Fashionable Ribbons & Spina Bifida

Fashionable Ribbons and a donation to Spina Bifida Texas

From getting branding exposure to making ribbons fashionable and promoting products and services, giving back to the community is hugely beneficial for any business. But, it isn’t about what you get in return for your efforts. It’s about who you are helping.

And, here at Coller Industries, we understand that helping out in our community is fashionable. The best thing we get back when we give is the knowledge that we have helped someone. Investing in the community by donating our products is one of our best forms of marketing. But again, it isn’t just about the marketing possibilities; it’s about the people. So, no matter the need, every donation we make comes with the knowledge that what we do is important for everyone.

This Week’s Donation Spotlight: Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX)

Spina Bifida Texas and their FashionABLE programs

The mission of SBTX is to improve the lives of those affected by Spina Bifida and to promote its prevention through folic acid awareness. Our aim is to increase the quality of life of those with disabilities through our programs and resources. Our goal is to decrease the incidence of Spina Bifida through folic acid awareness. At Spina Bifida Texas (SBTX) we value community, education, and family.

Custom Badge Ribbons (Vertical)

Whether horizontal or vertical, these fashionable custom badge ribbons are perfect for any event. They make beautiful awards and also aid in recognizing and identifying sponsors, attendees and so much more. Use these vertical text and graphic ribbons and customize them to fit all of your event needs. Add nearly any text you need and even custom logos and graphics. Choose from a variety of fonts and ribbon and imprint colors to match your event’s theme or to add a pop of color to add to name badges and badge holders.

custom badge ribbons are a fashionable item to have at any event

Elizabeth Rivera, Project Coordinator for the SBTX FashionABLE event, provided this excellent description of the organization and event.

FashionABLE (as in “I am able”) is a one-of-a-kind program that started 12 years ago. SBTX partners high school design students with children who have disabilities. The high school students are tasked with creating a garment specific to the child’s needs. Children with physical disabilities and their families face challenges in many areas, and this is frequently true where clothing is involved. These children often have self-esteem issues, especially with their physical appearance as it may not be what society considers the ‘norm.’ Their bodies may not be proportional and finding clothing that fits is difficult.

Mobility issues require that many children use orthotics or prosthetics to assist them in their daily activities. These devices are often bulky, which also poses a problem when trying to find clothing. Many of these children have issues with fine motor skills and buttons and zippers sometimes become an obstacle when they try to dress independently. Some of the children are totally dependent on their caregivers for all their needs and finding clothing that is easily slipped on and off is sometimes difficult. Our program was developed to address these issues in an innovative way.

Creating a “FashionABLE” Community

Understanding our community needs teaches that no matter the setting, there are things to constantly focus on to keep it healthy. In order to help people feel that they belong somewhere, we support and manage these insights. And this comes with accepting each other and the diversity of those around you. This community understanding makes us responsible for those around us. This community responsibility not only aids those in need, but assists everyone influenced by any actions in that community. And, we think that is just like this organization: fashionable!

Donations are one way that makes us more responsible in our community. And, building trust in our community is not only a requirement but also the best way to maintain any community. This unified trust is why we, as a company, are always looking to help out in our neighborhood and surrounding areas.

Celebrating Christmas, Ribbons Style

From name tags to custom ribbons, all we want is to celebrate Christmas in style!

While it’s all about personal identification 364 days of every year, for one fleeting day it’s about socializing and stuffing ourselves full of delicious food. And, this Christmas is no exception!

Customer Service employees celebrating at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas party

Marketing Department employees celebrating at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas party

Production and Shipping employees celebrating at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas party

Here at Coller Industries, we pride ourselves on our high-quality workmanship, our culture of quality and our perfect name tags and ribbons. And, while we like to boast about our less than 0.05% error rate, we also want to boast about our nearly perfect employees.

Ramona, the Marketing and Web Services Manager, said, “It’s amazing just how much everything works together. We have such a culture of quality in this company. And, it is so impressive that we are less than a half percent in our error rate.”

All in all, Coller Industries strives in every way possible to get each order not only out the door quickly and efficiently, but correctly! And our low error rate proves this, not only to us but to our current and potential customers.

Aimee, the Senior Account Manager, said, “It has been a fun and exciting year getting to know our many customers and I would like to thank all of the employees, everyone from every department for their assistance and support in ensuring the satisfaction of all of our customers.”

Having a low error rate increases sales and increased sales translate into happy customers. And with happy customers, Coller Industries remains in business to continue to serve everyone and their personal identification needs!

And, part of this happiness needs to extend to our family here at Coller Industries.

Hannah, the Customer Service Manager, said it best, “What makes Coller Industries stand out, is that it feels more like family than work. We all support each other and care about each other, and I think that is such a big contribution to how well we do as a company. Obviously work is work, but it is so much easier to do when everyone you work with is a friend, and everyone cares about each other. I think that is part of what keeps us so motivated to do well.”

