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Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90 [OA 6898]
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26
20
5
6
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS CEREMONY / ROOM 450
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990 / 2:00 P.M.
THANK YOU. AND WELCOME TO THE WHITE HOUSE. SORRY
ABOUT THE DELAYS GETTING EVERYONE IN. BUT I'VE GOT
SOME GOOD NEWS: You DON'T HAVE TO SHOW A PICTURE I.D.
TO GET OUT. 111
IT'S GOOD TO SEE MY FRIEND BoB MOSBACHER HERE,
WHO'S DOING SUCH AN OUTSTANDING JOB AS AMERICA'S
SECRETARY OF COMMERCE. SUSAN ENGELEITER OF THE SBA.
- 2 -
THE PEOPLE GATHERED HERE COME FROM THE 50 STATES
AND BEYOND, HOMETOWN HEROES WHO ARE "LEADING AMERICA
INTO THE 21st CENTURY," AS THE THEME FOR SMALL BUSINESS
WEEK PROCLAIMS. AND TODAY MARKS A WONDERFUL OCCASION
-- NOT ONLY FOR THEM -- BUT ALSO FOR OUR NATION AND OUR
FUTURE.
- 3 -
SMALL BUSINESS IS THE BACKBONE OF THE U.S. ECONOMY,
CREATING TWO OUT OF EVERY THREE NEW JOBS, EMPLOYING
HALF THE PRIVATE WORKFORCE, ACCOUNTING FOR NEARLY 40
PERCENT OF AMERICA'S GROSS NATIONAL PRODUCT. IT'S ONE
OF THE REASONS AMERICANS ARE ENJOYING THE LONGEST ERA
OF PEACETIME GROWTH IN OUR HISTORY.
- 4 -
BUT OF COURSE, THE MAGIC OF SMALL BUSINESS IS NOT
IN THE POWER OF ITS NUMBERS -- BUT IN THE POWER OF ITS
DREAMS.
EACH OF YOUR BUSINESSES BEGAN AS THE DREAM OF ONE
MAN OR ONE WOMAN -- AND SOON BECAME A DREAM FOR MANY
OTHERS.
- 5 -
I LOOK AT PEOPLE LIKE PHYLLIS APELBAUM, ONE OF TODAY'S
FINALISTS, WHOSE MESSENGER SERVICE IN CHICAGO PROVIDES
JOBS FOR OVER A HUNDRED PEOPLE IN TRANSITIONAL
NEIGHBORHOODS. EVERY JOB YOU CREATE CAN MEAN ANOTHER
FAMILY WITH A FUTURE, ANOTHER FAMILY WITH HOPE, ANOTHER
FAMILY WITH A CHANCE FOR THE AMERICAN DREAM.
As A FORMER SMALL BUSINESSMAN, I KNOW FIRST-HAND
THE STRUGGLES OF ENTREPRENEURS AND GROWING BUSINESSES,
THE COMBINATION OF ADRENALINE AND ANXIETY, THE
ADVERSITY, THE ADVENTURES THAT FILL YOUR DAYS.
- 6 -
IOWA'S BARNEY ROBERTS STARTED HIS EMPIRE OUT OF HIS
BASEMENT. DAVID MATTHEWS BEGAN HIS IRONWORKS ON AN
ARKANSAS MOUNTAINTOP WITHOUT ELECTRICITY OR RUNNING
WATER. OATMEAL STUDIOS'S GREETING CARDS WERE LAUNCHED
AT A PLACE CALLED THE FROG HOLLOW CRAFT CENTER. AND
PHYLLIS SLEPT ON THE FLOOR AND WAS TOLD "No" 17 TIMES
BEFORE HER MESSENGER BUSINESS WAS LICENSED.
- 7 -
BY HER OWN DESCRIPTION, PHYLLIS BROKE THE LOGJAM
WHEN SHE WALKED INTO THE COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE -- AND I
QUOTE -- "SCREAMED LIKE A FISH SELLER ON MAXWELL
STREET." III AND PHYLLIS -- WE'RE NOT GOING TO ASK
FOR A DEMONSTRATION. III
ALL FOUR ARE AMERICAN SUCCESS STORIES. ALL FOUR
KNOW THAT NO NATION EVER DROWNED IN SWEAT.
- 8 -
AND ALL FOUR KNOW THAT GOOD CITIZENSHIP IS GOOD
BUSINESS, REACHING OUT FROM THEIR COMMUNITIES TO THE
HOMELESS, THE SPECIAL OLYMPICS, AND OTHERS.
THEIR RULES ARE SIMPLE. AND THEY MAKE SENSE.
"PEOPLE ARE OUR BEST ASSETS," SAYS BARNEY. "TAKE CARE
OF THEM AND THEY WON'T LEAVE." PHYLLIS SAYS: "You
HAVE TO LOVE WHAT YOU'RE DOING." DAVID'S TIME-PROVEN
FORMULA FOR SUCCESS NEEDS JUST THREE WORDS: "NEVER
SACRIFICE QUALITY."
- 9 -
AND OATMEAL GREETING CARDS' JOE MASSIMINO
[MASS-A-MEEN-o] DESCRIBES THEIR BRAND OF HUMOR AS "Not
CORNY, NOT PUNNY, NOT BIZARRE, NOT OFFENSIVE."
I'M NOT THE FIRST PRESIDENT TO RECOGNIZE AND
APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE OF SMALLER COMPANIES. TODAY
IS HARRY TRUMAN'S BIRTHDAY, AND, AS ALWAYS, HE TOLD IT
LIKE IT IS.
- 10 -
HE SAID: "You DON'T HAVE A PROSPEROUS COUNTRY UNLESS
THE LITTLE MAN -- THE FARMER, THE WORKER, THE SMALL
BUSINESSMAN -- IS WELL OFF. AND WHEN THE LITTLE MAN
PROSPERS, BIG BUSINESS GETS ALONG JUST FINE."
THAT IS WHY ONE OF MY PRIORITIES AFTER ASSUMING
OFFICE WAS TO DEVELOP FEDERAL POLICIES THAT PROMOTE AND
SUPPORT THIS VITAL SECTOR OF OUR ECONOMY. WE'RE
REVITALIZING THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.
- 11 -
WE'RE WORKING TO ENSURE THE INTERESTS AND CONCERNS OF
SMALL BUSINESS ARE MADE PART AND PARCEL OF EFFORTS SUCH
AS FEDERAL CONTRACT PROCUREMENT. AND WE NEED YOUR
SUPPORT ON ONE OF THIS YEAR'S TOP LEGISLATIVE
PRIORITIES: A TAX CUT ON CAPITAL GAINS. III
ESPECIALLY FOR SMALL BUSINESSES AND ENTREPRENEURS, IT
WILL HELP ATTRACT START-UP CAPITAL, PROVIDE MORE
LONG-TERM INVESTMENT, CREATE NEW JOBS, AND HELP LEVEL
THE PLAYING FIELD WITH OUR TRADING PARTNERS.
- 12 -
THE STRENGTH OF AMERICA LIES WITH THOSE WHO ARE
WILLING TO TAKE A CHANCE IN SMALL BUSINESS AND BUILD
FOR THE FUTURE. IT IS HERE YOU FIND THE DETERMINATION,
THE INGENUITY, AND THE VISION THAT HAVE CREATED THE
ENTERPRISES WHICH DRIVE OUR ECONOMY AND ENRICH OUR
LIVES.
IT IS AROUND SMALL BUSINESSES THAT YOU FIND
COMMUNITIES GROWING AND PROSPERING.
- 13 -
IT IS HERE WHERE WOMEN AND MINORITIES MAKE THEIR MARK
AS BUSINESS OWNERS. IT IS HERE WHERE YOU FIND so MANY
OF THE THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT THAT ARE AIDING THOSE
IN NEED ALL ACROSS AMERICA.
WE CAN TAKE PRIDE IN THE FACT THAT NATIONS AROUND
THE WORLD ARE USING SMALL BUSINESS IN THE UNITED STATES
AS A MODEL FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH.
- 14 -
SMALL BUSINESS IS AMERICA AT ITS BEST -- AND IT IS A
PLEASURE FOR ME TO RECOGNIZE THOSE WHO HAVE EXCELLED IN
THIS VITAL FIELD OF ENDEAVOR.
CONGRATULATIONS. THANKS. AND GOD BLESS THE UNITED
STATES.
(AND NOW, I'LL TURN THE PODIUM OVER TO SUSAN TO
PRESENT TODAY'S AWARDS.)
#
#
#
McNally/Simon
May 3, 1990
Draft Two (B:SBA)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS CEREMONY
ROOM 450, O.E.O.B.
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990, 2:00 P.M.
Thank you. And welcome to the White House. Sorry about the
delays getting everyone in. But I've got some good news: You
don't have to show a picture I.D. to get OUT. III
It's good to see Susan Engeleiter, who's doing such an
outstanding job as America's SBA Administrator. And it's always
a pleasure to welcome so many distinguished members of Congress
down to this end of Pennsylvania Avenue. III
The people gathered here come from the 50 states and beyond,
hometown heroes who are "leading America into the 21st Century,"
as the theme for Small Business Week proclaims. And today marks
a wonderful occasion -- not only for them -- but also for our
Nation and our future.
