Gilson Now a PrintReleaf Authorized Partner

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The PrintReleaf Exchange [PRX] is a patented software platform that empowers businesses to sustain and grow our global forestry system…one print job at a time.

 

Gilson partnered with PrintReleaf in June 2023 as part of an ongoing need for sustainability options for our customers. All applicable print jobs (paper/corrugate based) can now be estimated via PrintReleaf, allowing customers to choose to offset their paper usage through reforestation.

Gilson customers who have sustainability goals will be pleased to know they now have an avenue to be connected with a network of reforestation projects, which allows them to reduce their organization’s environmental impact by automatically planting trees where the planet needs them most–all through PrintReleaf’s robust online dashboard.

Measurement

Through PrintReleaf, paper consumption is measured and trees are automatically reforested across our global network of certified reforestation projects to continually offset a customer’s environmental impact.

PrintReleaf guarantees every sheet of paper a customer consumes will be reforested at a rate of 8,333 sheets of standard letter (8.5 × 11″ 20lb paper) or 37.16kg per tree (40ft height × 7in width or 12.192m × 0.1778m).

This open-source formula is widely and generally accepted as the industry standard as established by the Environmental Paper Network. The Environmental Paper Network is a coalition of over one hundred global organizations including the Environmental Defense Fund and the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

Certification

PrintReleaf certifies the reforestation of each customer’s forest footprint according to the measurement and calculations defined in the PrintReleaf Standard.

When their forest footprint is reforested, customers are issued certificates for trees planted at reforestation projects of their choice.

These certificates serve as living documents which are automatically updated when the trees are planted, audited, and verified survived over an eight year timeline.

How to get started?

Gilson Graphics is an Authorized Reforestation Partner of PrintReleaf. Contact your Account Executive to quote your next project using PrintReleaf and set up your own organization-specific dashboard.

For more informations on PrintReleaf, please visit PrintReleaf.com

A Harvest of Memories: Celebrating 75 Years

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In the midst of changing autumnal colors and the scent of ripe apples in the air, our company recently gathered at Robinette’s Apple Haus to commemorate a significant achievement—the 75th anniversary of our establishment back in 1948. Despite intermittent rain, the event left a lasting impression, bringing together employees and their families to celebrate decades of hard work, dedication, and shared accomplishments.

The atmosphere resonated with laughter and camaraderie as colleagues and their loved ones enjoyed the festivities. Situated amidst the cherry fields, the celebration struck a balance between nostalgia, gratitude, and the joy of the present.

A standout feature of the day was the participation of a long-time employee, doubling as a skilled caricature artist. Transforming ordinary moments into keepsakes, the artist added a personal touch to the event, capturing the unique personalities of our team members.

For those seeking alternative ways to capture memories, the photo booth selfie station became a focal point. Colleagues and their children gathered, adorned with goofy props, creating fun and candid snapshots that encapsulated the spirit of the celebration.

The aroma of smoked barbecue, courtesy of Big Red’s BBQ food truck, permeated the air, enticing everyone to indulge in a feast of mouthwatering delights. From savory pulled pork to tangy barbecue sauces, the culinary offerings celebrated local flavors, leaving taste buds dancing with satisfaction.

The festivities continued with horse-drawn wagon rides, a timeless tradition allowing us to explore the sprawling orchard. Amidst apple-laden trees, conversations flowed, and bonds strengthened against the backdrop of Michigan’s natural beauty.

No celebration would be complete without the fall pairing of cider and donuts. The sweet scent of freshly pressed apple cider and warm, sugary donuts created a comforting embrace of tradition that resonated with every attendee.

Our company picnic at Robinette’s Apple Haus was more than a celebration; it was a testament to the strength of our community, the bonds we’ve forged, and the resilience that has sustained us for three-quarters of a century. Here’s to the memories made, the friendships strengthened, and the promise of many more years of shared success.

Announcing our 2023 Salesperson of the Year

Join us in congratulating Jake Rhodes, Gilson’s 2023 Salesperson of the Year!

The Salesperson of the Year award is determined by four weighted criteria, including overall sales volume, biggest sales increase, most new sales, and greatest value-added sales. Jake earned the top-spot this year thanks to his hard work and commitment to growing his book of business that includes Crocs, HeyDude, Tommy’s Express, and Wolverine Worldwide. 

To read more and congratulate him online, click here.

Jake consistently exhibits an exceptional level of determination in his role, always willing to go the extra mile to ensure his customers’ complete satisfaction. He is a creative problem solver who perseveres until the job is done, making him a true asset to our team.

In addition to his outstanding professional accomplishments, we’re delighted to extend our congratulations to Jake and his wife on the recent birth of their first child this past week!

Jake, your dedication, commitment, and ability to excel both in your career and personal life are truly commendable. Congratulations on achieving this remarkable milestone in your career! 

Gilson Awarded Best of Wide Format

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Best of Wide Format

Gilson first brought you a behind-the-scenes look at the impressive renovation of the former Heritage Towers (now The Milton) in Battle Creek, MI back in June of 2020. That project is now gaining national recognition, and was unveiled as one of 12 winners of the 3rd Annual Best of Wide Format Awards competition by Big Picture magazine.

