Promac Inc.
February 2000

Cary Francis Group Inc, acquires promotional merchandise assets of Promac Inc., an Elgin, Illinois promotional merchandise distributor.

Promotion Connection
Welcome to Promotion Connection, our monthly newsletter to keep you informed of the latest trends in promotions. Read Promotion Connection to spark ideas and find out about upcoming marketing opportunities for your organization.
Give Them Something To Talk About

Want to create a buzz about your business? Give your customers and clients something to talk about. No matter what business you're in, there is likely something you can do or offer that no one else in your business is offering.

Take a cue from a chiropractor starting up his business. He offered patients treatment first, regardless of their ability to pay or the fact that their insurance said they could only come at certain intervals. These patients were so thankful for their treatment that they couldn't keep quiet about the new chiropractor in town; they told everyone they knew or met.

Maybe you are a dentist in a town where dentists typically close on Fridays or a hair salon where all hair salons are closed on Mondays. Be open those days and you'll garner a lot of attention. The key is to be unconventional in regard to your line of work, while catering to the needs of your clients and customers.
Word of mouth is a powerful medium, but don't rely on it alone. Give your customers small giveaways to hand out to their friends and family so that the word of mouth is backed up with a name, phone number and address so their friends and family won't forget who it was that was being recommended.
Remember Me

Remember that clients are people, too. Sounds silly, but keeping in mind that your clients have emotions is really important to building and keeping a relationship.

There are several events that you can mark to reach out and touch your clients: their birthday, their employment anniversary or the anniversary of your first business transaction. Remember them with a personal-sized cake, a food basket or other appropriate and tastefully logoed gift.If you don't want to add time to your busy schedule, particular items can be scheduled in advance to be sent for you each year or you may want to choose certain merchandise to be used for certain clients once a year. Either way, be sure that you give yourself some type of reminder so that you can personally mention something where appropriate and so that you'll not fumble around should a client call to thank you for the gift.Research shows that people often move their business simply because they haven't heard from a company they've done business with or because they feel forgotten. A little remembrance goes a long way.
Go Ahead, Give Away The Store

No, we haven't gone over the edge in this issue. It just comes up time and again that free gifts are more powerful than all those ads telling people how great your business is.

You already know how including a giveaway in a direct mailing or even the promise of a free gift in a mailing increases its effectiveness. Now try out some other "freebies."

Choose something you can give away that will allow potential customers and clients the opportunity to try you out. It might be a consultation, a newsletter, a service call, etc. For example, if you were a business geared to helping people put their "things" up for sale on the Internet, invite them in for a dessert bar and a free consultation on how to make money selling things on the Internet. Similarly, a gaming store might invite parents in for a consultation on choosing games for their kids and reselling games. An airport/limousine service might bring in a travel consultant to talk to local businesses about getting the best travel deals. Whatever you do, be sure to send them home with something in their hands with your name and logo on it that will serve to remind them, and possibly initiate discussion with others, about what they received from your business.But don't limit "freeness" to potential customers only. People are fed up with the fact that the new guy always gets the best deal. Where appropriate, offer these "freebies" to existing clients or come up with new offerings. For example, new members at gyms usually get some kind of deal, but existing members get nothing for signing up for a new year so they might be tempted to change gyms each year for the new member bonus. Offer your members a free month of training, a consultation or gym logoed merchandise like towels, gym bags, etc.