History

Category Archives: History

October 24, 2011

Jack Ross, World Skeet Shooting “Champ of Champs”

Technekes’ clients have always known that Jack Ross, who founded Technekes with me in 1999, is one straight shooter. And they’ve always known that, when it comes to accurate and relevant marketing data, he blows away the competition.

Yep. Jack’s always on target –- both professionally and personally. Still, it might surprise folks to know that he just won a world title in skeet shooting. That’s right, my partner, no kidding, has earned the title “Champ of Champs,” winning the 2011 NSSA World Skeet Championships in San Antonio, Texas earlier this month.

Congrats to Jack on his precise performance – which, to be honest, is the kind of performance he provides to our clients every day.

Author Preston

August 12, 2011

End Of An Era Or Bright Beginning?

Ashley Gordy, Senior Project Coordinator

Have you heard? Some 3,700 United States Postal Service offices could close their doors in 2012.

I understand the reasoning, of course. The USPS faces a record $9 billion deficit. Shutting down these “low traffic” offices will save about $200 million annually.

Still, perhaps because our business relies so heavily on traditional mail services – particularly in the rural areas most affected by the closings — or perhaps for sentimental reasons — I’m getting married soon and envisioning how my invitations will be received by our guests — the closings make me wonder what other changes are in store.

According to The Wall Street Journal, not every state will be affected. In fact, my home state, Delaware, isn’t even on the list. Of course, the entire state only has 70 post offices to begin with!

I’ll be curious to see how our business will be affected going forward. Direct mail will still be a factor, to be sure, but does this signal the end of an era or a bright beginning? Indeed, going forward, I believe we’ll see much greater emphasis on phone and email campaigns.

In my mind, though, neither of those will ever replicate the impact – or bring quite the same smile to the face – as a personally delivered direct mail package. Or, for that matter, a hand-addressed wedding invitation.

What do you think?

The Wall Street Journal has put together a terrific interactive tool, which will let you see whether any offices near you might be closing. Click here for the link.

Author Cheri

January 12, 2011

Top 10 List: You Know There’s Snow In Charlotte When …

Folks here got about five inches of snow this week, which was then topped with ½ inch of ice, making for pretty hazardous conditions. Even the Yankee transplants are complaining. To mark the occasion, we’ve come up with our “Top 10 Ways You Know There’s Snow In Charlotte.”

Conditions are “too hazardous for driving” at Charlotte Motor Speedway
There’s no milk or bread at Harris Teeter. Or bananas, celery and spinach for that matter. And although we didn’t check, we wouldn’t want to set our hearts on popsicles, either.
Both Southpark Mall and Starbucks close early. And open late.
Even frosty-hearted mortgage lenders complain of the chill.
Charlotte Douglas International Airport becomes Charlotte Douglas International Sleepover.
“Hot chocolate” overtakes “sweet tea” as the most-ordered beverage with BBQ.
Real icicles hang from the Christmas trees laying by the curb for pick-up.
The corner of Trade and Tryon is saltier than a pack of Lance Peanuts.
Coaches from Cleveland Browns and New York Giants claim “inclement weather” prevents them from considering head coaching position with Carolina Panthers.
Many Technekes folks are WFH.*

Seriously. We’re facing plenty of chilly weather here, and while we may not be in the office as early or as late as usual, we’re still on the job. If you need us, give us a shout. And if not, we hope you’re out making snowballs and snowmen, because before you know it, we’ll all be back at our desks and the temp will be back in the 50s.

Cheers!

* WFH — Working From Home

Author Cheri

December 23, 2010

The Weather Outside Is Frightful, But A Snuggie Is So Delightful

Technekes has been forced to postpone not one, but two, company-wide outings in recent months, so when last week’s forecast called for frozen precip (something we’re ill-equipped to handle – much less spell — here in the Southeast), we all had our fingers crossed – especially account coordinator and party-planner-extraordinaire Erin Faucette.

No need for Erin to worry. Despite frozen roads and school delays early Thursday morning, the Charlotte holiday party at Strike City went off without a hitch.

We bowled and ate and bowled and ate, and bowled and well, you get the idea, until the much-anticipated Mad Santa gift swap, where the most “stolen” – or perhaps, “poached” — gift was a zebra-patterned Snuggie. Who could’ve predicted? Or in hindsight, who couldn’t?

Before wrapping up the festivities, President and COO, Steve Amedio also took the opportunity to announce annual awards.

Madhavi Patil, software engineer, won our first ever “Bright Idea Award,” for innovative and impactful problem-solving on behalf of one of our largest clients. Maynard Sammons, database engineer, was also recognized as runner-up.

The “Breakout Award” is traditionally given to a newer employee who has both made immediate and significant contributions and shows seemingly limitless potential. This year, for the first time ever, two employees were recognized: senior project coordinator Ashley Gordy and senior graphic designer Alison Hoskins.

The “Leadership Award,” was given to Larry LaSalle, our respected director of quality and productivity, who is known for leading by example.

Scott Miner, creative director, took home highest honors, winning the “Top Gear Award.” According to Steve, “No one in the company is as ‘Technekes’ as Scott, who embodies our brand, our culture and our commitment to clients.”

If only we had zebra-patterned Snuggies for them all.

Cheers!

Author Cheri

December 14, 2010

Cheeseball, Anyone?

It’s hard to get excited about a cheeseball. That’s one reason that again this year, Technekes has chosen not to deluge clients and associates with fleeting gifts of holiday fruit baskets and poinsettias and the like.

Instead, we’re showing our appreciation by making a $10,000 contribution to a very worthy – and long-lasting — cause, the Ronald McDonald House here in Charlotte.

This gift will go a long way toward helping complete construction of the new RMH, which is scheduled to open this March, providing families of seriously ill children a home away from home during their child’s medical treatment at Levine and Hemby Children’s Hospital.

We are grateful to the many clients and friends who helped make such a generous donation possible. In the words of one well-known television jingle, “We’re lovin’ it.”

Thank you — and happy holidays — from everyone at Technekes.

Author Cheri