Capacity to Care

Collaborating with the Youth

2012-02-10T11:30:00.012-07:00

Through the Capacity to Care program, Bella Graphics & Display has the opportunity to work with many fantastic non-profits, local and national alike. One of our upcoming CTC projects involves printing banners for the Sheridan County YMCA’s Youth Soccer Teams. These banners will include logos for each team, which the members design themselves.

YMCA Program Director Luke Gibson asked Bella to take its participation in this project a step further by providing each team with design tips. On January 26, 2012, the YMCA hosted a design workshop for the teams to gather and brainstorm ideas for the logos. Bella donated pieces of foam board for the teams to input their final designs. Each logo will then be scanned and printed onto the banners.

YMCA Youth Soccer team participants sketch ideas for logos.

Bella’s Bryan Bergstreser attended the workshop and offered this advice to the teams:

Be original – Bryan urged the youth not to rely on stock art and to ensure that their design does not contain any copyright infringement.

Be timeless – the logos will represent each team in the years to come, so they should be timeless. This means that the design should not rely on current trends, which will one day become obsolete.

Be proud – each team will have its logo on display, so the design should garner a sense of pride and teamwork. Bryan urged the teams to take their time to create and perfect the logos.

Be simple – complex designs lose detail when printed in small sizes. It may look great on the team banner, but not so much on the jerseys or other branding materials.

Be picky – font and color choice can make or break a logo. Bryan cautioned the teams to remember that the logos will appear in several different mediums. A logo should always be readable and identifiable.

Bryan Bergstreser offers design guidelines to team members.

The teams were asked to submit an initial draft to Luke by February 3. We look forward to seeing the final designs and will post pictures once the banners are completed. It has been a pleasure working on this project.

Kennon Products, Inc. Introduces its Core Values

2011-08-27T15:21:00.006-06:00

Kennon Products, Inc. and its subsidiary, Bella Graphics & Display, have developed an official set of core values applicable to both companies.

Members of the Kennon and Bella teams worked together to define these values over the past few months. Now we would like to present its core values:

This concept speaks for itself. Kennon believes strongly in the notion of compassion and consideration for people, whether it be a non-profit organization that serves the community, military personnel that dedicate their lives to protect our country, a colleague who works overtime to finish a project or a customer who seeks advice on a product.

The safety of colleagues and customers is a top priority at Kennon. Kennon encourages everyone to work safely, play safely and live safely at all times.

Urgency does not equate to cutting corners. Kennon values efficiency, but also strives for exceptional and reliable products and services. Kennon promises “Safer Covers Built to Last” and it must live up to that promise.

Kennon has an inside joke about completing tasks or projects “by Friday.” Granted, this isn’t a feasible deadline for many projects, but the idea of completing a task efficiently and in a timely manner is of the utmost importance.

The term “quality” holds different meaning for different people. Kennon believes in delivering products and services that not only meet a customer’s expectation or definition of quality, but exceeds it. Kennon desires to make good on its promises and to be held accountable.

Innovation has become a necessity in today’s world. Kennon encourages both employees and customers to think outside of the box and exercise creativity, because fear holds people back from achievement all too often.

This signifies transparency, both to co-workers and customers. Every employee has the ability and the authority to do right by customers and to speak truthfully.

Kennon encourages its employees to enjoy themselves, no matter where they are. Keeping the work environment fun enhances employee relationships and productivity.

The hiring process at Kennon is very selective. Once the right person joins the team, Kennon strives to keep that person and help him/her become the best he/she can be.

In alignment with being held accountable and having shared authority to do the right thing, Kennon encourages feedback from employees and customers. Kennon wishes to maintain lines of communication that are transparent, always truthful and considerate of others.

Adopt-a-Park

2011-07-23T20:33:00.004-06:00

Sheridan's first Adopt-a-Park program was a success! About 20 members of the Capacity to Care team arrived at Kendrick Park on Monday, July 18th to sweep pavilions, scrape gum and other debris from park property, remove yard waste and pick up trash (especially cigarette butts).

