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Trophies and Awards

February 2014

  1. Sports Parent Pledge - National Alliance for Youth Sports

    Last weekend I attended my 10-year-old daughter’s basketball game. I am so impressed with our team's two volunteer coaches.  Not only do they teach the girls drills, plays, and other skills for the game,  but they also show great sportsmanship as humble, calm leaders of the team.  Coach Bryce and Coach Michael are outstanding examples of positive parents in youth sports.

    Take the Sports Parent Pledge! Take the Sports Parent Pledge!

    The National Alliance for Youth Sports is encouraging parents to be role models for their kids through their Sports Parent Pledge.  New series like HBO’s Trophy Kids and Esquire’s Friday Night Tykes bring attention to the roles adults – and especially parents – play in youth sports. And while we do hear about the negative incidences each day in the news, there is a lot of good being done in sports, too, that we don’t hear about.

    The Sports Parent Pledge gives parents the opportunity to ban together and make a statement that not all sports parents are like what’s depicted on TV and in the news, while also getting a six-part email series packed with useful information and resources they can use to enrich their families youth sports experience.

    Since Trophies2Go is a sponsor of the National Alliance for Youth Sports, I encourage you to take their pledge, like their Facebook page or share your parent pledge on twitter @NAYS_edu.

    As engaged, caring and involved parents, let’s take the pledge to keep youth sports positive!

    Cheers,
    Jessica

  2. What Makes an Olympian?

    As I watch the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi with my family, it inspires me to excel, not just in business but in all aspects of my life.  In 2010, Jeff was fortunate enough to attend the Winter Olympics in Whistler, Canada.  He said that the athleticism and dedication he witnessed was truly awe-inspiring.   It definitely made an impression on him.

    If you are like me, you’ve grown up watching the Olympics and have at one time or another wondered what it would be like to have a coveted gold medal hanging around your neck. To the majority of us, the thought is unfathomable. Yet we all grasp the amount of discipline, perseverance, and just plain hard work that goes into being an Olympian – not only the winners, but all of the participants as well.

    Every Day Olympians

    Only a select few are able to compete at the Olympics – the best of the best.  What about everybody else?  I believe that each person has strengths in life.  Through recognizing what those strengths are, followed by training and practice, that strength can be honed into making each person be the best they can be.  When a person is doing their best, trying their hardest, stretching themselves, they grow.  Add goal setting, determination, and focus, and you have what it takes to make an “every day” Olympic champion, regardless of the situation.  This focus, dedication, and accomplishment is what our business celebrates and we are proud to create mementos to capture that achievement.  Every day Olympians in action, getting the recognition they deserve!

     What Will You Take Away From 2014 Sochi?

    Olympic Champions! Olympic Champions!

    As you watch the games, find inspiration in the perseverance of the athletes.

    For you -  How can you strive to hone your strengths?  Are there new goals you can set for yourself?   Use the momentum of the athletes to help yourself grow.

    For others - Is there someone in your life who takes their game to the next level?  Look in your work, family, friends and acquaintances.  Do they deserve some special recognition?  If yes, then let them know you notice, even a note or email can make an impression.  For example, last week Jeff & I received an email from our daughter's teacher praising her efforts in class.  He said she managed to  stay to focused, have a good work ethic, and help her classmates even though that particular class is usually disruptive.  It meant a lot to Jeff and I that he wrote to us, and it was very meaningful to our daughter too.  This positive reinforcement will keep her motivated to do her best in his class.  When you give recognition, it benefits both the giver and the receiver.

    I hope you enjoy watching the Olympic Games as much as I do.  It's fun to hear the stories of the athletes and root them on to victory!  Go Team USA!

    Cheers,
    Jessica

  3. ARA - Awards and Recognition Association - Why Join?

    What is the ARA and why are we members?  What are the benefits?  And why should it matter to our customers?  I hope to answer these questions and more!

    The 2014 ARA Trade Show in Las Vegas is at the end of the month. The 2014 ARA Trade Show in Las Vegas is at the end of the month.

    The Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) is the trade group for the Trophy and Awards industry, with 4000 members worldwide.  Membership includes:

    1. Awards professionals who can offer expert advice in designing recognition programs and provide quality awards and recognition products to consumers (That’s us!)

    2. Manufacturers and suppliers that provide products, technology and equipment to awards retailers.

    3. Many companies with a common purpose: to promote the public awareness of the use and benefits of quality recognition products and to educate its members in the areas of business skills and ethics, technical competence, product knowledge and marketing.

    Membership Benefits

    The ARA publishes a monthly newsletter, called the 'Recognition Review', has an informative and helpful website, provides technical training, and has a ‘Member to Member’ forum where awards business owners across the country can connect and share information.  The ARA also advocates for the awards industry as a whole.  But the biggest advantage to membership is free attendance to the annual ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas. Jeff, Tom, Laurie and I are headed to this event at the end of the month.

    Second to None - The ARA Trade Show

    What is so great about the ARA Show?  Our team visits the International Awards Market for the following benefits:

    1.  New products.  We make a list of product lines that need refreshing, along with engraving equipment or parts that need replacing.  Then we scout exhibits looking for new items that fill these needs.  For example, this year we will be looking for custom awards, medals, and gift items.

    2.  Networking with our suppliers.  Most of our vendors attend the show.  We enjoy building relationships with them by meeting them face-to-face.

    3.  Meeting other business owners.  Many awards retailers share ideas and help each other in their businesses.  Even though we are competitors, our philosophy is sharing ideas to boost the industry as a whole helps us all.

    4.  Recognition the ARA gives to its members.  Many industry awards are distributed at the trade show, and it’s an honor to receive recognition from our peers.  In 2010, Trophies2Go received the ARA ‘Website of the Year’, and in 2012 received the ‘Large Retailer of the Year’ award.  The ARA also gives college scholarships to high school seniors students across the country through their ARIEF Scholarship Program.

    We value our membership in the Awards and Recognition Association and are grateful for the good work this group does to help promote and grow the Awards and Recognition Industry.  We look forward to seeing all of our friends in Vegas!

    Cheers,
    Jessica

  4. New Trophies2Go Website is Coming Soon!

    Our Updated Website Is Launching In August!

    Technology changes, and it’s time for us to change with it.  Trophies2Go is in the process of moving to a new ecommerce platform, and we’re excited to launch our new website in August 2014!

    Currently under development, here's a sneak peak of our new homepage. Currently under development, here's a sneak peak of our new homepage.

    Since 2000, Trophies2Go.com has been offering high quality awards with fast production times and excellent customer service to customers across the US.  Now we are taking our web site to a whole new level!  We are thrilled to be offering even better web functionality to our customers and staff.

    What Will Our New Website Offer?

    Better pictures.  We will have high resolution pictures with the ability to click into the product to see higher detail.

    Quick ship items.  Need something fast?  We have lots of options!

    Custom products.  From medals to acrylic awards featuring your logo, we will be able to make one-of-a-kind awards just for you. You dream it, we will create it!

    Best value.  You will know which products are not only high in quality, but give you more bang for your buck.

    Shipping calculator.  Know exactly when your awards will arrive – you choose the date.

    When we launch in August, you will be able to see the improvements for yourself.  One thing that will stay the same is our ability to deliver exceptional awards, on-time, with outstanding customer service. If you have any suggestions for the new site, feel free to let Jeff or I know.  Technology rocks!

    Cheers,
    Jessica

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