#GotYourBack: A CCG Story

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              What makes a company valuable?  What sets it apart from the competition?  How do we attract and keep loyal and dedicated employees? As a CCG employee myself, with less than a year into my career, I mulled over these questions as I admired CCG’s senior employees who have spent decades with the company.  While I already know the value CCG provides to its customers, I wanted to sit down with our most senior team members and listen to their stories. 

“Our capabilities allow for a lot of flexibility with different jobs.”

-Patrick McInerny

              Patrick McInerny, Bindery Supervisor at CCG, tells the story of getting his first job here. He quickly proved himself as a conscientious employee and soon was afforded opportunities for growth within the company.  Although he started out in shipping, Patrick realized his affinity for working with machines and began putting in overtime working in the bindery.  A fast learner, at the age of 24, he was put into a management position in the bindery.  When CCG acquired another company, it changed the type of work the company was producing and he made the decision to seek a new opportunity elsewhere.  Although he had positive experiences with his new company, when Randy Sparrow, CCG’s Chief of Operations, called on him to come back to CCG, he accepted and is still here today. When asked about his loyalty to CCG, Patrick explained that his reasons range from fairness to flexibility and growth. “CCG treats its employees fairly. There is always work to be done and opportunities to grow.  We have a wide range of machines: 7 to 8 folders, stitchers, and a Hunkler with in line folding just to name a few. Our capabilities allow for a lot of flexibility with different jobs,” said Patrick.

“Our customers become part of our family.” -Patty Bennett

              Patty Bennett, CCG’s Billing Administrator, spoke highly of the support and encouragement she has received over the years from her mentors at CCG.  Patty began her career at CCG in the accounting department, and after six years had acquired the knowledge and skillset to be promoted to Billing Administrator.  The mentorship and support of her supervisors and colleagues fosters a family atmosphere within the company, according to Patty.  As an employee-owned company, CCG has a culture of accountability to its customers and between employees.  The overall desire is to see each other do well while doing what is best for the customers. 

“We haven’t been around this long by accident.” -Bob Bahm

              This June, estimator Bob Bahm, will celebrate 31 years with Corporate Communications Group.  He talked to me about the company’s shared values of mutual respect and loyalty.  Bob recalled a time when he and a coworker got into a disagreement.  Discouraged by the situation, but encouraged to work it out, they composed themselves and resumed the process of listening to each other’s side. Together, they resolved the issue.  This example highlights the idea of mutual respect and trust between coworkers, as well as CCG’s motto “#GotYourBack”.  The #GotYourBack motto transcends the company culture inside our walls out to our customers as well.  As Bob said, “We haven’t been around this long by accident. Printing companies have to change with the times and be forward thinking. It is this mindset, from our leadership and employees, that allows us to serve and meet the needs of our customers.” 

“The level of reliability and service that we bring to our clients would be impossible to match by any other company.” -Kevin Dunn

              In speaking with my coworkers about the company, one of my favorite parts was hearing stories of CCG employees coming together in support of each other and to help our customers.  Senior Account Executive Kevin Dunn, who has been with the company for 39 years, shared a great example of this.  One of Kevin’s customers needed a 24-hour turnaround on a significantly large print job.  He was awarded the project on a Friday and the customer needed delivery the next day!  Management huddled and came out with a request for the needed employees who would be critical to completing and delivering the job within the 24-hour turn time — asking if they would be willing to work the hours and times required to help make this happen. Kevin was touched to see the number of employees who turned out and worked with dedication to get the job done.  This is just one example of CCG employees having each other’s backs and putting the customer first.  As Kevin said, “The level of reliability and service that we bring to our clients would be impossible to match by any other company.”  Patty Bennett reiterated CCG’s dependability and dedication to its customers, saying “CCG has always produced the highest quality work. Servicing the customer needs is a priority and a must and CCG will go the extra mile to meet the customer’s schedule. Our customers become part of our family.” 

“CCG is truly a one-stop shop, with a variety of turnkey solutions for our clients.” -Bill Giles

              One of our most seasoned employees is Bill Giles, who has been with the company since 1982.  Bill has seen the company grow and change over the years, while thriving through several mergers and acquisitions.  Aside from CCG’s ability to change, adapt, and adopt new technology, one of the company’s best features is its wide array of marketing solutions.  As Bill explained to me, CCG is truly a one-stop shop, with a variety of turnkey solutions for our clients.  This intrigued me when I was first introduced to the company, but it has proven true.  I love being able to offer my customers a solution for every one of their marketing issues.  CCG prides itself on being dependable and available for all our customers’ needs.  #GotYourBack is more than just a moto, it becomes part of every interaction with our customers and with each other. 

