January 2007

Dear Members:

I hope you've made the commitment to "Make it Pay"—by attending the 2007 ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas (February 21–24), or the 2007 ARA East Coast Awards Market in Atlantic City (March 15–17). If so, then it's time to get prepared. Here are some tips passed on to me from Past President Fran Carville, CRM, to help you get ready.

1) Schedule as much time as you possibly can to attend either or both shows. There are dozens of seminars and hundreds of booths, plus many special sessions and events that might interest you. It's best to work up a tentative schedule before leaving home to ensure that you don't miss anything.

2) If you own a small business and will have to close your store to attend these shows, contact customers that did business with you during this period last year. Arrange to deliver orders before you leave or after you return. If you have a larger business, meet with your employees to review upcoming orders and company policies and procedures during your absence.

3) Let your customers know that you are attending the show and that you'll be working to bring back the latest in award products for them. You are attending the show to provide them better service.

4) Decide on your options to buy. How will you spend (stock inventory, new categories, equipment, specials) your budgeted dollars?

5) Check your base inventory and write purchase orders for stock items. Writing these orders before you leave will take the guesswork out of ordering at the show.

6) Make a list of items to look out for. Check your customer requests and upcoming orders for nonstock products. Ask your employees if customers have requested product lines you don't currently carry. It's also a good idea to list specific suppliers that you want to see.

7) Review the ARA suppliers' show specials and note those you are interested in.

8) Remember to pack business cards, credit sheets, purchase orders—and comfortable shoes!

One of the most important reasons for retailers to attend ARA trade shows is to find out what's new. Las Vegas is traditionally the show where suppliers unveil their most innovative new products. Being among the first to purchase these great new products—in Las Vegas or Atlantic City—will give you a head start over your competition. I look forward to seeing you on the Show floor.

Ahead of the Curve

Rich Zydonik

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ARIEF Silent Auction in Las Vegas
The Awards and Recognition Industry Education Foundation (ARIEF) is hosting its annual Silent Auction during the 2007 ARA International Awards Market. All proceeds from the auction benefit ARIEF. If you or your company is interested in donating an item, please contact Sara Nakon at snakon@connect2amc.com or call 847/375-3680. ARIEF exists solely to provide financial assistance to students affiliated with ARA member companies who wish to pursue an education in any field of their choice. This one-time merit award is applied directly toward tuition expenses. A list of items to be auctioned will appear in the February issue of Recognition Review.

ARA Education Advocates Needed for Las Vegas, Atlantic City Shows
Education Advocates introduce seminar speakers at ARA events, using a provided script. This is a great way to get involved in your association and support the ARA education program. Volunteering is simple; for more information, please contact ARA Education Manager Daniel Weinstock at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

Vote for 2006 ARA Speaker of the Year
If you are currently enrolled in the ARA Certification Program, you are eligible to vote for seminar speakers who you thought were outstanding and knowledgeable presenters at 2006 ARA events. The deadline to submit your nomination form is Friday, January 5, 2007. To request the nomination form and your updated certification transcript, contact ARA Education Manager Daniel Weinstock at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

Sponsor the ARA Education Program in Las Vegas
ARA supplier companies that sponsor the ARA Education Program receive valuable visibility at the Las Vegas show. The deadline to secure an education program sponsorship is Friday, January 5, 2007. For more information, please contact ARA Education Manager Daniel Weinstock at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

ARA 2007 Regional Education Events
ARA supplier companies can earn substantial benefits by hosting a one-day education event at their company headquarters. The deadline for submitting your application is Monday, January 8, 2007. For more information, please contact ARA Education Manager Daniel Weinstock at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

ARA Professional Certification Program
Are you planning to receive your Certified Recognition Specialist (CRS) or Certified Recognition Master (CRM) designation at the 2007 International Awards Market in Las Vegas? If so, it is a good idea to check your current total of continuing education credits (CEUs). Updated transcripts were mailed in late 2006 and also posted on the ARA Web site.

You may review your transcript by visiting www.ara.org. Go to "Education" on the menu list at the left side of the ARA home page. Select "Check Your CEU Transcripts" from the sub-menu. Enter your last name and then your personal enrollment number without any leading zeros. (Remember that you need to use your personal enrollment/membership number, not your company's membership number.) Click "Begin Search" to get your transcript.