Small business is the backbone of the U.S. economy, creating
two out of every three new jobs, employing half the workforce,
accounting for nearly 40 percent of America's Gross National
Product. It's one of the reasons Americans are enjoying the
longest era of peacetime growth in our history. And it's one of
the reasons the economic indicators for March -- chalking up the
biggest increase in nearly two years -- continue to promise a
growing economy in the months ahead.
But of course, the magic of small business is not in the
power of its numbers -- but in the power of its dreams.
2
Each of your businesses began as the dream of one man or one
woman -- and soon became a dream for many others. I look at
people like Phyllis Apelbaum, today's First Runner-Up, whose
messenger service in Chicago provides jobs for over a hundred
people in transitional neighborhoods. Every job you create can
mean another family with a future, another family with hope,
another family with a chance for the American dream.
As a former small businessman, I know first-hand the
struggles of entrepreneurs and growing businesses, the
combination of adrenaline and anxiety, the adversity, the
adventures that fill your days. Iowa's Barney Roberts [ [SMALL
BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR]] started his empire out of his
basement. Jim Harrold [TIED, 2nd RUNNER-UP]] overcame both
polio and the bankruptcy of his predecessor. Oatmeal Studios's
[[TIED, 2nd RUNNER-UP] greeting cards were launched at a place
called the Frog Hollow Craft Center. And Phyllis slept on the
floor and was told "No" 17 times before her messenger business
was licensed.
By her own description, Phyllis broke the logjam when she
walked into the Commissioner's office -- and I quote -- "screamed
like a fish seller on Maxwell Street." III And Phyllis -- we're
not going to ask for a demonstration. III
All four are American success stories. All four know that
no nation ever drowned of sweat. And all four know that good
citizenship is good business, reaching out from their communities
to the homeless, the Special Olympics, and others.
3
Their rules are simple. And they make sense. "People are
our best assets," says Barney. "Take care of them and they won't
leave. " Phyllis says: "You have to love what you're doing."
Jim's print shop formula for success needs just three words: "We
meet deadlines." And Oatmeal greeting cards' Joe Massimino
describes their brand of humor as "Not corny, not punny, not
bizarre, not offensive."
(Not bad, Joe. Sounds like a review of one of my
speeches.)
I'm not the first President to recognize and appreciate the
importance of smaller companies. Today is Harry Truman's
birthday, and, as always, he told it like it is. He said: "You
don't have a prosperous country unless the little man -- the
farmer, the worker, the small businessman -- is well off. And
when the little man prospers, big business gets along just fine."
That is why one of my priorities after assuming office was
to develop federal policies that promote and support this vital
sector of our economy. We're revitalizing the Small Business
Administration. We're working to ensure the interests and
concerns of small business are made part and parcel of efforts
such as federal contract procurement. And we need your support
on one of this year's top legislative priorities: A tax cut on
capital gains. 111
The strength of America lies with those who are willing to
take a chance in small business and build for the future. It is
here you find the determination, the ingenuity, and the vision
4
that have created the enterprises which drive our economy and
enrich our lives.
It is around small businesses that you find communities
growing and prospering. It is here where women and minorities
make their mark as business owners. It is here where you find so
many of the Thousand Points of Light that are aiding those in
need all across America.
We can take pride in the fact that nations around the world
are using small business in the United States as a model for
economic growth. Small Business is America at its best -- and it
is a pleasure for me to recognize those who have excelled in this
vital field of endeavor.
Congratulations. Thanks. And God bless the United States.
#
#
#
McNally/Simon
May 1, 1990
Draft One (B:SBA)
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS CEREMONY
ROOM 450, O.E.O.B.
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990, 2:00 P.M.
Thank you. And welcome to the White House. Sorry about the
delays getting everyone in. But I've got some good news: You
don't have to show a picture I.D. to get OUT. \\\
It's good to see Susan Engeleiter, who's doing such an
outstanding job as America's SBA Administrator. And it's always
a pleasure to welcome so many distinguished members of Congress
down to this end of Pennsylvania Avenue.
Lori
Frits
The people gathered here come from the 50 states and beyond,
SBA
hometown heroes who are "leading America into the 21st Century,"
as the theme for Small Business Week proclaims. And today marks
a wonderful occasion -- not only for them -- but also for our
Nation and our future.
X
Lori
Small business is the backbone of the U.S. economy, creating
Frits
two out of every three new jobs, employing half the workforce,
SBA
accounting for nearly 40 percent of America's Gross National
Product. It's one of the reasons Americans are enjoying the
BB BBA 12/89
longest era of peacetime growth in our history. And it's one of
1
USA
the reasons the economic indicators for March -- chalking up the
Today
5-3-90
biggest increase in nearly two years -- continue to promise
see file
strong and sustained economic growth.
But of course, the magic of small business is not in the
power of its numbers -- but in the power of its dreams.
2
Each of your businesses began as the dream of one man or one
woman -- and soon became a dream for many others. I look at
SBA
people like Phyllis Apelbaum, today's First Runner-Up, whose
fact
messenger service in Chicago provides jobs for over a hundred
sheet
people in transitional neighborhoods. Every job you create can
mean another family with a future, another family with hope,
another family with their own crack at the American dream.
Looking
Forward
As a former small businessman, I know and understand first-
hand the struggles of entrepreneurs and growing businesses, the
combination of adrenaline and anxiety -- of ability and agility
the alliances, the adversity, the adventures that fill your
days. Iowa's Barney Roberts [[SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE
SBA
business
fact
YEAR]] started his empire out of his basement. Jim Harrold
sheet
[[TIED, 2nd RUNNER-UP]] overcame both polio and the bankruptcy of
his predecessor. Oatmeal Studios [TIED, 2nd RUNNER-UP]] was first
came
success
launched at a place called the Frog Hollow Craft Center. And
Phyllis slept on the floor and was told "No" 17 times before her
messenger business was licensed.
By her own description, Phyllis broke the logjam when she
Chicagoes
12-18-89
walked into the Commissioner's office -- and I quote --
"screaming like a fish seller on Maxwell Street." \\\ And
Phyllis -- we're not going to ask for a demonstration. \\\
All four are American success stories. All four know that
no nation ever drowned of sweat -- and go to work each morning
like they're planting the flag at Iwo Jima. And all four know
3
that good citizenship is good business, reaching out to their
communities from the homeless to the Special Olympics.
Their rules are simple. And they make sense. "People are
SBA
our best assets," says Barney. "Take care of them and they won't
fact
leave." Phyllis says: "You have to love what you're doing."
sheets
x
Jim's print shop formula for success needs just three words: "We
meet deadlines." And Oatmeal greeting cards' Joe Massimino
describes their brand of humor as "Not corny, not punny, not
bizarre, not offensive."
?
(Not bad, Joe. Sounds like a Washington Post review of one
of my speeches. ")
And I'm not the birst President to
2nd time As a former small businessman, I also recognize and
appreciate the importance of smaller companies. Today is Harry
Truman's birthday, and, as always, he told it straight and
HST simple. He said: "You don't have a prosperous country unless
10-10-52
the little man -- the farmer, the worker, the small businessman
see
file
-- is well off. And when the little man prospers, big business
gets along just fine."
That is why one of my priorities after assuming office was
to develop federal policies that promote and support this vital
sector of our economy. We're revitalizing the Small Business
Administration. We're working to ensure the interests and
concerns of small business are made part and parcel of efforts
such as federal contract procurement. And we need your support
on one of this year's top legislative priorities: A tax cut on
capital gains. III
4
The strength of America lies with those who are willing to
take a chance in small business and build for the future. It is
here you find the determination, the ingenuity, and the vision
that have created the enterprises which drive our economy and
enrich our lives.
It is around small businesses that you find communities
growing and prospering. It is here where women and minorities
make their mark as business owners. It is here where you find so
many of the 1000 Points of Light that are aiding those in need
all across America.
We can take pride in the fact that nations around the world
are using small business in the United States as a model for
economic growth. Small Business is America at its best -- and it
is a pleasure for me to recognize those who have excelled in this
vital field of endeavor.
Congratulations. Thanks. And God bless the United States.
#
#
#
Harry Truman
[289] Oct. 10, 1952 Public Papers of the Presidents
make in the last 2 years because of the defense
keepers and the salesmen and everybody else
program.
who has things to sell.