Celebrating at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas party

Celebrating at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas party

Our annual tradition of the Christmas party includes a giant luncheon hosted and catered at a local hotel. This year’s meal included prime rib, chicken, salmon, asparagus and other sides for a feast fit for a king. There were also delicious appetizers of crackers and spinach dip with prosciutto wrapped asparagus.

Vance, the Design Manager, said, “I enjoyed the appetizers, I was nearly full by the time the main meal was starting. And I liked that this year’s party was smaller, with only the one guest it made the party feel more about our accomplishments as a group than a meal with families.”

Playing games at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas partyWe also played games and gave out prizes for raffles. From a holiday word scramble to trying to remember who had played the jolly man in red, the games were a blast and the presents even better.

And, every year each employee receives a personalized gift from Coller Industries. This year was a water bottle decorated with the CI logo which was full of candy. We also got a custom embroidered jacket with the CI logo.

Employee Awards at the Coller Industries Incorporated Christmas partyThis year we also had a special treat and recognized the hard work of several employees. From perfect attendance to most efficient, each of these employees received one of our new custom plaques engraved with their specific talent and name.

Here are more thoughts from several employees about our fabulous annual Christmas party:

Crystal (Shipping Clerk) “Everything about the party this year was just so amazing and fun. I wouldn’t have changed anything. And, I really like how plaques were given out for employee appreciation.”

Mathew (Web Design / Development) “The people and environment are the best part about the annual party. It is a nice casual setting where we can enjoy one another’s company and socialize.”

Leslie (Shipping Clerk) “My favorite thing about the Christmas party was getting together with all of the employees and just having fun.”

Charles (Sample Requests) “I always enjoy the company of my coworkers as we are also friends. And it isn’t very often that we get to chat and hang out throughout a workday.”

We just want to say thank you to everyone who works for Coller Industries. We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for our wonderful employees. And, to all of our customers, have a Merry Christmas and a happy holiday season!

Education Continues To Celebrate Excellence

Due to Coller Industries Incorporated’s continual support and donations, we were able to be a part of the “Excel Evening of Honors” on April 13th. Granite Education Foundation presents awards each year to exceptional teachers and administrators working in their district.

It all starts with the smallest of donations: TIME.

Since Granite Education Foundation’s inception in 1988, educator recognition and support has been a key priority. The Excel Awards are a prestigious honor given to the top 10 educators of Granite School District and has been sponsored by Granite Education Foundation since the beginning. Students, administrators, parents and colleagues nominate educators that exemplify the values of Granite School District.

coller industries enjoys giving back to our community through donations to granite education foundation

“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,” Hannah, Customer Service Manager and Coller Industries Incorporated, said.

Being a professional educator isn’t an easy job. Sometimes it can even be a thankless job. But, thanks to these amazing teachers and administrators, public education continues to excel.

Each year, GEF 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 bestowed upon nine teachers and one administrator that have been nominated by school administrators, colleagues or students.

Here are the 2018 Excel Award winners.
Congratulations to these incredible educators!

the 2018 granite education foundation excel award winners(Top to bottom; left to right.)

Leah Tarrant – Taylorsville High School
Lori Lindford – Bennion Elementary
Jill Thackeray – Skyline High School
Jodi Larson – Upland Terrace School
Stephanie Varoz – Crestview Elementary
Amy Winder – Elk Run Elementary
Katie Pearce – Rolling Meadows Elementary
Brandon Kerby – Cyprus High School
Janice Wayman – Hartvigsen School
Archer Birrell – Hillside Elementary

These individuals are then put through a rigorous review and observation process by experienced education specialists who ultimately identify 10 teachers and administrators from all over the district. In mid April, up to 300 individuals from Granite School District, supporting businesses, community members, and local leaders gather to recognize and honor these 10 winners in the Night of Honors a dinner and award ceremony.

As Coller Industries makes generous donations each year to the foundation, we were able to attend this gala not only as distinguished guests but also as an award presenter. After explaining Coller Industries to the attendees, Hannah proudly presented Archer Birrell, a 3rd-grade teacher at Hillside Elementary, with his Excel Award.

While our role is small in comparison to each of these educators, we are beyond happy that we get to take part in this fantastic award opportunity. 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,” Hannah said.

customer donations coller industries and granite education foundation excel awards galaThe Granite Education Foundation Excel Award

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. Each hand symbolized educate, give, volunteer and advocate. The top portion is a student’s hand reaching for a teacher’s hand. This piece is also reversible so that the teacher’s hand is extending up toward the student’s hand.

“Educational awards, such as the GEF Excel Award, are awesome because children are the future,” Hannah said. “Teachers are important and deserve this recognition for what they do for our children.”

