We all have that one person in our lives that is hard to buy for. They simply already own everything, or you just have no clue what to get for them. Valentine’s day is no exception from this dilemma (and it’s right around the corner, too)! So, let us help you with that perfect gift idea that no one will ever consider buying for themselves. Create custom plaques for all of your loved ones this holiday.
Custom Plaques, Not Just for Awards
While a list of perfect Valentine’s day gifts may already exist, we think that you’re overlooking this one. The great thing about custom plaques is that there is room for more text than a name tag or name plate. Add an entire poem to express your feelings for that certain someone in your life. Or, add a quick tidbit from a favorite book.
No matter your wording choice, don’t forget that you can also add icons and simple graphics. From roses to hearts, all plaques can be engraved with your special message for your loved one. So get to adding some extra style to your message. Don’t know what to add? Our experienced team is here to help you get your message out. Let us know what you need, and we’ll send you a digital proof for you to review before we start your order!
Thinking Outside the Box
One of the best things about customizing a unique gift plaque is that these can be given to nearly anyone in your life. From a favorite teacher to your grandpa, everyone is sure to enjoy this thoughtful gift. Just remember that your message should fit the recipient.
Oh, and another wonderful thing about a gift plaque is that you can give it to both men and women! Add your sweetheart’s favorite saying or your mom’s loving words to a suitable graphic. Now you have the perfect gift for everyone in your life.
What you can add to our custom plaques?
To answer this question, you need to make a choice. First, choose a value, standard or premium plaque. Second, look at the available materials. Third, make a size selection. For example, under Premium Plaques, you can choose a Rosewood Plaque with a Floating Acrylic Plate and then select from three different sizes.
When choosing which plaque size is best for you, make sure you know what you want for your message. The longer your message is, the bigger your plaque size will need to be. You will also need to keep in mind that you will need a larger size if you want to use a graphic to go with the text.
PRO TIP: Check out what we have listed on our site for ideas on what will fit on different sized plaques.
Now, when Valentine’s day (or any other holiday) comes around, you will have a gift to wow that special someone in your life with; and one they will cherish forever. So while flowers, chocolates and stuffed animals are generally used as romantic gifts, think outside the box this year by giving custom plaques.
Every year Coller Industries makes an effort to recognize its employees during the holiday season. In turn, this translates to donations to various parts of our community. So, we started donating to Granite Education Foundation, and to date, have given over $57,000. The annual contribution to GEF is one of the donations that we deem the most valuable. As employees here at Coller Industries, it is a delight knowing that our employer is so generous and giving to our community.
We are giving to the schools, the children, and most importantly, we are providing for our future. The knowledge that this money goes to help the children in our community is what keeps us giving. It isn’t about the money; it’s about the future of our kids and where they will lead us because they were able to obtain a good education.
GEF recipient Lisa Foster with Gary CollerGary Coller with GEF recipient Emily Lehnardt
“We donate because it’s the right thing to do,” said Gary Coller, Coller Industries’ President. “We do it for the children in our neighborhood. They make us more responsible in the community. And hopefully, our customers appreciate when they see that we give back.”
Well said, Gary! These donations make us more responsible, and also make us more aware of the needs in our communities. From needing name tags in school and other places of business to needing a helping hand to members of our community, people can always find Coller Industries in the act of giving.
The Coller family and their employees take pride in knowing we have reached out to our surrounding community. We will continue to do so in the hopes that we are helping our friends and neighbors. And we are also aiding in the education and celebration of our children.
Why Honor Teachers?
Research shows that students with high performing teachers can progress three times faster than students with low performing teachers. Effective educators can influence the climate of the entire school. Their commitment, passion, expertise and creativity are infectious. Students love them because they make learning fun and engaging. Administrators love them because they get results. Parents love them because they affirm their student’s potential.
In the face of increasing class sizes and insufficient funding and resources, the majority of Granite District teachers are dipping into their own pockets and their own time to bridge the gap for their students. Educators are finding progressive and engaging solutions to institutional problems and changing the world, one child at a time.
Being a professional educator is not an easy job, and sometimes it can even be thankless. But, thanks to these amazing teachers and administrators, public education continues to excel.
Whether it’s in your own school community or a neighboring Granite District School, we believe there is nothing more important than improving a student’s life. We strive to lift lives and assist in providing resources to bolster education by uniting individuals, organizations and the business community with the will, passion, expertise and resources needed to solve problems. We are dedicated to giving Granite District students a hand up. That’s a difference you can count on.