              By Marley Niesz

CCG Celebrates Juneteenth

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Juneteenth, commemorated each year on June 19th, honors the day that permanently ended slavery in the United States.  Although President Abraham Lincoln effectively ended slavery on January 1, 1863, certain confederate states such as Texas continued practicing the atrocity without much enforcement from state or federal government.  With a lack of Union troops in Texas, 250,000 African Americans remained enslaved until U.S. General Gordon Granger reached the state and proclaimed that, “The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free.”  The following year the freed Black community in Texas organized the first “Jubilee Day” which featured music, barbecues, prayer services, and other celebrations.  Soon after, the ideas and traditions of Juneteenth spread across the United States, and today it has become the longest running African American holiday.   For many African Americans, Juneteenth is celebrated as Independence Day each year.  CCG recognizes and commends the historical legacy of Juneteenth and the promise of hope it embodies for the African American community. 

By Marley Niesz

B2B Versus B2C Marketing

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              You’ve heard of North Face, Under Armour, Amazon, and Facebook.  But have you heard of SnapCap, New Relic, BulkBookStore, or Mailchimp?  Maybe not, and there is a reason behind that.  The latter mentioned businesses all operate as a Business to Business (B2B) entity, while the first companies listed operate as Business to Consumer (B2C).  These terms are self-explanatory, as B2B companies sell to businesses and B2C companies sell to consumers.  B2C organizations are consumer-facing and their marketing strategy reflects this, whereas B2B marketing is anchored in identifying, growing, and maintaining relationships between businesses.  While the marketing strategies may vary, they both reflect the needs of the businesses and consumers they directly serve.

              In B2C marketing, the focus is typically on a large-scale market segment, with some B2C companies planning a more strategic and targeted smaller-scale audience approach.  B2B marketing tends to be more niche with advertising concentrated into a smaller customer segment and the main priority being lead generation to increase business.

              B2B marketing strategies are designed to drive long-term business.  As a result, the strategy concentrates on building personal relationships with businesses in the supply chain.  Because business-to-business interactions are often centered on problem-solving, most B2B marketing centers on providing solutions.  A B2B marketing plan first creates demand, followed by lead generation, and ultimately— customer retention.  In order to carry out this plan, a business should have a clear, focused website and other strong media content establishing a need for its goods or services as well as a presented solution. 

              Moreover, B2B marketers use industry terms in their copy to connect with business partners and establish credibility.  Search engine optimization and pay-per-click advertising is great for establishment as an industry leader.  However, the real power in B2B marketing is in creating affiliates and partnerships.  As stated before, the priority in B2B operations is relationship building, which is why partnerships and business affiliates are crucial.  Partnerships establish trust and a strong reputation for a business.  This creates long term relationships which are key in driving a business. 

              Unlike B2B, B2C marketing is more transactional in nature.  Because B2C organizations tend to target a much larger customer segment, they spend less time forming relationships with their customers and more time reaching the market as efficiently as possible.  Email marketing is very successful in B2C industries because it generates positive reviews and customer retention with loyalty programs and special deals.  Furthermore, branding is an essential priority in B2C marketing as it allows a company to carve out its place in its industry, create loyal customers, and increase buyer motivation.  Because of the disconnect between the customer and company in B2C, it is important for organizations to ensure a quality, lasting experience for the consumer.   

              Advertising is also enormously important in B2C marketing as an influence over consumers who have never-ending options in the market.  Marketers use focused keywords and clear messaging to achieve prominence on the internet, in the minds of consumers, and in the product market.  B2C advertising should be emotional and relatable in order to draw in customers and convert to real purchases.  Ultimately, B2C marketing relies on maximizing efficiency.    

              Conclusively, business organizations should evaluate their existing marketing strategies to align with the needs of the market and their end user. B2B companies should continue to focus on long-term relationship building, credibility, and establishment as an industry leader.  The B2C market will continue to see the necessity of efficiency, finding and connecting with customer segments, and maintaining a quality customer experience.  CCG’s creative agency, Digital Shuffle, works with B2B and B2C companies to refine their brand strategy and produce cutting-edge marketing tools.  Give us a call today! 

By Marley Niesz

How Grand Format Print is Changing the World Around Us

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            A billboard on the highway.  Mesh signage banners around a construction site.  A display sign at a tradeshow.  Consumers see grand format printing all around them, yet probably don’t know the name for it or the processes behind it.  Known as grand format, wide format, or large format printing, this type of print is manufactured on specialty large print equipment capable of imaging on all kinds of surfaces, and practically unlimited in size, it makes a big impact.  Its versatility renders it capable of decorating the exteriors of apartment buildings to wrapping vehicles with custom imaging and messages.   CCG prints its grand format projects with ultra-violet inks which are humidity, water, temperature, and sunlight resistant.  Although a project’s lifespan can be dependent on the materials used, the use of these specialty inks allows the material and print to withstand harsh weather throughout all seasons.  Large format printing began with cut vinyl and screen printing, which has evolved today into advanced digital print by specialty print equipment.