Now just why do the Republicans want to
And what about corporations? Believe
change the climate in Washington that's
me, they're doing all right.
bringing about the greatest industrial expan-
Corporate profits before taxes in 1950 were
sion in the history of the world?
almost $40 billion, and last year they were
I'll tell you why they want to change the
$43 billion. That is more than four times
climate. The Republicans don't like the way
the profits earned in 1929-the peak year
the benefits of our prosperity are distributed.
before the Republican depression. And it
They want to see more of the profits of the
compares with a net loss of $3 billion in
American enterprise go into the dividends of
1932-the bottom year of the Republican
the big corporations and less of it into the
depression.
pockets of workingmen, the small business-
Even after taxes, corporations made $21
men, and the farmers.
billion in profits in 1950 and $19 billion
Now, my friends, that is the issue, pure and
last year-more than double the 1929 earn-
simple. They want to rewrite the tax laws
ings.
to give the breaks to big business. They
The Republican candidate can't deny we're
want to rewrite the price control law to let
having prosperity with a Democratic cli-
the speculators make a killing. They want
mate in Washington. So he resorts to the
to rewrite the labor laws to make them even
false charge that we have what he calls a
more biased against labor than the Taft-
"war prosperity" created by the defense pro-
Hartley Act already is.
gram. The answer to that is very clear. All
That's what the Republicans mean when
he has to do is to look at the figures for 1948
they talk about a change in Washington.
and 1949 and 1950, before the defense pro-
But they're completely shortsighted about
gram got underway. We were breaking all
the whole issue. They're still as short-
kinds of records in 1950.
sighted as they were in the Republican 1920'S
And I just want to remind you that the
when the whole object of the Government
period after World War II-when this pres-
policy was to help the rich and the privileged.
ent so-called "bungling" administration was
The thing the Republicans have never un-
in office-was the first time in our history
derstood is that when only big business is
that a major war has not been followed by
helped, the country as a whole is hurt.
a depression.
Eventually, big business and everybody else
It's just plain dishonest for the Republican
is dragged down in a general depression-
candidate to overlook these facts.
which happened in 1929.
Now, I know that many of you are con-
You don't have a prosperous country un-
cerned about what is going to happen when
less the little man-the farmer, the worker,
the defense program tapers off. Will there
the small businessman-is well off, too. And
be jobs to take up the slack?
when the little man prospers, big business
Nobody knows, of course, exactly what lies
gets along just fine.
ahead of us. But this much I will say to
We have proved that point over and over
you-there can be jobs to take up the slack
again since World War II. At the end of
when the defense program drops away. It
the war, the Republicans hooted at the whole
may not happen, if your Government fol-
idea of having 60 million jobs. We now
lows the wrong policies. But if you have a
have more than 62 million people employed,
government that follows the right policies,
at good wages. Farm prices and farm in-
our post-defense economy can boom to even
come are high. This is good for the farmers
greater levels than those we now enjoy.
and for the workers. It's good for the shop-
I say that with confidence because I am
778
May 8, 1884
Harry Trumon's
Birthday
May 8 / Administration of George Bush, 1989
Administration of George Bush, 1989 / May 9
21st century, and will allow us to enhance
words. You don't have to sell me on the
rates, competitive ways, help as best you
the family business in 1958. And those 30
our competitiveness in the global arena.
value of small business.
can. You know the value of freedom and
years have seen the Bretting Company
Enthusiastic and confident, the small
The work you do is vital to this nation's
flexibility. And so, I just want to see us work
grow and prosper from 11 employees back
business community is the cornerstone of
economic well-being. And I brought along
together to preserve that freedom in child
in 1958 to 260 today, from $120,000 in sales
America's economy-and it is an inspiration
some statistics to back that up. Small busi-
care and in other issues that affect the way
each year to $30 million. And today his
to people around the world.
nesses employ more than half of America's
we live and work.
company is the world's leading producer of
Now, Therefore, I, George Bush, Presi-
private sector work force. Small businesses
A moment ago, I cited some statistics on
high tech custom designed machinery for
dent of the United States of America, by
account for over a third of our gross nation-
the large impact of small business in the
making paper products. And the secret of
virtue of the authority vested in me by the
al product. And I've saved the best statistics
American economy. Ceremonies like this
Tad's success is the one small business
Constitution and laws of the United States,
for last. During the past decade, small busi-
one are important because they honor the
people know so well: It all comes down to
do hereby proclaim the week of May 7
nesses have created two out of every three
individuals behind the statistics-the small
taking good care of customers. And so, con-
through May 13, 1989, as Small Business
new jobs in our economy. And for me,
business people who conceive the idea, take
gratulations to you, Tad.
Week, and I call on every American to join
that's the bottom line. Small business is on
the chance, and make it work. So, today we
So, there you have our four winners. This
me in this very special tributé.
the business end of growth and at the cut-
recognize the best that small business has to
room, though, is full of success stories today.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set
ting edge of the economic expansion that's
offer. And I want to turn now to the
It's in this nation's small businesses that the
my hand this eighth day of May, in the year
77 months old and still going strong.
awards. This year there is no fourth place
American spirit, entrepreneurial spirit,
of our Lord nineteen hundred and eighty-
Let me take a moment right here to
finisher. Instead, we have a tie for third
takes root and grows. And so, our nation
nine, and of the Independence of the
mention an issue that should be on the top
place. And I'll start with Chad Olson of
needs you-your drive, your dynamism,
United States of America the two hundred
and thirteenth.
of the list for all small business people: the
Utah. Chad produces a highly successful
your creativity, and your can-do attitude.
question of child care. As you know so well,
line of professional and collegiate sports
Congratulations to all of you, and especially
George Bush
you're more likely to find small business
merchandise. He's marketed franchises in
to you winners with us here today. Thank
owners sitting around a kitchen table than
40 States already. And I understand he's got
you all very much.
[Filed with the Office of the Federal Regis-
in a big corporate boardroom someplace. A
his eye on all 50. He's got international am-
ter, 4:37 p.m., May 8, 1989]
small business is less a corporation than a
bitions as well, with franchise plans for
Note: The President spoke at 1:40 p.m. in
family. And like a family, people engaged in
Canada and U.S. military bases overseas.
the East Room at the White House. In his
a small business enterprise share common
Now, do we do this right now? All right.
remarks, he referred to Gerald Tsai, Jr.,
aims, a common outlook, and certainly have
Chad? Well done. And sharing this third
member of the board of directors of Primer-
place award with Chad is Carolyn Stradley
Remarks at the Presentation Ceremony
common interests. And that's the perfect
ica, and Jenlane Gee, California Teacher of
for the Small Business Persons of the
workplace environment for innovative ap-
of Georgia. She started out as a bookkeeper
the Year, 1988.
Year Awards
proaches to meet the concerns and needs of
for a paving company and left that compa-
employees. I urge America's small business-
ny to do what many here have done: start
May 8, 1989
out on her own. She used a loan from her
es to take the lead in developing creative
To the Members of Congress here and all
solutions in child care. I think, for example,
brother to buy her truck, built her business
of pioneers like Gerald Tsai, Jr., or Jenlane
by taking the small jobs that no one else
Message to the Congress Transmitting
the distinguished guests, first let me wel-
thought worthwhile; and today she's a suc-
the District of Columbia Budget and
come Susan Engeleiter, the Administrator
Gee and others who we honored out there
cess, and equally important, an inspiration
Supplemental Appropriations Request
of SBA [Small Business Administration], as
today, Asians who have a strong bearing
and support in their families for child care.
to businesswomen everywhere. And so, con-
May 9, 1989
well as all the State small business people
and their families who came here today.
I will do nothing as President of the United
gratulations to you.
The winner of this year's second place
To the Congress of the United States:
I've participated in these ceremonies
States, absolutely nothing, that weakens our
award comes from Kansas, Richard Barlow.
In accordance with the District of Colum-
before, and I'm especially pleased and hon-
family structure. And I encourage small
Dick is well known to gourmet cookie
bia Self-Government and Governmental Re-
ored to present these awards today.
businesses to do everything they can to
makers as the manufacturer of REMA insu-
organization Act, I am transmitting the Dis-
As you probably know, I, long ago, was a
strengthen the family structure by getting
lated bakeware. He started his business
trict of Columbia Government's FY 1990
small businessman myself, and I think,
together in a cooperative fashion.
with a family friend just 6 years ago selling
Budget and FY 1989 Budget supplemental.
therefore I know some of the worries that
My child care tax credit program is going
these cookie sheets in Oklahoma-in
The District's General Fund 1990 operat-
you share-the what-ifs when you're the
to benefit small businesses, I believe. I do
Kansas. And today REMA bakeware is sold
ing budget request is $3,071 million. Total
one in charge. And I know how it feels to
not believe in these mandated government
in all 50 States and Japan. And so, congratu-
Federal payments anticipated in the Dis-
start something from scratch, work with it
benefits. I think it has to be decided by the
lations to you, Richard. Well done.
trict's budget are $498 million. The Dis-
day and night, and hopefully see it succeed.
Federal Government, making as flexible as
And now the 1989 winner, this year's
trict's FY 1989 budget supplemental con-
Success goes to those who work hard, refuse
possible, the use of child care tax credits.
Small Business Person of the Year, Tad
tains $106 million in cost increases and $79
to give up, and learn from their mistakes.
