ASI Canada Newsletter

Welcome to the latest installment of ASI'e-newsletter for the Canadian ad specialty market, Promogram Canada.

We were happy to get such positive feedback from readers of the initial editions and plan to continue culling together industry news that affects ad specialty suppliers and distributors in the Canadian marketplace.

Please don't hesitate to e-mail me directly with any news pertaining to your company, such as mergers and acquisitions, new hires, awards and accolades received, creative client promotions or new product launches. You can reach me directly at (215) 953-3323 or mbell@asicentral.com.

St Regis And Mi Pen Merge

Markham, ON-based supplier St Regis Crystal (asi/84592) announced it has merged with the Mi Pen Company (asi/71033). Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed. "It makes business sense and it's good for both of us," said Richard Firkser, president & CEO of St Regis. "Mi Pen is one of the top suppliers of pens in Canada and is very well-respected. It's known for its stylish and contemporary range of products. We intend to help Mi Pen grow into the U.S. market."

According to Firkser, Mi Pen has transitioned its operation to the St Regis facility in Toronto. The entire Mi Pen staff - about 35 people - has been retained, including Anthony Katzenstein, the company's president. Katzenstein will now specifically focus on sales and marketing. "We'll have shared resources like shipping, warehousing and accounting," says Firkser. Adds Katzenstein: "We are very excited to be part of the St Regis Group. We look forward to its state-of-the-art facility, including its administrative, logistic and financial support."

The agreement with Mi Pen continues an especially busy period of deal-making for St Regis, which acquired Waterleaf Studios (asi/95418) in September and Prestige Glass (asi/79398) in May. St Regis Group also owns The Martin Company (asi/68915), Etching Industries (asi/52770), St Regis USA (asi/84592) and St Regis Canada (asi/84595). "We're in growth mode," says Firkser, who recently told Counselor magazine that St Regis has increased its 2011 revenues by more than 30% over last year.

Talbot Marketing Celebrates its 125th Anniversary

For the entire year of 2011, Talbot Marketing (asi/341500) has been celebrating its 125th year in business. The London, Ontario-based company has been holding destination contests, offering gifts and rewards in anticipation of its next 125 years. Recently, company president Steve Levschuk, MAS, talked to Promogram Canada about Talbot's past and future in the ad specialty marketplace.

Promogram Canada: How did Alfred Talbot start the A. Talbot Company and how much has it expanded since?

Steve Levschuk: Alfred Talbot was a printer by trade. He opened his business in 1886 printing calendars and doing various small printing jobs around London, Ontario. He grew his business significantly by landing a large customer, the Ford Motor Company. Talbot printed all the literature and owner's manuals for the various cars - though there weren't many models back then.

PC: What does it take for a company to have this kind of longevity?

SL: Have like-minded employees with a burning desire to meet and exceed the expectations of their customers. They should also not be afraid of change; rather, they should embrace it. Our company has reinvented itself numerous times since its inception.

PC: Can you share any secrets to the company's success?

SL: It's simply about helping good people achieve their own personal goals and objectives.

PC: What is the quarterly Canadian destination contest?

SL: In the first, second and third quarters, we gave away trips to Halifax, the Calgary Stampede and Vancouver, respectively. In the last quarter we will be giving away a trip to attend the Quebec Winter Carnival in Quebec City. We will finish off our year of travel with a culminating trip on a Caribbean cruise with 25 to 30 people.

PC: What kinds of monthly surprises have you been offering this year?

SL: One month, we gave stacks of personalized notepads to the current top 10 sales partners. Another month we gave beautiful underarm carrying cases to the top 10 sales producers. Gift cards for gasoline were sent to numerous sales partners as surprises, and flower bouquets were sent out as thank you gifts. We've also awarded an evening at the car races, a surprise contest to learn how to drive a race car and surprise group luncheons.

PC: How do you see the company expanding?

SL: For the past 125 years, Talbot has built the business on strong relationships with its stakeholders, suppliers and customers. The ways in which we build and maintain those relationships has changed drastically over the past number of years with the advent of social media and various other communication tools. Talbot is embracing and educating all its associates in technological and communications changes. In short, we will continue to accept and seek out change to meet and exceed the expectations of our stakeholders and customers.
For more information about Talbot Marketing, go to www.talbot-promo.com.

Spector & Co. Launches Book and Video on its Corporate Culture

In conjunction with its upcoming 20th anniversary under the current ownership, Spector & Co. (asi/88631) has launched a book and video entitled The Spector Way.

"At the core of our philosophy are our 'Seven Rules of Engagement,' which are illustrated in this book in a creative and insightful way with some fun and truthful supporting stories," says company president Rob Spector, noting the company's growth from "only a few employees in the '90s to over 300 today." He continues, "The engaging video includes heartfelt comments from our entire management team openly expressing, in their own words, their views on the unique culture we all believe in at Spector & Co."

To view the video, go to www.spectorandco.ca/culture_book/culture.php. For more information, contact marketing@spectorandco.ca.

Promo Expo Expands

Promo Expo has opened a new showroom in Richmond, BC, continuing with the same multi-line supplier and industry media concept as in Ontario. "Partnering out West with the Bonica head office was a great fit and natural evolution, as they're currently working well together in Promo Expo Ontario," said Promo Expo's Neil Mihan. "Bonica has a strong central location close to many other suppliers, such as SanMar, Kanata Blanket and Technosport, and is convenient to many highway routes. The main goal is to provide distributors across Canada with the same luxury of having several suppliers come together in one location for total convenience."

A meeting facility complete with Internet, computer and large TV monitor has been made available for distributors to prepare and provide great presentation experiences for their clients. The showroom is located at 3830 Jacombs Road, Unit #105, Richmond, BC, and will be open during normal business hours during the week. For more information please contact Promo Expo Ontario Showroom at (905) 761-7023 and ask for Neil Mihan, Tom Guitard or Maija Gullo.