            In 1991, company Nash Editions developed the Iris Graphics Model 3047, the first digital grand format printer.  It was unique and industry-changing, but also expensive and short-lasting.  The printer only used water-soluble CMYK inks, which were easily damaged by sunlight.  Additionally, the expenses of this printer made it inaccessible to the general public.  Soon after, a collaboration between Nash Editions, Epson, and Durst began the conception of the Epson Stylus Pro 9500 in 1999.  This project was groundbreaking for photographers and artists looking to showcase their works in vibrant colors on a large scale.  The printing industry was once again thrust into the spotlight with the growing popularity of wide format printing. 

Epson Stylus Pro 9500

            In the new millennia, innovations from industry experts Hewlett-Packard and Durst improved large format print quality with high-stability, multi-colorant pigmented ink systems.  These new printers produced images that were longer lasting than before.  The commercialization of wide format print technology made it much more widely accessible to the average consumer.  Today, the options for grand format printing are essentially limitless and can be used by a business or organization for many purposes including trade show graphics, indoor and outdoor signage, banners, backlight graphics, floor-window-ceiling-wall graphics, environmental graphics, vehicle wraps, building wraps to name a few.

CCG’s Mimaki Grand Format Press

           In the print industry, grand format projects are printed on a variety of materials, called substrates.  Choosing the correct substrate for a grand format project depends on the environment of the project, the size, and the specifics of installation, as different materials have varying outdoor lives.  One of the most common substrates used is PVC which is highly durable and ideal for outdoor signage.  It produces a quality image that can also withstand all kinds of weather conditions.  For large scale projects, durable vinyl makes excellent, smooth banners that are high-quality and affordable.  Interior designers love removable vinyl, which is a substrate that can be cut into specific graphic designs, applied to a wall, and removed without any damage.  Grand format projects involving photography often use acrylic as a substrate because of its outstanding quality and luminance.  For water-resistant and reusable projects, clients often choose gatorboard, a substrate made of lightweight foam between wood-fiber.  Gatorboard is easy to transport and durable through all weather conditions because it is water proof.  These are just some of many substrates that are used in grand format print.

Mesh Signage Banner

            Wide format printers differ depending on the way they transfer ink onto the substrate.  Aqueous ink is water-based, meaning the ink pigment or dye is held in a water solution.  This works well on coated materials such as canvases and banners that can be laminated afterward.  Solvent is any ink that is not water-based.  These prints are water-proof and can be printed directly onto uncoated substrates such as vinyl.  Solvent inks are generally more durable than aqueous inks.  Another type of ink is dye sublimation, which is diffused into the substrate, producing photographic quality prints.  Finally, UV inks are inks that dry under UV light resulting in waterproof, embossed, and vivacious prints.  The type of ink used is dependent on the project and the customer’s needs. 

            Grand format signage has maintained added importance as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to uproot businesses and society as we know it.  Social distancing signage can be found everywhere now, whether it is an “Enter Here” sign on the front of a grocery store or a 6-feet apart marker on the floor.  These are often made from adhesive-back vinyl which can be stuck to a variety of surfaces and removed after use.  Grand format printing is an essential need in society in order to keep people safely distanced and maintain order and capacity.   

            Furthermore, grand format print takes a large role in company rebranding projects.  CCG has successfully worked on a number of customer rebrands which included numerous grand format projects.  One rebrand involved the installation of new window and wall vinyl graphics, silicone-edge graphics, and exterior and interior graphics and banners designed to support the new brand identity of the company.  CCG also installed directional signage and printed PVC 3D custom signage for the customer.  It was a highly successful and cohesive rebrand that could not have been completed without large format print technology.

3D PVC Custom Signage

            Grand format print is also in high demand for business grand openings.  There are a number of projects which can be used to generate excitement and provide clarity for new customers arriving at the location.  A specific example of a grand opening where signage is crucial would be for a real estate development company opening a new apartment building.  Typical grand format projects include parking rate signs, wayfinding signs, windmaster signs, and leasing office signs.  The feather flags often seen on the side of the road to announce a grand opening also fall under grand format work.  Adhesive backed vinyl and window perf graphics can be applied to walls and windows to announce a grand opening as well.  All in, grand format is a crucial form of advertising when it comes to these types of projects. 

Adhesive Vinyl Signage with Laminate

The advent of grand format printing changed the graphic communications and advertising industry significantly and is now an integral part of marketing.  CCG’s wide format technology provides clients with stunning grand format graphics and signage to fulfill all marketing objectives.  Grand format print continues to be a successful medium for attracting new customers and retaining current ones.  Talk to a representative at CCG about elevating your company’s brand image and advertising with grand format print today!

By Marley Niesz