Founders Award |
Mike Dean, Epilog Laser Corporation, Golden, CO
“Mike is genuine, has never sought the spotlight, always wears a smile, and enjoys helping others—a true professional. He has demonstrated his commitment to our association over and over again and is most deserving of the ARA Founders Award.”
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Sales Representative of the Year |
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Joe McLaughlin, Continental Awards & Trophies, Bartlett, TN
“Joe is a soft-spoken individual who is willing to go the extra mile to get you the best product and service. He makes sure you are satisfied with the way you are receiving your orders, and is always asking if there is anything he can do to help your business grow.”
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Customer Service Representative of the Year |
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Beverly Fullington, Tropar Manufacturing, Ennis, TX
“Beverly’s customer service is outstanding. She always calls to make sure all is well and that her company is handling all our awards needs. If there are any problems she takes care of them in a professional and efficient manner.”
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Volunteer of the Year |
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Karen Guzman, Identification Plates, Mesquite, TX
“Karen is a very positive person and volunteers her time over and over. She is a doer and closer—meaning she takes on jobs and sees them to the end. She has a great personality and gets along with everyone. She is a great team player.”
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Small Retailer of the Year |
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Donna Pollucci, CRM and Joan Scumaci, CRS, Hudson Valley Awards, Goshen NY
“Our best marketing program is client referral—and that includes giving customers business cards to hand to friends, family, and coworkers, and offering discounts to both old and new clients.”
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Large Retailer of the Year |
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Charlie Drago (with General Manager Kevin McLaughlin), Monarch Trophy Studio, San Antonio, TX
“We have been in business since 1972 and are the largest awards retailer in our market. Charlie Drago purchased our company in 2002 and since then we have experienced phenomenal growth. This is due in no small part to his hands-on management style. ”
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Supplier of the Year, single location |
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Catania Medallic Specialty Inc., Avon Lake, OH
“To anyone who does not know them, Catania is the best. They have made me look like a hero to my customers more than once. They are the kind of players you need on your team. ”
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Supplier of the Year, multiple locations |
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JDS Industries, Sioux Falls, SD
“JDS continues to expand creatively by enhancing its products through new printing methods and animation. It’s a leader in its use of bright colors and motion graphics, including 3-D graphics and techniques that create the perception of moving print.”
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Hall of Fame Award |
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Sam Varn, CRM, Awards4U, Tallahassee, FL
“Sam has served ARA in almost every capacity: ARA President in 1994, two-time recipient of the ARA President’s Award, recipient of the ARA Founder’s Award, and the ARA Speaker of the Year Award. Very few volunteer leaders have contributed as much to our association.”
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Speaker of the Year Award |
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Donna Gray, CRM, AwardsMall Total Awards and Promotions, Madison, WI
“Donna always addresses cutting-edge topics. Her ability to make the topics geared to any size trophy business is a true gift.”
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President’s Award |
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Guy Barone, Xenetech, Baton Rouge, LA
“In August 2009, Guy led fellow ARA board, committee members, and staff in creating the ARA Strategic Plan. The document identifies and explores ideas for charting a new direction in coming years to benefit ARA members.”
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