Top: Owner Ron Kensey hard at work picking up trash

Bottom: Laura Carbert and Dakotah Gali sweep one of Kendrick's pavilions

We were very pleased with our clean up job and we hope that more local businesses will participate in the Adopt-a-Park program. We'd like to extend a special thanks to Chuck Carbert, Sheridan's Parks Director for all of his hard work!

The Man Behind the Printer

2011-07-15T15:04:00.008-06:00

Have you ever seen a large format printer? It is quite impressive. The mere size of the device and its capabilities are fascinating. We are quite proud of our large format printer and are constantly amazed by its quality. The real story, though, is the man behind the printer. His name is Dwayne Hoopes.

Dwayne Hoopes loads fabric into Bella's large format printer.

Dwayne embodies the value of caring that we strive so hard for here at Bella Graphics & Display. When asked what he would do in the event that he won the lottery, he was quick to say that he would take care of his family.

"They've been taking care of me my whole life, so it's only fair that I take care of them."

Not only is he compassionate, but he also recognizes the value of giving back. He realizes that we all possess the capacity to care.

His mindset is truly inspiring when one considers the obstacles he has overcome. After years of struggling with addiction, Dwayne left everything he knew in Utah and made a fresh start for himself here in Sheridan. He joined our production team in November of 2010. When we needed someone to run the printer, Dwayne was quick to step up to the plate, even though he had no prior experience.

We couldn't have asked for a better candidate to fill that vacancy. Dwayne handles each project with the precision and care of a professional. He is down-to-earth, easy to work with and his story is incredibly touching. Next time you see one of our banners, signs, posters, etc., we hope you'll think of the man behind the printer.

Community Partnership

2011-06-30T14:59:00.008-06:00

Through our Capacity to Care program, Kennon Products is partnering with Joey's FlyFishing Foundation, Inc. to provide youth in the community with products that will enhance their fly fishing experiences.

Joey's is a local non-profit that offers mentoring programs to youth, allowing them to experience fly fishing, personally hand craft their own rods, fly-tying and much more. Through Capacity to Care, Kennon will provide Joey's participants with fly rod covers, reel cases and other products made from recycled materials. Our sincerest hope is that the partnership will deliver positive, memorable experiences to the youth in our community.

The partnership was initiated by Kennon's Production and Customer Service Manager, Rhonda Gould (pictured below). Rhonda identified a need for a fly rod case that would be inexpensive and convenient for Joey's participants. She volunteered her time to design and sew these cases.

Above: Rhonda Gould cutting mesh material at Kennon's production facility

In alignment with Kennon's "Go Green" efforts, Rhonda chose to reuse scrap material for the cases. We'll continue this initiative with the products we create for this partnership. This will help to reduce waste and reinforce the environment-friendly behaviours that Joey's teaches its participants.

For more information about Joey's, visit http://www.joeysflyfishing.com/.

I Think Highly of the Concept of Volunteer Organization

2011-05-22T22:26:00.002-06:00

I watched the finally of Celebrity Apprentice. They raised over 3 million for good causes. What a great show. We need more shows that help fund worthy causes. As you know, I believe non-governmental funded organizations are a better value than government managed or contracted programs.

No need to raise taxes or do away with the charitable tax deductions. They should make charitable gift a tax credit. Then do away with government contracted social programs.

Keystone Awards

2011-04-30T15:25:00.001-06:00

Three Honored at 1st Annual Keystone Awards | Sheridan Media - Serving Sheridan Wyoming & Buffalo Wy

Bella Graphics and Display was pleased to support this outstanding event, honoring these fine citizens for their lifetime of community service!

Torch Award

2011-04-22T07:41:00.000-06:00

Last night Kennon Products was among the 12 companies honored by the
Better Business Bureau of Northern Colorado and Wyoming at their
annual Torch Awards Dinner. Torch Awards are given to businesses that
best exemplify the highest standards of business ethics in how they
interact with customers, employees and their community. There were
about 500 people in attendance and it truly was a well produced event
with a variety of entertainers, video production, and an excellent
reception and dinner.