And, we agree. These teachers are very deserving of this prestigious award. We want to thank these teachers and all the others who work endlessly for the welfare of our kids. You all make a huge difference!

How We Show Gratitude & Appreciation

These are big words: gratitude, appreciation, community. And their meanings are even more significant!

these special valentines show how much gratitude and appreciation comes from our annual GEF donationEvery 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 every year 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.

Enclosed in the package is also a letter from the board of Granite Education 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.

This year, Granite Education Foundation and students from throughout Granite School District want to express our heartfelt 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.

Each board member signs this letter as a token of their gratitude and appreciation for all our donation does for teachers, students and the school district.

these special valentines show how much gratitude and appreciation comes from our annual GEF donationGranite Education Foundation (GEF)

Federal and state funds do not meet the immense needs of our students, teachers and schools. The Granite Education Foundation provides access to resources that improve educational outcomes.

We provide educational opportunities for students of Granite School District.

We educate students, teachers and members of our community on ways to impact our community. Together, we CAN make a difference! We gather and give resources the GRANITE way. We impact children and teachers in public education. We advocate, inform and promote learning for students and their families.

The lessons we learn from helping in our community teaches us how to be grateful for what we have. And when we realize what we have, we give even more back to those around us.

these special valentines show how much gratitude and appreciation comes from our annual GEF donation

these special valentines show how much gratitude and appreciation comes from our annual GEF donation

Coller Industries is known for their impact in the community through product donations. But the annual contribution to GEF is the one donation that we deem the most poignant. We are giving to the schools, the children, and most importantly, we are providing for our future.

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.

Creating Unity Through Education

Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and Coller Industries Incorporated are working together, again!

Due to our donations and continual support, Granite Education Foundation invited Coller Industries to attend this year’s Excel Evening of Honors. The “EXCEL Evening of Honors” was held on April 21st.

Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and Coller Industries Incorporated are working together, again!Every year, Granite Education Foundation supporters gather to recognize outstanding teachers, administrators and community members whose personal commitment and contribution impacts 67,000 students in the Granite School District.

The annual EXCEL Award publicly honors and recognizes educators who raise the bar of their profession. The award recognizes teaching that incites intellectual curiosity in students, engages them thoroughly in the enterprise of learning, and has a lifelong impact.

Winners are nominated by school administrators, parents, colleagues and students through an intensive application process. A selection committee then reviews each application. Members of this Excel Selection Committee then surprise each winner at their school with the announcement. This interaction was recorded and shared at the presentation event.

The committee received over a thousand nominations and had to select only ten winners.

Gary Coller, President of Coller Industries, said, “I look forward to this every year, it’s an honor to be around great educators and dedicated professionals who support them. (With ten great teachers honored), and I was able to present an award to a teacher whose mother has also been recognized as a teacher of the year.”

Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and Coller Industries Incorporated are working together, again!Emily Lehnardt believes that children are perfect candidates for her to “awaken” the human spirit to love life-long learning. She feels children exude great curiosity and seemingly limitless creativity.

Emily applies Dr. Einstein’s teaching philosophy in her classroom. She believes Dr. Einstein lived in creative expression and knowledge. His creativity through experiments gave the world cutting-edge information.

“Ms. Lehnardt is exactly what my son needed in first grade. Her passion for teaching and learning shines through and really inspired him to love going to school.” -Parent

Ramona Braunberger, Marketing Manager for Coller Industries, said, “Emily is the educator you want (for your child). It is very apparent that she cares about the kids and is excited about teaching.”

During the gala, each winner received a special “Excel Award,” a gift basket, a monetary award, and other generous gifts to recognize their achievements.

“Every year we have the phenomenal opportunity to recognize educators who exemplify the values and mission of Granite School District,” said Dr. Martin W. Bates, Granite School District Superintendent.

“These individuals have demonstrated exceptional teaching skills and a commitment to student success. In addition, they provide meaningful contributions to their school community, and are constantly seeking ways to improve the educational experience of their students,” said Dr. Bates.

Congratulations to the 2017 GEF Excel Winners!

Emily Lehnardt – Cottonwood Elementary
Sheri Coats – Armstrong Academy
Sarah Wilson – South Kearns Elementary
Zachary Layton – Eisenhower Jr High
Wendee Johnston – Whittier Elementary
Yvonne Miller – Fremont Elementary
Rhonda Small-Oakes – Hartvigsen
Anita Ardi – Churchill Jr High
Callah Morrey – West Kearns Elementary
Craig Stauffer – Hunter High

Why Honor Teachers?

Research shows that students with high-performing teachers can progress three times as fast as 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.

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.

Granite Education Foundation (GEF) and Coller Industries Incorporated are working together, again!