So, I wanted to take this opportunity, a
Bretting of Wisconsin. I wondered why Sen-
million in budget authority rescissions, for a
And there's a saying: If I had my life to live
little off the beaten path, you might say, of
ator Kasten was over here. [Laughter] Tad's
net increase of $27 million. This transmittal
again, I'd make the same mistakes, only
honoring these honorees today. But it is
got business in his blood. His family has
does not affect the Federal budget.
sooner. [Laughter] I think small business-
very, very important that all of you who are
been in the machinery business for three
There are four District budget issues to
men and women can understand those
out there trying to produce at competitive
generations-almost 100 years. He joined
which I would direct your attention. First, I
SMALL BUSINESS
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRA
MOTHER
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20416
1953
OFFICE OF THE ADMINISTRATOR
DATE: April 30, 1990
TO: Michael P. Jackson
Executive Secretary for Cabinet Liaison
FROM: Lori Fritts
Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
SUBJECT: Small Business Week
Per our discussion, please find attached suggested talking points
for the President's remarks for the Small Business Week ceremony
scheduled for Tuesday, May 8, 1990.
The audience will be comprised of: a) State Small Business
Persons of the Year from each state, the District of Columbia,
Guam, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands: b) six national Small
Business Advocate Award winners representing the media, veterans,
accountants, financial services, women and minorities; c) the
Small Business Exporter of the Year; d) the Young Entrepreneur of
the Year; e) the Entrepreneurial Success Award is given to a
small business that became a large business with SBA's help; f)
the winners' families and guests; and g) about 40 private sector
patrons of Small Business Week.
The theme of this year's Small Business Week is "Small Business:
Leading America into the 21st Century."
We have had plaques made for the awards the President will
announce: the National Small Business Person of the year (V.E.
"Barney" Roberts, Chairman, Iowa Office Supply, Storm Lake,
Iowa), the first runner-up (Phyllis L. Apelbaum, President, Arrow
Messenger Service, Inc., Chicago, Illinois), and the two
businesses tied for second runner-up (James L. Harrold,
President, Mebcrafters, Inc., Tempe, Arizona; and Joe and Helene
Massimino, Oatmeal Studios, Rochester, Vermont).
Attachment
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR THE WHITE HOUSE
SMALL BUSINESS WEEK 1990
TUESDAY, MAY 8, 1990
This is a wonderful occasion for those we are honoring
today
it is also a special occasion for our nation
and our future -- to have such outstanding
entrepreneurs "leading America into the 21st Century,"
as the theme for Small Business Week suggests.
Small business is the backbone of U.S. economy. This
sector:
-- Creates 2 of every 3 new jobs
-- Employs 50 percent of the work force
-- Accounts for 39 percent of the GNP
As a former small businessman, I recognize and
appreciate the contributions of smaller companies
I
also know and understand first-hand the struggles of
entrepreneurs and growing businesses.
One of my priorities upon assuming office was to
develop federal policies that promote and support this
vital sector of our economy.
real
-- As part of this effort, we are revitalizing the
Small Business Administration.
Andrew
-- Also, we are making sure the interests and concerns
of small business are factored into government
activities on everything from increased federal
contract procurement for small businesses to support
for a capital gains tax cut in Congress.
The strength of America lies with those who are willing
to take a chance in small business and build for the
future
it is here you find the determination, the
is
ingenuity, and the vision that have created the
enterprises which drive our economy and enrich our
lives.
-- It is around small businesses that you find
communities growing and prospering.
-- It is here where women and minorities make their
mark as business owners.
-- It is here where you find SO many of the Thousand
Points of Light I talk about so often.
amer. Big brown Buaness
role
in prest in free Certral helped
No Europe
We can take pride in the fact that nations around the world
are using small business in the United States as a model for
economic growth.
Small Business is America at its best, and it is a
pleasure for me to recognize those who have excelled in
this vital field of endeavor.
1990
SMALL BUSINESS
PERSON
OF THE YEAR
WINNER
WSP 408-1639
V.E. (Barney) Roberts, Chairman
Iowa Office Supply, Inc.
731 Lake Avenue
Storm Lake, Iowa 50588
(712)732-4801
In 1945 Barney Roberts thought selling
cars was his destiny. He did so for 16
years. But in 1961 he got hooked on
selling office machines; by 1967 he and
(213)
,5433
his wife, Irene, began Iowa Office Supply
in the basement of their Spencer, Iowa
home.
450
Within months the Roberts opened a retail
outlet in Storm Lake; their modest first-
year sales were $95,431 with two
employees.
due comy
Today Iowa Office Supply has $8.5
million in annual sales and employs 55.
A fleet of 38 vehicles fans out across
northwest Iowa. Roberts believes in
retaining long-term employees with good
benefits. "People are our best assets," he
advises. "Take care of them and they
won't leave.'
One of the top ten Sharp dealers in the
country, Roberts is a SCORE (Service
Corps of Retired Executives) counselor,
and is deeply involved in community
projects. Says the president of Buena
Vista College about Roberts' firm, "It is
not an overstatement to say that most
northwest Iowa businessmen depend on
Iowa Office Supply in order to manage
their companies in an efficient, productive
and profitable manner."
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
01. Application
Small Business of the Year, re: Vernon Roberts; personal
01/02/91
P-6, (b)(6)
information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90
Date Closed:
10/18/2004
OA/ID Number:
06898
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3. Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
OMB Approval No. 3245-0125
Expiration Date: 7-31-86
CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT
to the
ADVISORY COUNCIL
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
NAME: Vernon (First) (Barney)
Earl
Roberts
(Middle/Initial)
(Last)
POSITION, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYER: Chairman
Iowa office Supply INC.
731 Lake Avc. STorm LaKe, I.wa 50588
TYPE OF BUSINESS: KeTail Office Equipment
INDICATE PREVIOUS OR PRESENT FINANCIAL (INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY), SURETY BOND.
OR CONTRACTUAL ASSISTANCE WITH SBA. GIVE APPROXIMATE DATES AND TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.
NicNe
HOME ADDRESS:
(Please
inc
pour
-
SERVICE ON FEDERAL BOARDS, COUNCILS OR COMMISSIONS
(Indicate previous or present): 2.C.O.R.E Member
IF EMPLOYED BY A STATE GOVERNMENT, IS IT AN ELECTIVE POSITION?
Yes
No
NA
ARE YOU ON A FEDERAL PAYROLL?
Yes
No X
PLACE OF BIRTH: LeRoy, Minn.
BIRTHDATE: 7-7-23
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT 6th
The authority to obtain this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301, 15 U.S.C. 634(b), 44 U.S.C., 3101. Routine
LAMIS of the information are:
To member. respond to a request from a member of Congress regarding information about an Advisory Council
To disclose information about an Advisory Council member to general public.
To respond to requests from the General Services Administration.
Vernan must be signed (Signature) E Robet condition Date: 199'
(This as . of the appointment.
2/2'd GOA FORM 898 (10-83) REF: SOP 90 54 3 90 Previous aditions are ******* 426 919 KCRO HES 14:59 067 2t NHI
SBDC
Iowa Small Business Development Center
IOWA
lowa Lakes SBDC
lowa Lakes Community College
Small Business
Development Centers
Gateway North Shopping Center
Highway 71 North
Spencer, lowa 51301
(712) 262-4213
November 6, 1989
Mr. Conrad Lawlor, District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration
Federal Building, Room 749
210 Walnut Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50309
Re: Small Business Person of the Year Nominee:
Mr. V.E. (Barney) Roberts
Dear Mr. Lawlor:
In cooperation and co-sponsorship with Iowa Lakes SCORE Chapter
#368, the Iowa Lakes Small Business Development Center is proud to
nominate Mr. V.E. (Barney) Roberts as Iowa Small Business Person
of the Year.
Mr. Roberts is not only a fine example of a small business person
who has successfully developed a company into an organization
employing a significant number of people and having a major impact
on Iowa business and industry, but he also is representative of a
business person who works in support of small business through
professional and community affiliations (including SCORE).
The Iowa Lakes SCORE Chapter and the SBDC are pleased to recognize
the efforts of Barney Roberts, and support his nomination for the
Iowa Small Business Person of the Year.
Sincerely,
llare Marchall
Clark Marshall, Director
Iowa Lakes Small Business Development Center
Decide Mr. Deight Willard, Willam Chairman
Iowa Lakes SCORE Chapter #368
IOWA
LAKES
COMMUNITY
lowa Lakes Community College Spencer, lowa
COLLEGE
1945 V.E. "Barney" Roberts started his marketing career
selling automobiles for the Asher Motor Company in
Spencer, Iowa. After selling cars for 16 years, he
decided that he wanted to join an industry that was
more challenging and faster growing.
1961 Barney joined Modern Business in Spencer as the only
outside salesman of office machines, supplies and
furniture in Northwest Iowa.
1964 Barney was promoted to salesmanager of Modern
Business to direct the sales team he had created.