The top award in our category ( 25 to 100 employees) was presented to
Drahota, a Fort Collins construction firm. Their story is inspiring as
were so many told throughout the evening. During the downturn in the
economy, instead of reducing their workforce Drahota sent their
workers into the community to do home repairs for the elderly. They
have a wellness program for their employees and provide loaner
bicycles. They have raised thousands of dollars in special events such
as Relay for Life for the American Cancer Society.

We congratulate Drahota, the winners in the other three categories and
all of the finalists. It truly was an inspiring evening. We are proud
to be among the those honored for trust and ethics and motivated by
the many wonderful stories to try even harder.

--
Ronald J. Kensey, President
Kennon Products, Inc
www.kennonproducts.com

2011-04-16T11:54:00.001-06:00

At a time like this we can't afford the luxury of thinking.

President confuses charitable tax deduction with spending

2011-04-14T15:22:00.000-06:00

I am confused. I thought there was a difference between "revenue and expenses" Taxing and spending ..

In his speech last night the President of the United States said “The tax code is also loaded up with spending on things like itemized deductions,” Obama said. “And while I agree with the goals of many of these deductions, like home ownership or charitable giving, we cannot ignore the fact that they provide millionaires an average tax break of $75,000 while doing nothing for the typical middle-class family that doesn’t itemize.”

The tax code is not loaded with spending .. your budget is loaded with spending! That's the problem!

It is absolutely frightening when he says that charitable giving ..(non-profits) really doesn't do a thing for the middle class .. I thought that the third sector existed to help the less fortunate among us. ... I guess that it's only large government spending programs that do ..

Oh my Atlas Shruged. Careful non-profits ... as goes the charitable deduction so goes you. The government is going broke, don't expect to be funded with tax dollars or find a job in a government office building.

Read more: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/134446/20110414/obama-calls-for-limits-on-itemized-deductions.htm#ixzz1JXARLpEu

Not to non-profits who belly up to the trough

2011-04-13T09:25:00.001-06:00

Non-profits and donors will likely be need to pick up the safety net for the least among us when the government can't pay it's bills. As my mother used to ask,"you think money grows on trees?

Washington goes down to the wire over saving only enough to pay for 2 days interest on the national debt.

I don't know many taxpayers who want to intrust the federal gov with more money as in more taxes. They obviously do not know how to balance a checkbook! I would rather give it to well run voluntary organizations. The ones that actually have donors and volunteers and do more than belly up to the troth.

Charities Aid Foundation releases "World Giving Index"

2011-04-12T15:24:00.000-06:00

Charities Aid Foundation releases "World Giving Index" and I don't know what to make of it. American, the former "giving" super power now ranks 5th behind Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the leader of them all, Austrailia.

And... The study also found that being happy is more of an influence on giving money to charity than being wealthy. Things are not rotten in Denmark, the Danes had a score of 8.0 compared to 7.2 for the USA and Austria. America is pretty grumpy right now because we got beat out by Canada, 7.5

Brian O'Connell a Champion of the Independent Sector

2011-04-11T07:30:00.001-06:00

After hearing that Brian O'Connell,one of the founders of The Independent Sector had passed I couldn't help think about my mentors. Brian had worked for American Heart Association for 12 years early in his career,before my time,but Earl Beagle, John Connolly, and Warren Duntley spoke highly of Brian and shared his teachings. He was an expert at working with boards and volunteers. He was a real community organizer.

Amazingly, it was at least 30 years ago that I learned from Brian, the fact that I still remember him and his teaching and still apply it is a tribute to him. I know that he would agree with me that the third sector has a greater role to play in the future of our great country. God bless you Brian.

Tax the rich or else....

2011-04-10T21:26:00.000-06:00

I started thinking about how non-profits could bailout the federal government because I got tired of listening to the debate over the repeal of the Bush tax rate cuts. I'm all for the wealthy contributing more to make this country a better place. I just think that volunteers make better stewards of money than are politicians.

Ask yourself, where do you think that you would you do get the biggest bang for your buck, having it distributed by politicians or by the volunteer board of the non-profits of your choice?

So, instead of fighting about tax rates and cuts in discretionary spending, let there be a choice, go ahead and fix the tax system and give those who must pay over-and-above a choice, pay it in taxes or give it to pay it to volunteer 501(c3)organizations of your choice. One will leverage that dollar by at least 10 times through volunteers and the other will not.

