name tags - Influencing Identity

Donations: Granite Education Foundation

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.

2016 Granite Education Foundation award dinner Gary Coller and recipient Lisa Foster. — GEF recipient Lisa Foster with Gary Coller

2017 Granite Education Foundation award dinner Gary Coller and recipient Emily Lehnardt. — GEF recipient Lisa Foster with Gary Coller

“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.

The Granite Education Foundation, Making a Difference

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.

So, what is the Excel Award?

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!”

2016 GEF Valentine's Day Cards from students to Coller Industries.

2017 GEF Valentine's Day Cards from students to Coller Industries.

2018 GEF Valentine's Day Cards from students to Coller Industries.

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.

The Best Name Tags for a Low Budget

From blank tags to reusable badges, these name tags are the perfect solution for companies on a tight budget.

Name tags may feel like a luxury that your business can go without, especially when you have a tight budget. However, name tags are necessary for achieving business success. When everyone at your workplace wears a name tag, customers feel comfortable working with you. They see you and your colleagues as people, just like them, who can relate to their needs. The more customers feel comfortable doing business with you, the more sales you will have. If you want to not only survive but thrive in the business world, then having company name tags is a must.

Fortunately, providing name tags for your whole team does not have to be a financial burden. There are plenty of low cost alternatives to traditional, permanently engraved name tags. And, they look just as professional too.

Check out these high quality name tags (or name badges) that go easy on your budget while still making a great first impression.

Conference Name Tags

Full color, laminated name tags work just as well for everyday office work as they do for conferences. Because they are meant for large events, they come at a low price, making them a low cost solution for your identification needs. Use them to take control of your brand by customizing them with the colors, graphics, logos and text you need to promote your business. Once you see your new name tags in all their full-color splendor, you will want to keep them around forever.

Blank Name Tags

Looking for highly durable name tags that fit your budget? Plastic and metal Name Tag Blanks are made from the same quality material as our laser engraved name tags. Not only are they made to last, but they are also reusable. Just print the names and titles you need onto adhesive labels and stick them onto the name tags. If you want the text to be more permanent, write directly onto the plastic or metal surface using a marker. Customize the size, color and fastener for these blank name tags so they go well with your company uniform or dress code.

Badge Holders with Paper Inserts

By far the most affordable solution, badge holders are a professional choice for any company on a tight budget. They are made of quality vinyl plastic and come with reliable fasteners such as bulldog clips, magnets and pins. When you use them with colorful paper inserts, they make a positive impression on your customers. Use thicker badge holders for your full time employees and thinner ones for temporary staff (e.g., interns, volunteers) to save on business costs. If your staff does not like to wear name badges on their clothing, pair your badge holders with lanyards.

Reusable Name Badges

Quality reusable name badges are not only affordable, but they save you tons of money in the long run. Whenever you have a change in position, these badges let you replace names and titles on demand using printable inserts. By replacing old inserts with new ones, your company’s identification is up to date within minutes.

Mighty Badges™

With a metal back plate and domed lens, these reusable badges give your business a professional style. Choose name badges with a blank background or with a UV color logo to promote your brand. These badges also come in different sizes and various shapes (rectangles, ovals and squares) so you are sure to stand out from your competitors.

Speedy Badges

Each badge features a plastic, window style frame with a forward curve to give it a distinct look. Add a name and title by sliding an insert into the frame and placing the clear lens over the top. With a pin or magnetic fastener on the back, these badges will hold in place throughout a typical workday.

Name Tags for Any Budget

Whether you are a start up company, small business or large corporation looking to cut costs, these name tags are for you. They go easy on your budget while giving you the quality you deserve. As you use these quality name tags to identify your employees, you will see an increase in sales as customers come to trust your company’s ability to meet their needs.

Why You Should KISS Your Name Tags

From conference to convention and every event in between, when it comes to your name tags, you should always KISS them. In other words, keep it short and simple. Simplicity is necessary to make your name tags work for you. And, avoid unnecessary complexity.

Professional tools such as name tags are essential in marketing and communication. They provide not only personal identity but corporate branding as well. Employees who wear name tags offer a sense of customer service and responsibility for that business. And, name tags are often the hardest working element to a person’s uniform in meetings, at conventions or during any event.

Here’s how you can and should KISS your name tags.