Read more

Gilson Posts Strongest 1st Quarter Sales in Company History

Despite a tumultuous start to 2020, Gilson posted the most significant 1st quarter sales in their 72-year history. Sales are up 8% over the same time period last year—a rarity in the printing and graphic arts industry. Some of the world’s largest commercial print operations have experienced significant declines in recent years, forcing long-time industry players to entertain sell-offs and mergers to offset the decline in the overall market.

Despite the year’s many challenges, Gilson has not only weathered the storm but thrived in the face of it. Gilson finished out the 2019 fiscal year in May down 5% in sales from the prior year, ending a five-year growth trend. With just three months left in the fiscal year, Gilson was on track to have their best sales year yet, until COVID-19 showed up.

But the downward trend did not last long.

“June, July, and August are historically challenging months for us as a business,” said Jim Vosburgh, CFO. “Between vacations and a general slow-down in our strongest market sectors, we typically see our lower sales volumes during those summer months. To see a sizable increase this early in the new fiscal year is encouraging.”

Gilson’s leadership team excels at making smart investments and calculated risks, putting the company in prime position for growth when the conditions are right. Many of their most lucrative business decisions have come about when faced with national economic hardship, thanks to the fiscally responsible leadership of second-generation owner Dave Gilson.

“Before joining the family business in 1974, I spent a couple of years in the banking industry,” said Gilson. He went on to speak about his father, Lars, who founded the company in 1948, “It was always my father’s goal to seek out a competitive advantage that could help our customers and grow the business, but also to do so in a way that made financial sense.

“I’ve tried to run the business with the same proactive approach to growth by consistently investing profits back into the business,” said Gilson. “That’s how we’ve been able to keep expanding and growing right alongside our customers for so many years.”

Dave Oswald, President of Gilson, shared his perspective on the current pandemic. “We spent the first few months really sinking our teeth into refining our processes and revamping what we knew to be successful and then adapting it to what we needed for this new selling environment. I’m incredibly proud of our entire team, from the sales staff staying connected with customers and prospects remotely, to the production team making the best out of their new working conditions,” said Oswald. “We are coming out of one of the most difficult business scenarios we’ve ever faced and come out stronger than ever before.”

Gilson has remained in operation during the pandemic as an essential supplier in support of its grocery, pharmaceutical, and military contracts. By requiring those who could do their jobs remotely to work from home, and by following the CDC and OSHA requirements for work-safe conditions such as daily temperature checks and social distancing, Gilson has been able to continue operations.

Gilson offers marketing solutions such as print, design, and fulfillment to Fortune 1000 customers across the country. They celebrated their 70th year in 2018 and remains a privately held, family-owned business.

Riding Out The Storm

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During a webinar on navigating the current pandemic crisis, our team watched a clip from the iconic movie Forrest Gump. If you’ve seen the movie, you certainly remember the scene: Lieutenant Dan is out in the middle of a hurricane, whooping and hollering right in the thick of the storm, while others are hunkered down on the shore.

When the storm finally cleared, all those who sat idle on the shore were dashed to bits. Forrest and Lieutenant Dan had survived by leaning into the storm and navigating the rough waters with courage.

The COVID-19 crisis is the storm of the century. We could have sat idle, waiting for the storm to pass. Instead, we leaned right in.

Early on in the pandemic, Gilson was labeled an essential service by several of our customers as a critical component in their supply chain. We have risen to the challenge and continue to evolve, adapt, and adjust while keeping our employees and their families safe and healthy. While challenges abound, we are encouraged by the positivity that surrounds us:

  • We are thankful for the flexibility of our employees. For those who have volunteered to continue to work on-site supporting the essential businesses for which we provide critical materials, as well as those who stay diligent in working from home while balancing closures in schools and child care centers and co-working with their spouses, kids, and pets.
  • We are thankful that we are able to continue to provide services for many of our customers who are providing necessary services for our society. We are producing critical information and materials related to preventing the spread of the virus in our communities. We were even able to assist with the manufacturing of critical safety components for use in the medical field this past week, with more opportunities to do so in the pipeline. The ingenuity of our customers never ceases to astound us, and we are thankful for that.
  • We are thankful for the advent of video conferencing, and for our fantastic IT department for keeping us up and running and ‘virtually’ face-to-face with each other and our customers.
  • We are thankful that our business has evolved over the years to include services that we can provide remotely, such as agency/design services and document composition. We are in a better position than ever to weather a storm of this nature, and we are thankful for the decisions we made years ago that have led us to this place.
  • We are thankful for the stable financial position of our company due to conservative fiscal policies over the years, and the security it affords us as we all face uncertain and difficult times ahead.
  • We are thankful for the ability to collaborate with our peers and colleagues, many of whom we are often ‘too busy’ to engage with on a strategic level. Having this time to think critically and generate new ideas in the face of adversity will undoubtedly lead to new opportunities once the clouds have parted and the waters have calmed.
  • We are thankful for the opportunity to take a fresh look at how we approach customer outreach, as trade shows and in-person events are no longer a viable option for connecting with industry peers. We’ve been able to have more specific and personal conversations with customers that we wouldn’t have had in a community environment.

As this unprecedented storm rages on, rest assured that Gilson will continue to batten down the hatches and ride the waves right alongside our customers.

We’re all in the same boat, and we could not be more thankful for that.

For more on Gilson’s response to the global health crisis, please visit:  gilsongraphics.com/covid-19-prevention