Jan. Barney and Irene saw the opportunity to create their
1967 own office equipment company, and opened Iowa Office
Supply in the basement of their Spencer home.
April Realizing the great potential in the Storm Lake area,
1967 Barney, Irene and two additional employees opened
Iowa Office Supply as a retail business in the
business district of Storm Lake. The first year
sales of Iowa Office Supply were $95,431.
1968 Sales volume grew to $172,659.00 up 45% with four
total employees.
1969 Volume grew to $240,461.00 up 28%, employment
remained the same.
1970 Sales continued to grow up 14% to a total of $279,338
employment the same.
1971 A startling thing happened. Sales declined to
$263,441. Barney realized in order to grow he had to
come off the road in order to manage the growth of
the company. Barney's son, Kirby, took over Barney's
position on the road after returning from four years
in the Air Force. Barney also realized he needed a
bigger facility in a more visual location. He left
the existing rental location and built a new building
on the main street of Storm Lake with 5,000 square
feet. At that point, he hired two full time service
people to create his own service department to better
service his customer base. He also added two more
outside sales people.
June Things were growing and because of the busy winter
1972
season, changed the corporation's fiscal year from
June 30 - July 1. Sales for six months were
$195,977. The number of employees grew to ten.
1973 Barney purchased an existing Office Supply store in
Ida Grove. After closing the store, he opened a new
remodeled facility in Carroll, Iowa. Sales jumped
55% to $433.998 with employment at 14.
1974 Sales continued to grow for both facilities, up 24%,
employment remained the same. Barney came up with a
first, he put in a watts line for better customer
enticement, unheard of with the other office
suppliers in Northwest Iowa.
1975
Barney decided to sell the Carroll store to the
existing manager so that he might further concentrate
on sales in the Storm Lake area. Even with the loss
of the Carroll stores revenues, sales jumped to
$629,218. At this point, his son, Kirby, was
promoted to salesmanager so Barney could create a
bigger sales team to cover an eighty mile radius of
Storm Lake. The same year, Barney created United
Leasing, Inc. to give customers a different alterna-
tive in owning office equipment.
1976
Additional space was needed so Barney purchased an
additional 2500 square foot building adjacent to the
existing new facility, bringing the total footage to
7500 square feet. Sales increased 18% to $764,334
and total employment grew to 17.
Aach.
1977
Total sales grew to $884,669 and employment to 18.
Kirby became Vice-President.
edge
1978
Total sales grew to the million mark, $1,083,514, up
18% with employment at 20. Barney purchased a mini
computer with custom software to give customers
generated invoices and statements, another first to
office dealers in Northwest Iowa.
1979
Volume $1,117,998, employment total to 21. Tragedy
struck, five of the top employees resigned to open
their own store: salesmanager, office manager,
executive secretary and top two salesmen. Barney
promoted from within, didn't miss a step.
1980
Sales continued to grow and more facility was
required so Barney purchased another 2500 square foot
building adjacent to the existing facility bringing
the total to 10,000 square feet. Total sales went to
$1,214,159, with employment to 24.
1981 Total sales were $1,492,582 with total of 25
employed. Barney purchased the rights to publish a
monthly newsletter for better customer relations,
called "The Secretary's Friend". This is still in
very high demand and used today. Also a monthly
sales flyer was created with special pricing, another
first in the the area.
1982 Barney felt the need to hire an advertising agency to
give the company better exposure in Northwest Iowa.
Television became the new strong media for Iowa
Office Supply, another first to the area for our
industry. Barney also created a church coop buying
program quarterly, to allow churches mass buying
power for paper and related supplies. Also, Barney
created a company clothing program to allow sales and
service to have a more professional image. As Barney
said, "The look better, feel better, be better
approach". Sales were up to $1,722,177.
1983 Two warehouses were purchased to handle used
furniture and help house the inventory for the newly
created wholesale division. The wholesale division
was created to increase advertising dollars by way of
coop advertising and to ensure our sales of retail
Sharp products were always purchased at the best
possible bracket. This still remains a very profit-
able division, that markets regionally, nationally
and internationally. Also, Barney created an instore
print shop to better the service the customer needs.
With the new 10,000 square foot warehouses and print
shop sales grew to $1,902.536 and employment jumped
to 28.
1984 Computers were hot, Barney decided to open a computer
division, to help enhance the well rounded dealer
philosophy. Also, a qualified profit sharing program
was added in addition to cash bonus to help entice
good employees stay with him. Also, a new computer
was ordered with new custom software and several
multi-task terminals. To tie with the existing
advertising program, Barney created a fleet of
vehicles, white with brown and orange stripes and
lettering. Also, the start of several incentives and
incentive trips were presented to many key employees.
Sales jumped to $2,971,728, up 36%.
1985 Sales totaled $3,491,510 with employment total at 31.
1986 Barney thought it time to expand into the Sioux City
market. Iowa Office Supply purchased K & D Business
Machines, the existing Sharp copier dealer. Iowa
Office Supply planned at that point to penetrate 80
miles into the South Dakota and Nebraska market.
Sales totaled $3,425,416 with 36 employees.
1987 Iowa Office Supply opened a newly remodeled 8500
square foot facility with a well rounded inventory of
supplies, machines and furniture. A new 9500 square
foot warehouse was purchased in Storm Lake to handle
the growing wholesale business. Sales were $4,297,622
up 20% with 43 employees.
1988 Barney decided Kirby should become President after 18
years in the company. Barney became Chairman of the
Board and company consultant. Employee numbers
jumped to 49 and volume to $6,121,989 up 30%. In
July, Iowa Office Supply decided to become a Sub S
Corporation for tax reasons.
1989 In the past 12 months, Iowa Office Supply did
$8,100,000 up 24%, with a total of 52 employed.
CURRENT Iowa Office Supply in its complete fiscal 1989 is
anticipating $8,500,000 in sales and currently has 55
employees. new building was just purchased across
from the existing facility in Storm Lake to accommmo-
date the print shop. The new facility has 5100
square feet to allow future growth of Iowa Office
Supply. The existing space that the print shop
occupied will be filled with a new and bigger show
room and service department. Plans are currently in
the process of opening a store in Mason City and
Amilia
should be completed by the spring of 1990. One year
growth plan are to have volume in access of
$10,000,000 with 70 employees. The current fleet of
vehicles is 38 Cavaliers and Mini-Vans, all striped
and lettered the same.
SUMMARY Because of Barney's strong management ability, he
has been able to retain many long term employees, by
offering a large benefit package and many fringe
benefits. "People are our best assets, take care of
X
them, they won't leave". With this philosophy, he
has been able to grow, and many good people still
want to join his payroll. Barney realized years ago
in order to better service his customers, he needed a
strong training program for sales and service people
and the best franchises available. Today, Iowa
Office Supply represents the #1 selling typewriter,
copier, facsimile, cash register, calculator and
dictating manufactures in the nation. His company is
one of the top ten Sharp dealers in the country and
has been in Sharp's Million Dollar Club over five
consecutive years. Barney believes in total customer
satisfaction and he constantly checks their
satisfaction with after market surveys. Through the
years, Barney has taken time to serve his church and
community in many ways. Barney has been a 25 year
member of Kiwanis, a 22 year member of the Storm
Lake Chamber of Commerce and is current member of
S.C.O.R.E. Barney was President of the Storm Lake
Industrial Board and a board member of Faith, Hope &
Charity, a home for profoundly retarded children.
Barney is a strong contributor to the Storm Lake
Industrial Board, Faith, Hope & Charity, Buena Vista
Work Activity Center, Pheasants Forever, Whitetails
Forever Ducks Unlimited, Methodist Manor, Buena
Vista College, Sioux City Chamber of Commerce &
Industrial Board. Barney also worked on many
committes for Methodist Manor, Buena Vista College,
and the Chamber of Commerce. Barney created the idea
and ran the fund raiser for four welcome signs into
Storm Lake. He also has been a member of NOPA and
NOMDA, both trade organizations for over twenty
years. Obviously there are many more accomplishments
too numerous to mention. In comparison to national
averages in the industry, Iowa Office Supply exceeds
all comparisons.
GARY ROSENE & CO., P.C.
Certified Public Accountants
STORM LAKE, IOWA 50588
Telephone (712) 732-1419
Gary Rosene, CPA
610 Seneca Street
Shane Rosene, CPA
P.O. Box 1333
October 18, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
Des Moines, Iowa
RE: 1989 Candidate for Small Businessman of the Year.
V.E. "Barney" Roberts
To Whom it May Concern:
We are writing to support the nomination of V.E. "Barney" Roberts as Iowa
Small Businessman of the Year. I have known Barney for approximately 25
years. I first met him when he was an office supply salesman calling on a
company for whom I worked as an office manager. In recent years, as I
developed my own accounting practice, Barney and Iowa Office Supply became
clients; and I have worked with Barney over the past several years both as a
customer of Iowa Office Supply and in providing professional accounting and
tax services to Iowa Office Supply.