The KISS Principle

KISS keep it short and simple in designing name tags

KISS, an acronym for “keep it simple, stupid” or “keep it stupid simple,” is a design principle noted by the U.S. Navy in 1960. The KISS principle states that most systems work best if they are kept simple rather than made complicated. The phrase has been associated with aircraft engineer Kelly Johnson. The term “KISS principle” was in popular use by 1970. Variations on the phrase include: “Keep it simple, silly,” “keep it short and simple,” “keep it simple and straightforward,” “keep it small and simple” or “keep it stupid simple.”

Whether you’re adding names and titles or logos and names, you should always remember the KISS Principle. Make sure your text is concise and to the point. Avoid longer titles unless necessary, and use an appropriate logo for your brand.

Remember that you should use the KISS Principle on your name tags as it is the most important thing you can do for them.

Yes, you should remember your branding by adding a logo to all of the name tags in your office. Or when creating name tags for a conference, add different company logos to each company’s name tags. Everyone will appreciate their branded name tags, and it also helps with continued recognition for each business.

For a name tag to be the most effective, there are guidelines to consider. The first rule is to keep yours simple. Some people treat them like business cards or resumes, but personal identification should be straightforward and concise. Name tags should only include the bare minimum information necessary to identify the person wearing it. In commercial and retail settings, that means the person’s first name, unless there is more than one employee with the same first name. With such cases, adding a last name helps with identification.

So, for branding to work on your name tags, you need only to include what is necessary. Whether you are gathering information for a convention or making new name tags for your office, only include the bare minimum.

According to Scott Ginsberg, the Name Tag Guy:

“How many times has someone rudely squinted at your chest desperately trying to make out those tiny letters? This is self defeating, embarrassing and actually works to decrease your approachability. Not to mention it makes the other person feel ridiculous! So, much like a retail price tag, your name tag must be readable from ten feet away — both the font and the name tag itself.
“According to a name tag survey done by David Alder of Biz Bash, 50% of a group of meeting planners claimed that ‘illegible font size of name tags was a major problem.’ And, consider the 75 million baby boomers that have reached, or will reach their bifocal days, this is a top priority. The recommended font size is 24 point – hopefully bigger if possible. Also, be certain to avoid cursive, script or other fancy letters.”

So, always remember to KISS (keep it short and simple) your name tags, and they will do the work for you. No matter what situation you are in, these KISSed tags are sure to get the job done.

How Unique Name Tags Provide Fun for the Holidays

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.

Fresh cut Christmas wreathes from the Wilcox farm with name tags on them

Fresh cut Christmas Tree from the Wilcox farm with a name tag on it.

Here’s What Makes this Christmas Tree Farm Different

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.

green plastic unique name tags for Christmas party

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.

4 Important Reasons for Wearing Name Tags

wearing name tags is essential in business practices

Wearing name tags helps build a corporate identity. They also help employees and customers interact better with each other.

In any retail establishment (grocery store, boutique, department store, etc.), there are significant benefits to wearing name tags. Some of these benefits include the use of identification in marketing, providing security, identifying employees and other staff, as well as many other positive benefits. Here are some of our favorite reasons you need to utilize name badges in your retail business.

Identify Employees and Other Staff

Sometimes, especially in larger retail locations, it can be challenging to remember everyone’s name. By wearing name tags, or other identification, newer employees and other team members in the company are more apt to recognize each other. Name badges also provide accountability for all of your employees. When wearing name tags, it requires that your employees accept responsibility, one, for their actions and two, for the way they treat your customers.

Building Company and Brand Recognition

Corporate branding is a rising trend and doesn’t seem to be peaking any time soon. Add your retail store logo to your name tags, and quickly identify every employee, volunteer and other staff at your location. Inevitably when employees go to lunch, they leave their name tags on. Sometimes employees even wear them on their way home from work. When employees continually wear their name tags in public, a company’s brand is repeatedly advertised.

Conversation Starters for Customers

Name tags are an excellent way for customers to start up conversations with employees and other retail staff. They tell the customer who they are working with from the first moment they meet your employee. Identification provides an easy way for customers to distinguish your employees and other staff in your store from other customers. Then, when a customer has a question or requires assistance, they will know who to ask for help.

Wearing Name Tags Provides Better Security

photo identification badges are a perfect solution for wearing name tags and increasing security

When you require employees and other staff to wear name tags, you can quickly identify and acknowledge whether or not they belong where they are. Name tags are particularly valuable in companies and organizations that deal with high tech gadgets, expensive equipment or sensitive information.

While identification doesn’t seem to be as common as it once was, wearing name tags will always have an essential place in any retail environment. By utilizing name tags into your company’s culture, customers will be able to relate better to your employees. Name badges eliminate any barrier between the customer and employees, so try adding these to your business today!

Buy Your Name Tags Now!