Which would be better for your cause?

Cause Related Marketing Takes Many Forms

2011-04-10T07:00:00.002-06:00

There are many ways for a business to benefit by relating to a cause. A payment to the non-profit based on sales or projected sales is only one. Probably the most common.

Starbucks has built it's brand on being socially responsible. The non-profits they support have done well.

My company has a cause related marketing program that sells to non-profits at cost. It keeps our employees working when times are slow. In return we get recognition and we get business from the volunteers of those organizations, many of whom have businesses and needs of their own.

My point is, Cause Related Marketing comes in many flavors.

It is essential the business and non-profits support each other. I contend that by working together, non-profits can bail out the federal government. Or at least it is more pleasurable to think about as opposed to the national debt. ;-)

What if non-profits had all of the funds they needed?

2011-04-09T21:48:00.000-06:00

What if non-profits had all of the resources they needed? What if they could print money? Many non-profits depend e federal or state funding. The wise ones have avoided depending on it. If the government runs out of money then what?

It the answer is to raise taxes then let's give these tax payees a choice a choice. Pay 3% more in taxes to pay for discretionary programs or the choice to personally distribute that same amount to 501c3 organizations of your choice. The goal being to have fewer government programs and over site and eventually none.

Does this sound bad or good to you? I will tell you how it sounds to an entrepreneur.

#Non-profits need to prepare to bail out the federal government

2011-04-09T12:22:00.002-06:00

My first career was with a major voluntary health organization (17 years.)

Then as a business owner and defense contractor I experienced what the federal government does well and where it falls short. I respect those who serve in elected, enlisted or civilian employment positions within the government, let's be clear about that!

With the ever increasing federal debt, it looks like the government needs help providing a safety net for the least among us. But wait, didn't that used to be the role of non-profits, looking after those who needed a hand up?

There are three unique sectors that serve our society, government, business, and non-profit volunteer organizations. Now is the time for non-profits, supported by the business sector, to bail out the federal government by assuming full responsibility for the least among us. Uncle Sugar has run out of money.   Have faith, we did it once we can do it again!

2011-04-09T11:55:00.001-06:00

Blogging about the third sector

Wages as a fixed expense

2011-02-08T10:33:00.000-07:00

Since we don't layoff workers we consider labor as a fixed expense or as an expense that is regular part of our overhead. We have very little turn-over and we feel this has helped us maintain quality.

We are very careful in the selection process. Most employees come to us by referral and usually start out as temporary or in the case of exempt staff, contractors. Try before you buy.

How 3 small businesses stood up to larger competitors

2010-03-17T16:59:00.001-06:00

How 3 small businesses stood up to larger competitors

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Working mothers' tips for job seekers Diary of a Recession Baby - MarketWatch

2010-03-16T12:42:00.001-06:00

Working mothers' tips for job seekers Diary of a Recession Baby - MarketWatch

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Private-sector surveys point to jobs recovery.

2010-03-04T11:27:00.000-07:00

Each morning I look for positive "job" news stories. For every 20 stories I find one positive story about saving jobs or job recovery. I choose to disregard stories about what the government is doing to "create" jobs, because historically it has been small business, not government, that creates jobs.

Here is a hopeful story. From Reuters

Suggestions for Saving Jobs

2010-03-03T17:10:00.000-07:00

What can a business do to save jobs? What can employees do to keep their jobs? What is your advice or personal experience?

Small Business Owners Taking a Chance Despite Economy

2010-02-15T12:46:00.001-07:00

From the Metrowest Daily News, this is a story about enterprising Americans are starting businesses in lean times. Think big, start small.

How the Recession Made Us Stronger

2010-02-12T10:35:00.000-07:00

A terrific story on how a manufacturing company came up with a strategy they refer to as the four Ps: people, positive cash flow, profits and positioning. Jack Stack, founder of and chief executive of SRC Holdings tells the story of how “open-book” management works in bad times. He asks the question: How did your company face the recession? Did it pull together? Or was it pulled apart? Read more from the New York Times “You’re the Boss,” the Art of Running a Small Business.