The foundation recognizes and honors superior educators, true classroom heroes, the men and women responsible for molding and preparing our children to meet the challenges of the 21st century. These individuals have a track record of improving student achievement, using innovative instructional strategies and making a difference in the lives of students. They are among a select few highlighted annually as Excel Outstanding Educators who are making a difference in Granite School District classrooms.
Each year, Granite Education Foundation supporters gather to recognize outstanding teachers, administrators and community members whose personal commitment and contribution impacts 68,000 students in the Granite School District. The Excel Award is given to nine teachers and one administrator that school administrators, colleagues or students nominate. Nominees make the presentations while enjoying dinner, silent and live auctions. These raise funds for valuable programs and services that GEF sponsors throughout the year.
A presenter asks each award recipient to join them on stage to receive their award. They were also given a $1,000 check and other generous gifts. Each Excel Award recipient received a sculpture, designed by local Utah sculptor, Matt Glenn. This sculpture comes in two parts. The bottom portion has the four Granite Education Foundation hand icons from their logo. They symbolize educate, give, volunteer and advocate. The top portion is a student’s hand reaching for a teacher’s hand. Recipients can remove this piece and turn it over so that the teacher’s hand extends up toward the student’s hand.
“I look forward to this every year, it’s an honor to be around great educators and dedicated professionals who support them,” said Gary.
“Educational awards, such as the GEF Excel Award, are awesome because children are the future,” said Hannah, Coller Industries’ Customer Service Manager. “Teachers are important and deserve this recognition for what they do for our children. Watching the videos of each teacher and their stories and how they make a difference in the kid’s lives was the best part of the evening.”
How We Show Gratitude & Appreciation
These are big words: gratitude, appreciation, community. And their meanings are even more significant! From product donations to monetary help, the time we spend investing in education, our children and our community means a great deal to us. Sometimes it isn’t about the name tags, it’s about helping our community.
We value education here at Coller Industries, and we want to make sure that everyone gets the education they need. This includes family, friends and neighbors alike. Making students a priority; from our community to you, donations create unity.
In a nutshell, “We donate money for clothes and shoes for the kids in the Granite School District. Then we get to honor these great teachers for their excellent work by presenting the award on behalf of Coller Industries and the Granite Education Foundation,” said Hannah.
Coller Industries is proud to be a part of this process. While our role is small in comparison to these educators, we are still happy that we get to take part. Our children’s education has a direct impact on our business as we like to focus on working in our community. Helping out our local community is a large part of what defines the generosity of Coller Industries Incorporated.
Saying Thank You to Granite Education Foundation
We believe in giving toward the education of our children and our future. And because of that, we have enjoyed receiving something back. Each year, as a thank you for our time and money, Granite Education Foundation has some of their school children write and send a personal thank you. We are always thrilled when our special letter arrives.
Every year around this time, Coller Industries receives a special package. Inside this package are not only handwritten thank you Valentines, but also lots and lots of love. We receive these cards due to our annual donations to the Granite Education Foundation. And every year, our hearts are filled with gratitude and appreciation for those in our community.
Included each year along with thank you cards from students and parents is a wonderful letter from the foundation:
“Hey, Valentine!
Exchanging heartfelt messages on Valentine’s Day is a well-loved tradition. While the earliest Valentines were little more than hastily scribbled notes, today we can choose from thousands of varieties, each designed for a specific relationship in our lives. A hundred years ago, only sweethearts exchanged Valentine’s Day cards, but the practice has spread to encompass friends, family, colleagues and supporters.
The Granite Education Foundation and students from throughout Granite School District wanted to express our heart felt thanks for your continued generosity and support. Enclosed you will find hand made Valentine’s Day cards that our students created with YOU in mind. In our opinion, YOU’RE AWESOME SAUCE, Valentine! Thanks for believing in our mission and for the extra boost you give students. We couldn’t accomplish what we do without YOU.
Thank you with all our heart!”
Other letters have also stated, “The Granite Education Foundation has been established to supplement the excellent programs in Granite District’s schools, to help provide the highest classroom opportunities for each child, and for teacher excellence awards. Know that you are helping dreams come true.”