The growth of Iowa Office Supply, Inc., under the management and
direction of Barney Roberts has been amazing. The company began with capital
of $20,000.00 in 1967 and has grown to capital in excess of $1,500,000.00 over
the past 22 years. Such growth can only be accomplished by combination of
hard work, providing good service and good products, and having the vision to
adapt as circumstances change. The growth of Iowa Office Supply in both
equity and profits is strong evidence of Barney's ability to manage
successfully.
While managing a successful business, Barney has also found time to
participate in several community activities including active participation in
the Chamber of Commerce. We feel Barney is an excellent candidate for Iowa
Small Businessman of the Year and strongly recommend him for this honor.
quatest
Sincerely,
equity Austomers is his
Gary Rose
Gary L. Rosene
GLR:gg
BUENA VISTA COLLEGE
Storm Lake, lowa
OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT
October 25, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
To the Selection Committee:
I am pleased to recommend Mr. V.E. "Barney" Roberts for the
Iowa Small Businessman of the Year Award. I have known Barney
for fifteen years and watched with admiration as he lead his
business, Iowa Office Supply, Inc., from an excellent local firm
to one that now dominates the regional market.
Under Barney's guidance, Iowa Office Supply is known and
trusted for its outstanding service to other businesses--large
and small--in the region. It is not an over-statement to say
that most northwest Iowa businessmen depend on Iowa Office
Supply in order to manage their companies in an efficient,
productive, and profitable manner. I speak as both a client of
Barney's and as a close observer of area business developments.
In addition to Barney's personal business success, he is a
prime example of Iowa corporate volunteer leadership to vital
non-profit service organizations, including my own. To all of
his volunteer activities he brings the same empathy, respect,
vitality and wisdom he displays in his own enterprise.
Thus, I believe Barney is the American ideal of a corporate
leader; his own business is prospering, he gives of himself to
the local community, and he actively participates with
distinction in regional and national organizations in order to
enrich the Iowa business climate. Barney has my strongest
endorsement for the honor of Iowa Small Businessman of the Year.
Sincerely,
Keith G. Briscoe
President
KGB:ch
FOURTH & COLLEGE STREETS, STORM LAKE, IOWA 50588
SHARP®
SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
Mid-Western Region
1300 Naperville Drive
Romeoville. Illinois 60441 (312) 759-8555
October 27, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
Gentlemen:
I am sending this letter to indicate my support for the nomination
of V.E. "Barney" Roberts, of Storm Lake, Iowa, as Small Business-
man of the year. Mr. Robert's leadership has been the major
reason for the continued growth and expansion of Iowa Office
Supply.
I have worked closely with Barney over the last 10 years and in
that time IOS has had an annual growth with Sharp Electronics of
over 20% per year. This increase has led to Barney opening a new
store in Souix City and a planned store in Mason City. More
importantly, the number of Iowan's I.O.S. employs has grown from
21 to a total of 55 over the same period.
In closing, what we at Sharp Electronics look for in our dealers
is professionalism and dedication to their business. In Iowa
Office Supply we have these characteristics and are proud to have
them on the Sharp team.
Sincerely,
Tom Wally
Tom Weekly
Regional Sales Manager
Copier Division
TW:gss
Electronic Business
Machines Company
793 Springer Drive
Lombard, Illinois 60148
932-8005
Administrative
Offices
October 24, 1989
SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Federal Building
Des Moines, lowa 50300
To Whom It May Concern:
It is with genuine pleasure to send my letter to you in support of:-
Mr. Barney Roberts of lowa Office Supply, Inc., Storm Lake, lowa,
in his nomination by the Northwest lowa Small Business Administration,
as the 1989 candidate for:- "lowa Small Businessman of the Year".
I personally have known Mr. Barney Roberts for a good number of years;
the early years when we both shared a common business interest in our
respective States, the promotion and sale of Sharp Electronics Corporation
calculator products.
We were one of his first suppliers when he began his organization with 3
or 4 people in Storm Lake , many years ago. We have not only seen him
develop his business in Storm Lake, but beyond. Today his company
employs many, many people and has become the prime economic producer
in the northwestern part of lowa. He possesses the unique ability to bring
opportunities to his many employees.
Through those early, and the ensuing years, Barney and I developed a
strong and lasting friendship, both personal and in business. I have the
highest respect for his business acumen and tireless energy to satisfy
his customers' needs in a very competitive business. He is an achiever.
If your committee can see its way clear to bestow your great honor on
Mr. Roberts, he will be, without doubt, representative of lowa's Small
Businessman and take his place alongside the best of your past recipients.
Respectfully,
ELECTRONIC BUSINESS MACHINES CO.
Donald S. Kanak,
President
DSK/h
MILLS INSURORS
NORTHWEST CONSULTANTS, INC.
Phone 712/834-2441
Everly, Iowa 51338
October 19, 1989
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being sent to support the nomination of V.E. "Barney"
Roberts for a small business award. I have known "Barney" for at
least 50 years. I first knew him in business as an auto salesman
for Asher Motors. His straight forward, honest approach as an
auto dealer enhanced our relationship.
In later years when "Barney" bought his own office supply business,
and I had an insurance business, it became apparent the I could
trust him to keep me abreast of the most modern office equipment
available. He kept his orders on time and in proper condition to
expedite my needs.
The expansion of his business over the years shows his credibility
to the public; this track record is a beacon of his success.
I am sure that if your committee would select "Barney", he
would justify their decision.
Yours truly,
im mills
James W. Mills
NORTHWEST CONSULTANTS, INC.
...growing Insurance protection with hometown roots
P.O. BOX 584
STORM LAKE, IA 50588
(712)7
Storm
Lake
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
October 20, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
IN RE: Small Business Person of the Year
V. E. "Barney" Roberts
Iowa Office Supply
Storm Lake, Iowa
Gentlemen:
I am writing this letter of support for the nomination of V. E.
Roberts as Small Business Person of the Year. I have known and
worked with "Barney" for over 15 years. I have observed his
business development, worked with him on Chamber of Commerce
activities plus we have had joint business ventures together.
Barney Roberts started Iowa Office Supply and it has grown
remarkably since. Iowa Office Supply has earned the respect of
all of Northwest Iowa by their professional sales team and
"fleet" of sales staff calling on customers in all size
communities. The business has gained the respect of suppliers as
evidenced by the enviable list of dealerships and sale franchises
granted to Iowa Office Supply. The firm has expanded into a
second "base operation" in Sioux City and is currently in the
process of a third "base operation" in Northcentral Iowa.
Iowa Office Supply, a business advocate and an example of unusual
success, is involved in community progress, targeting service as
a key ingredient and personal contact as a cornerstone. V. E.
"Barney" Roberts is a credit to his profession and would most
certainly be a worthy choice for this honor and recognition.
Respectfully, Samphey
William R. Lanphere
Executive Director
WRL/ss
Simonsen IRON WORKS, Inc.
ESTABLISHED 1906
INCORPORATED 1946
MANUFACTURERS OF
Phone 712-283-2544
HARDWARE AND IMPLEMENT SPECIALTIES
WALTER A. SIMONSEN, PRES.
106 SECOND STREET
DAVID C. BAILEY, VICE PRES.
JOAN SIMONSEN BAILEY, SEC'Y.
Sioux RAPIDS, lowa 50585
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
October 17, 1989
Des Moines, Iowa
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is written to support the nomination of V.E. "Barney" Roberts
for Small Business Award. I have known Barney and done business with him
for many years including being a customer of his when employed by other
businesses before he established his own business, "Iowa Office Supply of
Storm Lake" and more recently a branch established in Sioux City.
I recently saw a picture of all his 50 salesman's cars. This in itself
indicates the firm's rapid growth
As a customer of theirs 95% of all our office equipment and supplies are
purchased from them. Their service has been outstanding and our annual
purchases from them are several thousand dollars a year.
It is a pleasure to recommend him for this honor and we trust your committee
will rate "Barney" very high and will bestow this great honor to Barney
Roberts he will rate very high as compared with past recipients.
Yours very truly,
SIMONSEN IRON WORKS, INC.
Watter a. Simmen
Walter A. Simonsen
President
WAS: jm
THE CITIZENS FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF STORM LAKE
STORM LAKE, IOWA
H. W. SCHALLER
CHAIRMAN
October 17, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building
Des Moines, IA
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
It is a great pleasure to support the nomination of V.E. "Barney"
Roberts as Northwest Iowa's Small Business Administration (S.C.O.R.E.)
candidate for Iowa Small Businessman of the Year. Barney's firm, Iowa
Office Supply, Inc., and the Citizens First National Bank have worked
together over the years. It has always impressed me that Barney's goal has
been to build the company through product delivery, service and sales.
Because of Barney's attitude in this area, his firm has been able to grow
from a small office supply firm to one of substantial size serving two
locations, both the home office in Storm Lake, Iowa and a branch in Sioux
City, Iowa.
Because of the outstanding record that Mr. Roberts' has shown in the
growth and development of his business, I hope that you will favorably
entertain his nomination.
