A Letter to Ecoprint's Customers and Friends

Dear Friend of Ecoprint,

It's hard to believe that as I'm sitting here writing this letter, we are entering our 32nd year of business. What is most gratifying this year is that the values we have embraced for three decades--ethical corporate citizenship and sustainability--are finally becoming a high priority for many more organizations than ever before.

Interest in these issues comes and goes, but we'd like to think that the broader culture is now taking a serious look at the big picture: Our planet is at real risk; the workplace has suffered from a singular focus on the bottom line; and our future prosperity depends upon a shift to using sustainable resources and methods.

Many readers of this letter are at the forefront of this change, working daily to make these initiatives part of our national agenda.

So, as is our custom, we want to report on some trends that you may want to be aware of as you make sustainable, economical decisions to further your mission in the world:

• A coherent commitment to sustainability and responsibility win the day. In this "post-Inconvenient Truth" era, surveys show consumers overwhelmingly seeking affiliation with those truly "walking the talk."

• There will be many more "green" products and services offered. Choose carefully. The "coolest" high-tech options may not offer the most bang for your buck. Changing a two-dollar air filter on a regular basis may be the first step!

• Small is still beautiful, and becoming more so. It bears repeating that smaller, more targeted appeals to constituents and customers, especially using variable data (personalization), will net the best return on investment.

• And still: Data is king. Accurate data, that is. Whenever data is collected--a transaction made or an inquiry processed--build into your routine the capture of information unique to that person or organization. People call it "junk mail" when it isn't relevant to them. Save resources--and make it personal.

• We printers may not like to hear it, but every organization and company needs to have an online strategy and electronic interface that bolsters relationships and magnifies the impact of print even while reducing its volume.

• Paper and postage: Increases should be modest, if there are increases at all. Most postal rates cannot increase more than the rate of inflation based on recent postal reform, so that will give some shelter if the CPI growth remains modest.

What can you expect from us in the coming year? Here's a partial list:

• A continued focus on offering the best environmental choices our industry has to offer, including a wider choice in 100% PCW/PCF papers and envelopes. All of our papers and manufacturing have been offset to ensure they are carbon neutral.

• We'll redouble efforts to streamline our job entry and estimating systems by enhancing software and electronic communication with our customers.

• Digital color production turnaround times have been reduced, and we're able to handle a wider array of 100% PCW papers, including 100 lb. cover weight.

• Design and project consultation has become a bigger part of our business. We have four designers to help you, each able to execute your project with artistic flair, while making it environmentally aware.

• We'll continue our emphasis on corporate social responsibility with a 50% sharing of profits with employees, a no layoff policy requiring me as owner to cut my own salary 25% before anyone could be laid off, and support of community conservation efforts.

I cannot close this letter without expressing my gratitude to our staff, and to their hard work. Many of these folks came from much larger companies, seeking a workplace informed by values and mutual respect. For this and other reasons, our employee turnover rate is exceedingly low.

I half joke about gauging the "J" factor at Ecoprint. Do we get "joy" out of most days at work, even in this fast-paced, often stressful industry? I feel deeply blessed to look forward to nearly every day at Ecoprint, and believe our team has forged the most effective--and, yes, happy--staff we've ever had.

Especially, thank you for walking with us. There is a call for change in our nation and our world. We celebrate our partnership with you and look forward to a fulfilling year working to accelerate that change in our industry and for our planet.

In Peace and Understanding,

Roger Telschow

President and Founder

Ecoprint | 9335 Fraser Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20910
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