Coller Industries also received a thank you letter from Brent Severe, CEO of the Granite Education Foundation. It read as follows:
“Thank you for investing in futures through your generous donation to the Granite Education Foundation for programs in Granite School District. Because of you, more students can pursue an education in an environment that cultivates excellence. Your generosity creates possibilities, and your kindness nurtures engaged learning which will enrich education opportunities for our youth.”
These actions we make each year fill our hearts with gratitude and appreciation for those around us. Those who strive every day to make a difference in the world. So, yes, we receive thank you cards. But we feel that we are the ones who should be the most grateful. And that, in essence, is why we give donations.
While our role is small in comparison to each of these educators, we are beyond happy that we have been able to take part in this fantastic award opportunity. And we want to say thank you to the GEF for all of the outstanding work they do for our education system here in Salt Lake City, Utah. Our community and children benefit every day from their kindness and dedication toward learning.
Coller Industries also donated metal name tags for the committee members to wear during the event. These laser engraved name tags are easy to use with magnetic fasteners.
A name is what makes you unique. Well, that and your personality, quirks and other traits. But, without your name, you wouldn’t be who you are. Having a name is important. It makes you feel wanted and that you are a part of something. Well, the same goes for having unique name tags.
And what better way to show off your individuality than by wearing a tag with your name on it. There are many types of name tags to choose from: metal, plastic or paper; all sorts of different colors; different printing processes or engraving. The custom choices that you can make for your name tag will make them just as unique as you are.
From custom shapes
to blank plastic, name tags have all sorts of uses. Especially around
the holidays. Some of our customers use their name tags exclusively
for identification. And others use them for creative and fun
projects. There is no wrong way to use a name tag. And we have proof
that everyone (and everything) needs a name tag! Check out this
recent news article.
Nathan Wilcox started selling Christmas trees when he was 11 years old, and he doesn’t plan to stop any time soon.
“I would have a hard time quitting this because I’d feel I’d let a lot of people down,” Wilcox, 51, said.
The trees come from Wilcox’s farm in Floyd County, about 20 minutes from Radford University, and other parts of Virginia and North Carolina.
And get this: His trees all have names.
His older sister, Becky Belote, came up with the idea of naming the trees and when she stopped selling Christmas trees about 30 years ago, Wilcox decided to carry on the tradition.
Each year, his wife, Karen and their three daughters, Candice, Summer and Julia, would spend Thanksgiving filling out tags with names from family members, friends and classmates. (Karen) said she averages a box of 50 to 100 names a night while watching TV. In the past couple years, she has used popular celebrity names like Justin Bieber.
Both Karen and Nathan try their best to match the names to the right trees, i.e., putting “Charlie Brown” on a small, dinky tree rather than a big one. Once purchased, the trees are given a fresh cut and the employees remove the tree’s price from the name tag. Nathan said customers have told him they keep the name tags and use them as tree ornaments.
“A lot of people actually keep the name tag, for 10, 12, 15 years and use them as ornaments,” he said.
We love that someone is being so unique with their name tag usage.
Even here at Coller Industries, we have been known to get creative with name tag uses. Gift tags, shelf labels for organizing ribbons and so much more! We have even used them for prizes for picking a creative elf or reindeer name for our company Christmas parties. This creativity should know very few limitations. And adding names isn’t the only thing you should be able to do with name tags.
From brand
recognition to conversation starters, name tags are just like names:
useful in getting to know someone. And the holidays are no exception.
Name tags are often seen as props for party games during company and
family get-togethers. They are also great for family reunions and
just hanging around with a group of friends.
Name tags are the
glue that holds conferences and other events together. From
decorations to meeting new clients, creativity is the key to making
your name and name tags stand out. Add bright logos, graphics, names,
titles and nearly any creative thing you want. Just remember to keep
them as unique as you are.
The moniker we received from our parents the day we are born may be our most valuable possession. It distinguishes us from others, and it shapes our personalities and individuality. Many cultures and countries celebrate a person yearly on a special ‘Name Day.’
The best thing about name days is that you don’t need to know your friend’s birth date to send them a greeting; you only need their name. And, while birthdays are the most popular reason to celebrate and party, why limit our celebration of each person’s uniqueness to a single day?
Is this day the same as my birthday?
In short, the answer is no. However, there is much more to the answer than a simple “yes or no.” Birthdays are just that, the day you were born. However, your name day extends beyond and into more meaning than a birth date. In many traditions, cultures and religions, your name day is more important than your birthday.
What are name days, and where do people celebrate them?
