Archive for December, 2009

2009 is a year many of us just want to forget, but while we need to put this year in the past there are lessons this difficult year has taught us.

In February my brother left one morning to go to work but he never came home, he was only 56 years old and never sick a day in his life (just the usual cold and things). Thom was a big tough guy, when he was younger he was a black belt Judo champion competing unbeaten until he retired from the sport. My brother had a huge heart and was kind to everyone he met – it was ironic when a few weeks later the coroner told us he died of a big heart. My brother never complained and only saw the good in everything he was just a big hearted, kind man always there to help whenever anyone needed him. Losing my brother so suddenly has taught me to slow down and not take life so seriously. I’ll never be as big hearted as he was it’s not my nature, but I have learned to be more open minded and less judgmental.
 
This past year we experienced the loss of two people in this industry that I also cared very deeply for; Randy Shippam and Athena Dunn. I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to call Randy and Athena friends and their sudden passing should act as a reminder for all of us to live each day to the fullest.

Some people that I know left long-term jobs in 2009, I was thrilled recently to learn that Janet Trachter has joined Superex and that Gina LeTourneau-Atwell has joined Add Impact. Another lesson we need to remember during trying times is that most often things do happen for a reason and with patience and fortitude we can change a negative to a positive.

This past year also saw two friends of mine Bill Yelland and Paul Bami join forces to establish a new company DezineCorp., teaching us to nurture the relationships we establish as we go thru life as we never know what’s in store for us around the corner.

There’s no denying 2009 was a difficult year for many both personally and business wise – but we’ve made it thru. 2010 is an opportunity for us all to learn from the lessons of the past and move forward with a new zest for life and make the best of the opportunities presented to us!

Best Wishes for a Happy, Healthy and Successful 2010!

Leslie Oesen

Steve Kahane, president of International Coatings Co., Cerritos, Calif., was recently named chairman of the North American Specialty Printing Manufacturers’ Association (NASMA).

Air Waves Inc., Columbus, Ohio, recently announced that its majority shares have been purchased by local entrepreneurs Kyle Kantner and Michael Leaventon.

Zimmerman’s push illustrates that when it comes to refund checks, bigger is always better.