Harry W. Schaller
Chairman
HWS/ckd
_City of Storm Lake
"The City Beautiful"
P.O. Box 1086
620 Erie
Storm Lake, lowa 50588
(712) 732-5700
October 1989
To: Small Business Administration
I have just been informed that V. E. "Barney" Roberts of
Iowa Office Supply in Storm Lake, has been nominated by the
Northwest Iowa Small Business Administration as a 1989 candidate
for "Iowa Small Businessman of the Year".
I have known "Barney" for many years and consider him to be
one of the most respected businessmen our City has ever known.
His business has grown from a small beginning to one of a major
impact in Northwest Iowa. While "Barney" was busy building his
business he always had time to take an active roll in community
affairs and could be counted on to do a job when asked.
If anyone deserves to be "Iowa Small Businessman of the
Year" it would be V. E. "Barney" Roberts.
Respectfully,
Wilbur L. Tucker
Mayor
WLT/pjm
_City of Storm Lake
"The City Beautiful"
P.O. Box 1086
620 Erie
Storm Lake, lowa 50588
(712) 732-5700
November 1, 1989
Gentlemen:
It has been brought to my attention that Mr. V. E. "Barney"
Roberts has been nominated as a candidate for "Iowa Small
Businessman of the Year." I believe Mr. Roberts is the candidate
that should receive the award for the following reasons:
1. Mr. Roberts is a long time businessman of Storm Lake and
of Northwest Iowa. His business, Iowa Office Supply, Inc.,
was established in Storm Lake in 1967 and has flourished
under his direction. In 1987, he established the Sioux City
branch of Iowa Office Supply. His business, business
practices, and employees are all very well known and
respected throughout Northwest Iowa.
2. Mr. Roberts has been very active in the community and as
a leader in the Storm Lake Chamber of Commerce. His ideas
have been implemented within the community. His leadership
has influenced many projects throughout the community.
3. Mr. Roberts is "Barney." Barney is personable and is a
friend to many citizens throughout the community. Because
of his friendliness, his business also is enhanced and in
his business success, this trait is probably the most
prevalent factor for that success.
I sincerely believe that Mr. Roberts has on many occasions
earned "Businessman of the Year. " I, as a public official, would
recommend your strong consideration for this award to Mr.
Roberts.
Respectfully,
Clarence Krepps
City Administrator
CK/mih
Security
M.J. KUEHL, Chairman of the Board
GALE E. BOBOLZ, President
JACK CUTTELL, Executive Vice President & Cashier
HARLAN D. GOETSCH, Vice President
State Bank
....
RUSSELL BOLES, Ass't Vice President
JOANNE LEFEVER, Ass't Cashier
SSB
Hartley, Iowa 51346
YVONNE WEHRKAMP, Ass't Cashier
November 2, 1989
Small Business Administration
Federal Building - Suite 749
Des Moines, Iowa 50318
To Whom It May Concern:
This letter is being sent to support the nomination of
V. E. "Barney" Roberts for the "Iowa Small Businessman of the
Year" Award. I have known Barney for at least twenty years. He
has been a true friend, never too busy to say hello and did all
he could to satisfy any need you might have had during this
time.
He started his business basically out of his basement, made
calls on his own and has grown to what it is today. He is a well
respected business person and has the respect of many of his peers.
His company, Iowa Office Supply, has had phenomenal growth over
the years. This again can be attributed to Barney's dedication
to service, his overall business ability, his willingness to help
in any way he could, but yet being competitive in price. We
as a customer can attest that this is exactly what he has
continued to do.
Barney Roberts would be a fitting recipient of this honor.
I would appreciate your consideration of Barney and know he will
measure up with the best of your past award winners.
Very truly yours,
Bace E Boby
Gale E. Bobolz
President
GEB:jpl
1990
SMALL BUSINESS
PERSON
OF THE YEAR
1ST RUNNER-UP
Phyllis L. Apelbaum, President
Arrow Messenger Service, Inc.
1322 West Walton
Chicago, Illinois 60622
(312)489-6688
It took Phyllis Apelbaum 17 tries with the
Illinois Commerce Commission before
she licensed her messenger business.
When she finally secured the license, she
was the first woman in the state ever to do
so.
For some years after founding Arrow
Messenger Service in 1974, Apelbaum
slept on the floor until her business got off
the ground. Today she has 125 employees
and $3 million in annual sales. Messenger
services have a high turnover; yet
Apelbaum counts some couriers who have
been with her more than 10 years. Pride
is a key: no shorts and T-shirts. Couriers
are required to wear a company uniform,
including dress shirt and tie.
In 1986, Arrow moved into new quarters
in a transitional city neighborhood,
providing employment opportunities to
many residents. Today Apelbaum is
chairperson of an organization which is
developing housing for the homeless in
Chicago.
Her secret? "You have to love what you
are doing."
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
02. Application
Small Business of the Year, re: Phyllis Apelbaum; personal
11/30/89
P-6, (b)(6)
information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90
Date Closed:
10/18/2004
OA/ID Number:
06898
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
OMB Approval No. 3245-0125
Expiration Date: 7-31-86
CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT
to the
Small Business Person of 1990 Award
ADVISORY COUNCIL
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
NAME:
Phyllis
L.
Apelbaum
(First)
(Middle/Initial)
(Last)
POSITION, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYER: President/Owner
Arrow Messenger Service
1322 West Walton, Chicago, Illinois 60622
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Messenger Service
INDICATE PREVIOUS OR PRESENT FINANCIAL (INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY), SURETY BOND,
OR CONTRACTUAL ASSISTANCE WITH SBA. GIVE APPROXIMATE DATES AND TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.
NONE
HOME ADDRESS: 260 East Chestnut, Chicago, Illinois 60611
(Please include post office and zip)
SERVICE ON FEDERAL BOARDS, COUNCILS OR COMMISSIONS
(Indicate previous or present):
N/A
IF EMPLOYED BY A STATE GOVERNMENT, IS IT AN ELECTIVE POSITION?
Yes
No
NA X
ARE YOU ON A FEDERAL PAYROLL?
Yes
No X
PLACE OF BIRTH:
Chicago
BIRTHDATE: 7/3/40
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
7th
The authority to obtain this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301, 15 U.S.C. 634(b), 44 U.S.C., 3101. Routine
uses of the information are:
To respond to a request from 8 member of Congress regarding information about an Advisory Council
member.
To disclose information about an Advisory Council member to general public.
To respond to requests from the General Services Administration.
Ohy (This must be signed (Signature) as a condition Fellbound of the appointment.) Date: 11/30/89
SBA FORM 898 (10-83) REF: SOP 90 54 3 Previous editions are obsolete.
GPO 902-618
WOMEN'S BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT CENTER
November 20, 1989
John L. Smith
District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration
Chicago District Office
219 S. Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60604-1779
Dear John:
I am writing on behalf of Ms. Phyllis Apelbaum as the 1990 Small
Business Person of the Year. She deserves the honor!
Phyllis is Founder and President of Arrow Messenger Service, the only
women owned messenger service in the City of Chicago, currently
employing over 150 Chicagoans and serving over 1,500 clients.
She began Arrow Messenger in 1974, sleeping on the floor for a couple
years until she got the service off the ground. She is successful,
billing over 3 million dollars in 1987. In 1986 she purchased a
rehabilitated building to house Arrow Messenger providing new jobs and
economic development in a transitional neighborhood.
Phyllis Apelbaum is a strong, determined, creative, tenacious and
pragmatic business woman. She embodies the spirit of the
entrepreneur.
She overcame great adversity to establish her business. She was
turned down for her permit to operate in the all-male messenger
service industry seventeen times and became the first woman in
Illinois ever to secure a messenger service license. She had no
formal training in running a business and, in fact, Phyllis did not
finish high school, instead forced to work to help support her family.
She embodies the best of the entrepreneurial spirit and is a
successful woman willing to give of herself to others, especially as a
mentor, friend and role model to other women business owners and as a
supporter, volunteer and friend of the WOMEN'S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
CENTER.
Phyllis is active in the Women's Business Development Center as a
volunteer, is active in the Messenger Service Association and was this
year elected President of the trade association for her industry. She
is active in her community as a volunteer with such organizations as
the Network of Women Entrepreneurs, the Women's Executive Network
and gives generously of her time and money to the Chicago Heart
Association, City of Hope, Variety Club of Illinois, Lambs Farm and
Hadassah.
CAROL DOUGAL, DIRECTOR HEDY M. RATNER, DIRECTOR
230 NORTH MICHIGAN. SUITE 1800 CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60601 (312) 853-3477
She is a Board member and Treasurer of the Administrative Management
Safety as well as an active mentor through their support system. She
was selected as the keynote speaker for the Women in Business 1988
conference sponsored by the Illinois Department of Commerce and
Community Affairs.