Many European and Latin American countries celebrate name days each year. The tradition of celebrating this day goes back to the Middle Ages, especially in Catholic and Orthodox countries and continues today. Celebrations of each name day may commemorate saints and martyrs of the Catholic church. For example, Sweden celebrates the name Karl on January 28, the anniversary of Charlemagne’s (whose given moniker is Karolus or Karl) death.
A saint’s day celebration will include all the possible variations of that moniker. For example, St. Johns Day (January 7) is the name day of anyone named John, Giovanni, Ivan, Jeanine, Joann, Juan, and any of the 119 variations used worldwide.
Name days may be associated with a season or time of the year. One example is Palm Sunday, the name day for people with names related to flowers, herbs and plants to celebrate.
Many different traditions are associated with name days. However, no matter the customs, this is a time to celebrate the individual with congratulations and even small gifts.
How can I find my name day?
We know how important names are for building and maintaining relationships. And we believe in celebrating individual names every chance we can. So, search for official lists to find out when your moniker is celebrated. Many counties worldwide maintain lists of name days. For example, Sweden and Finland have kept lists that date to the 18th century and earlier. Today, It is simple to find a name day for yourself, your family and your friends by using the power of the internet. We recommend visiting www.mynameday.com to find yours!
Why are these days suddenly so popular?
In the book and television series, Game of Thrones, author George R.R. Martin refers to namedays. While he does not clearly define their significance, he mentions that they coincide with birthdays.
The nameday is a custom in the society of the Seven Kingdoms. It is an annual celebration commemorating the naming of a person and serves to calculate his or her age. Babies are named the same day they are born. People receive presents from friends and family on their nameday. It is essentially what we now call a birthday.
So the tradition of namedays in Game of Thrones differs from the European tradition of celebrating one’s name day.
In conclusion
While each culture, fictional or not, may have different traditions surrounding name days, they all have one thing in common: the purpose.
Names are more than a label; our names help define us, they assist in building and maintaining relationships, and they are part of the continuity of society and a culture’s history. They are a part of our uniqueness and individuality and are always worth celebrating.
So, whether you respond to Michelle or Karl, Rebekah or Yuri or any other moniker, you have two days a year that are special to only you: your birthday and your name day.
We are all about celebrating names!
Check out these products that share you with the world—showing your pride at work, in the community and at home.
From snowflakes to festive colors, make your holiday company retreat unforgettable!
Businesses often hold events for their employees and clients to attend. Often these events are based around a season or holiday. But, while these events are frequently related to summer festivities, winter holidays can also be a fun time to get together with colleagues and customers. Here are a few ways you can make your holiday company retreat even better.
Lanyards are sure to put everyone into the holiday spirit.
It
doesn’t matter what lanyard you use, as long as it stands out. So,
choose from a variety of fun and festive colors or create something
unique for your employees. From Cord
Badge Lanyards to Premium
Full-Color Lanyards, we’re sure to have something that will add
to your festivities.
Some of our lanyards even come with holiday options such as an ugly Christmas sweater pattern or a blue and white snowflake pattern. And then you can add any text you need. From business slogans to a holiday message, your holiday company retreat definitely need these lanyards.
Putting Those Lanyards to Good Use During Holiday Company Retreat
From personal identification to festive party games, lanyards are sure to meet multiple needs at your holiday company retreat.
Use
custom lanyards to quickly and easily display name tags or other
necessities at your event. Lanyards are perfect for displaying
decorations and using as seating arrangements.
Or,
even give them away as prizes for the best dressed, the ugliest
sweater and even more! They can also make wonderful party favors for
each attendee to take home to remember just how much fun they had
attending your holiday company retreat.
Don’t forget the name tags!
From
logo only name badges to conference
name tags, we’re sure to have exactly what you need to make
your holiday company retreats perfect. And, the best part is that it
is all affordable.
Name
tags are essential to the success of your event as they provide
identification for everyone. Whether you are hosting a celebration
for a small group of employees or a larger event for colleagues and
clients, name tags are the perfect tool to make sure everyone knows
who is in attendance.
And, networking is a ton easier when everyone can communicate by knowing each other’s names. Using Event Name Tags with fun, colorful graphics will help accomplish this task. And, by adding holiday graphics, each attendee is sure to enjoy keeping their name tag to remind them of how much fun they had during these company retreats.
What
other personal identification products could you use at your next
event or company retreat?