Members close to completing their CRM designation must submit a 1,200 word thesis by no later than January 22, 2007. For more information, please contact ARA Education Manager Daniel Weinstock at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

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January 14–15, 2007
Trophex 2007
NEC Pavilion
Birmingham, UK

February 15–17, 2007
CorelDraw Boot Camp
Cave Creek, AZ
800/736-8973

February 21–24, 2007
2007 ARA International Awards Market
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, NV
800/344-2148

March 12–14, 2007
CorelDRAW Boot Camp
Cave Creek, AZ
800/736-8973

March 15–17, 2007
2007 ARA East Coast Awards Market
Atlantic City Convention Center
Atlantic City, NJ
800/344-2148

April 12–14, 2007
CorelDRAW Boot Camp
Cave Creek, AZ
800/736-8973

April 19–21, 2007
CorelDRAW Boot Camp
Cave Creek, AZ
800/736-8973

May 3–5, 2007
Awards and Custom Gift Show
Fort Worth Convention Center
Fort Worth, TX

June 7–9, 2007
Awards and Custom Gift Show
Charlotte Convention Center
Charlotte, NC

July 12–14, 2007
Awards and Custom Gift Show
Baltimore Convention Center
Baltimore, MD

August 9–11, 2007
Awards and Custom Gift Show
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
Long Beach, CA

September 6–8, 2007
Awards and Custom Gift Show
Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome
Indianapolis, IN

January 14–17, 2008
CorelDRAW Boot Camp Cruise
Miami/Eastern Caribbean
800/736-8973

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In the January 2007 Issue:

Color and Creativity Meet Crystal
What's in store for the future of glass and crystal awards this year? According to several ARA industry innovators, the use of more than one material is one of the hottest trends.

Working With Motivational Phrases
Typography is a language—the challenge is to be able to communicate with total clarity. Dr. Type provides advice on making your award inscriptions "speak" and be clearly understood.

Paragraph Text: The Other Text Mode
Warning! Warning! Pradhan Balter wants to take you on a journey into a feature that engravers may not use too often—Paragraph Text.

Which Road to Take This Year?
The most effective way to get to where you want to be in 2007 is to know where you are going and take the right road to get there. And to do that, you will need a "map." Read more...

A Powerful New Set of Shaping Tools
Foster Coburn covers the new Docker and the capabilities it adds to your designs. Because this feature is only available in CorelDRAW X3, you have one more reason to upgrade to the latest version.

The Ghost of Resolutions Past
Donna Gray, CRM, cops to being one of those resolution makers who "makes 'em and breaks 'em" by January 15—but not any more. Her goal in 2007: avoiding the "Ghost of Resolutions Past."

The Laser Glossary
Familiarity with laser engravers includes learning new terminology. As Diane Bosworth explains, knowing key words will give you a better understanding of laser technology.

The Real Cost of Quality
It's important to get the best price for awards, badges, and findings. But no one should ever risk losing a customer due to providing inferior products.

ARIEF Scholarship Program
The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF) requests applications for its 2007 Scholarship program. Five $1,000 tuition scholarships will be awarded this February to ARA member company employees or their children.

Make it Pay: ARA Education in Las Vegas
Several educational seminar speakers at the 2007 ARA International Awards Market describe their seminars, and explain how attending them can "Make it Pay" for you and your business. Read more...

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If you're an ARA member with computer access, simply visit www.ara.org, log in to the members-only section using your member number, and select ARA Ask an Expert. Find the topic and expert you're looking for, then ask your question(s). More often than not, the ARA expert will have the solution you need.

? I've heard that there is a solution that can be applied to noncoated metals like satin gold brass and metal cups that allows them to be laser engraved. Have you heard of and know where we can purchase this solution?

Diane Bosworth of Access Business Solutions responds: Though I have not heard of a product doing very well on any gold-colored metals, there is one for silver-colored metals such as stainless steel and chrome. Called Cermark, it can be brushed or sprayed on such items, engraved through, and then washed off. It is water soluble, and leaves a permanent and indelible mark that cannot be corroded or scratched off. For more information, contact LaserBits.

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