Bloomin' Flower Cards

Our solar panels have been up and running for about a month now. We have 144 Kyocera solar panels now collecting the light of the sun that power our light, computers, die-cutters, letterpresses and more. Our 29.52 kW system should produce 42,082 kWh per year. This is approximately the amount of electricity we use.

Here are the guys from Independent Power working in December.

Hopefully we will break even on the deal in about 5 years. With all the incentives right now for solar in America, we couldn’t afford NOT to get this system installed. More importantly, we are excited about making a difference and being less of a burden on this small planet of ours.

A short demonstration of Bloomin seed paper….

How it’s made, sold, and grows! Video taken at the asi show in Orlando 2010.

Narrated by yours truly, Don

Bloomin’ Rocks PPAI 2010. Thanks to all of our promotional products friends who came by to check out the show. It’s going to be a big 2010! Don

50 new toys!

This year Bloomin’ donated 50 brand new, cool toys to the emergency Family Assistance Program  EFAA in Boulder. It was really moving to see all the needy families over there this time of year. According to the program director, all of the donated toys will be going to Boulder cnty kids who would have otherwise gone without a holiday gift. We would encourage anyone and everyone to find a way to get out and give back to their community in some small way this holiday season. Lots of Boulder County families remain in need year round, and this group really seems to serve our community well.  So… “give it away, give it away, give it away now”! Anthony Kadis – Red Hot Chile Peppers.

If you’d like to contact EFAA regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact their  Community Resources Manager, Shalon Atwood Shalon@efaa.org or call 303-951-7663 for more information on volunteering.

Don

New Age Retailer loves the NEW Bloomin' Wish Kits!

New age retailer magazine has included the new Bloomin’ Wish Kits as one of their top finds in 2009. Savvy retailers have been calling and emailing for more information on this exciting new product category. Each kit contains seed paper circle cards that offer a space to write a personal wish, idea or goal. When planted, they grow into a garden of wildflowers! They are available with everyday artwork and graphics, or with a festive holiday flair. Packaging is also now available to feature your own custom graphics, logos and text to make highly effective promotional products for non-profit and school fundraisers, product launches, client thank-yous, holiday gifts and more. The seeded paper cards are handmade in the USA from 100% post-consumer recycled paper. Each kit Includes a full-color custom-printed 4.5″ x 6″ vellum package, 10 custom-printed seed cards and a pencil.

Don

ongrats to all the veterans that have served in our military forces, and specifically to those who are now  valuable members of our bloomin team, and. I know John, our production manager, and Shannon, our recently promoted papermaking sergeant, enjoyed their free steak at Applebees, (along with over 1,000,000 other vets) this Veteran’s Day.  Throughout our 16 years, we’ve found the work ethic and get it done mentality of those who have served to be second to none. Thanks to all of those who have served and are serving to keep the dream alive. You Rock.

Don

It is interesting to note why so many put off sending their holiday cards each year. If you are one of these holiday card procrastinators, here are some tips to get through the holidays. It’s really not hard to understand putting them on the back burner with all the pressure on our time surrounding the holidays. Parties, shopping, volunteering, all take up precious time that makes writing holiday greetings a bit of a chore, one that gets put off.

The holidays are a great time to reconnect in a personnel manner in today’s digital age. The kind of card you send says something about the sender, be it a business, a family, or an individual. So this year, be sure to choose a card that is a reflection of your company or yourself. Religious cards are popular at the holiday times for this reason, but there’s lots of other things you can do to make a statement. Family, kids and pet photos are a great way to show off the one’s you love. If you like a certain song, you can send a card that plays that song. If you’re a gardener, you might send a card they can plant, If you care about the earth send an earth friendly card, if you want to make a political statement, promote philanthropy, or make someone laugh, send them a card that gets it done.

Whatever the card just make sure you send them this holiday season. New Years cards are always fun to get after the holiday mail box flood has subsided. Two years’ ago we actually sent our holiday card as a Valentine card and got lots of laughs and smiles about the latest holiday card ever sent.

Don

On Friday November 6th, we gathered toNorman tribute video celebrate Norman’s wonderful spirit and remember his very special life. He will be missed but never forgotten.

This is a video of Norman’s last recorded Dance on his Birthday in September. He was an expert on the fine details you would see michael Jackson performing on stage.

Norman, we love and miss you more than you could ever know. Thanks for the gift of your friendship over all these years.

You’re full of life, understanding, and love. Thank you for making a difference in my life, just for being you.

-Jen