Phyllis Apelbaum is deserving of the honor and recognition as the 1989
Small Business Person of the Year. She has built one of the most
successful women owned businesses in the State of Illinois with her
tenaciousness, willingness to do whatever is necessary and her
built-in refusal to quit. She also exhibits a deep sense of
commitment to the city of Chicago. She is active in the community,
committed to women's economic development and to the economic
development of the city, and freely gives of her time and knowledge to
help others achieve success.
She exceeds all the selection criteria:
Staying Power: Arrow Messenger is 15 years old
Growth in Number of Employees: Arrow now has over 150 employees,
many minority residents of the City of Chicago
Increase in Sales - Arrow now has sales over $3 million
Current and Past Financial Reports: see enclosed reflecting
improved financial position of the business
Innovativeness of Service: See attached profile
Response to Adversity: See attached profile
Evidence of Contributions to Community: See attached materials
Phyllis Apelbaum is truly deserving of the honor of being designated
1990 Small Business Person of the Year and I am honored and pleased to
support her nomination for the award.
Sincerely,
Hagm.RaL
Hedy M. Ratner, Director
Women's Business Development Center
HMR/jl
encl
STAYING POWER
Arrow Messenger service was founded 15 years ago by Phyllis Apelbaum, with
$3,000 inheritance and her experience in the business as her only assests. In
1989 Arrow will earn close to $3 million. Arrow has long been recognized as
one of the industry leaders in the Chicago area, and is continuing to show
steady growth.
In 1986, Phyllis bought a building in a transitional city neighborhood, and
soon after moved Arrow into its new quarters. Since that time, many area
residents have been employed by Arrow, and the company has a strong commitment
to building a good relationship with others in the neighborhood.
GROWTH IN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
When Arrow was founded, there were but a small handful of employees working
out of a basement office at 333 North Michigan Avenue. Today Arrow employs
over 100 couriers, and approximately 25 office employees. Although the
messenger service is traditionally a business with a high turnover rate, there
are many long-term employees who have been with the company 10 years or more.
As well as growth in the number of employees, there has been an expansion in
the past few years in the diversity of employees. New positions have been
created as the company has grown, to accomodate the changing needs.
INCREASE IN SALES
Arrow has grown to a $3 million business over the past 15 years, in an
industry where the average charge for a loop delivery is $4.50. This
substantial increase even from the past year, when sales were at $2.3 million.
INNOVATIVENESS OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERED
When Phyllis Apelbaum started Arrow, she was the first woman in Illinois to be
granted an Illinois Commerce Commission license, and that only after 17
attempts. Being in the business for many years prior to that had formed her
ideas of what was important for a messenger service, and what clients were
looking for in a service.
Today Arrow upholds those originals ideals of fast, courteous, dependable
service to their clients. All couriers are required to be in full uniform at
all times, which includes black pants, yellow shirt with company patch, and
black tie. A courier represents not only the company that employs him, but
also the client he is making a delivery for, and they should feel confident
that messenger is making a good impression for them.
Phyllis was one of the first in the area to offer clients a direct service for
urgent needs, called "SOLO" service. Many times her creative abilities have
been pressed into service to solve a client's request for unique delivery
needs.
RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY
Even from the start, there were problems for Phyllis in founding her own
courier service. Because there had never been a woman licensed by the
Illinois Commerce Commission before, it took her 17 attempts to obtain her
operating license.
Just in the past year, the steady growth for Arrow had brought about some
problems with the computer system that was being utilized. In September of
1989, Arrow went on-line with their own mainframe computer. This transition
went smoothly for the staff and clients, due to careful planning and
preparation. Keeping the clients informed of steps before they happened
helped alleviate their concerns.
In the messenger business, every day brings a new challenge to be met. When
clients call for a delivery, they're already late. Working in this industry
brings its own kinds of pressure, and Phyllis recognizes the fact that these
problems need to be dealt with from an employee standpoint. She is always
ready to help in whatever way possible when someone is feeling the stress a
little more than usual.
EVIDENCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY NOMINEE
TO AID COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PROJECTS
Phyllis most recently is working as the Chairperson for the Auxiliary Board
of the Lakefront SRO program, which is developing housing for the homeless in
Chicago.
She is President and Co-Founder of the Messenger Service Association of
Illinois, and Treasurer of the Administrative Management Society Chicago
Chapter.
She works with the Variety Club, Lambs Farm and the Heart Association.
Professional groups she is involved with include: National Association of
Women Business owners, Network of Women Entrepreneurs, The Chicago Network,
Executive Guild, Ltd., and the Chicago Association of Commerce and Industry.
Phyllis Apelbaum is a consistent volunteer mentor, counselor and presenter for
the Women's Business Development Center. She has been a keynote speaker at
conferences, a mentor for small women owned businesses, an advisor to growing
snd expanding women business owners and a major contributor to the growth of
the Center.
CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1989
PAGE 43
Arrow Messenger's owner moves as fast as those guys on bikes
ESTANCERS
CARRY
By Patricia Moore
CHICAGO'S
Phyllis Apelbaum, the founder and owner
of one of the most successful messenger
services in Chicago, knows about basic mo-
tivation: the need to put groceries on the
table.
She learned that at the age of 14 when
family circumstances forced her to quit
school and find a job. Two years later she
joined City Bonded, a messenger service
where hard work and dedication eventually
put her into the post of office manager.
When she started Arrow Messenger Ser-
vice the motivation was even keener: She
worked as much as 20
hours a day and slept
on the office floor to get
the business going.
$
$
"I'm addicted to
work," Aplebaum con-
fesses. And it has paid
off. She has made a
The risk
number of close, lasting
friendships, beginning
takers
with the owners of City
Bonded, Irving and Na-
dine Mansfield, and her business has flour;
ished. This year revenue jumped to nearly
$3 million from $2.3 million in 1988. She
estimates that the 15-biggest messenger
services probably share about $68 million in
yearly revenue.
Apelbaum, cheerful and talkative, is
clearly the maternal type. She declares that
starting Arrow was "like the birth of a
child. I see myself as the mother, and the
people here are my children. As the years
go on you hope you've given them the
SUN-TIMES/Tom Cruze
fundamentals."
Phyllis Apelbaum, founder and owner of Arrow Measen
when people call for pickup. They wanted It an hour ago. It's
yes
She insists, tob, that she firmly believes
Service: "There is such adrenaline in this job. It's late already
a high-anxiety job.
Turn to Page 46
own
Jian
mat
to
move
tarks
from
to
to
her
were
noing screaming like a fish seller on
in
Going
Places
even
all
SQ
the
sure
to
up
in
gne
way
guar,
no
growth" until the last couple of
Arrow
Maxwell Street."
years, when increases were more
The commissioner, Charles A.
dramatic. Arrow now is housed in
Freeman (now an appellate court
its own building off the Kennedy
into.
Ao
Continued from Page 43
judge and candidate for the Illi-
Expy. at Milwaukee and Augusta
honesty, hard work and good eth-
nois Supreme Court), was dumb-
and employs 100 messengers. The
get
ideas
ics will be rewarded. "But you
founded, then perturbed, at the
full staff including office workers
have to love what you're doing."
litany of obstacles Apelbaum had
numbers 125-150, depending on
She recalls with relish the near-
encountered.
the use of part-timers.
ly 14 years she worked with the
Freeman promised her he would
Apelbaum credits some of the
Mansfields. "They taught me,
investigate the long delay and, in
growth to the boom in downtown
mentored me, loved me and
the meantime, issued a temporary
service businesses and Arrow's
showed me how to live in the real
license. Apelbaum was ready to go.
name recognition. Other factors
AESEN
world. I blossomed in that envi-
She opened Arrow Messenger in
are better-paid clerical workers,
ronment and, in return, I gave 150
November, 1973, in the basement
who no longer are sent on pickup
percent." Eventually the Mans-
errands, and later mail deliveries
fields, now deceased, decided to
to Loop offices. "We pick up mail
sell their business to Cannonball.
at the main post office at 7 a.m.
Apelbaum stayed on but says she
" love my
for a number of clients," she said.
had "personality differences" with
"There is such adrenaline in this
the new owners.
life. I live on
job," she observed. "It's late at-
The death of her 57-year-old
ready when people call for a
father forced Apelbaum to rethink
the Gold
pickup. They wanted it an hour
her life. She remembers flying
ago. It's a high-anxiety job." Arrow
home from her father's funeral in
Coast, I like
has regular rush pickups to deliver
Los Angeles, tears streaming down
blood to medical centers.
her face, as she considered one sad
the hustle and
About 90 percent of Arrow's bus-
aspect of his life. A repairer and
iness comes from graphics, artwork,
zeseller of pianos, her father
bustle.
advertising agencies and printed
hadn't been able to achieve his
"
material generated by law firms
relatively modest goal of going to
and other businesses. The remain-
Hawaii for vacation.
ing 10 percent comes from retailers
"That's when I decided to quit.
including Nieman Marcus, Bloom-
My job wasn't the same, the love
of the 333 N. Michigan building
ingdale's and Polk Bros.
was gone. There's more to life than
with $70 worth of used furniture,
Apelbaum will be 50 next year.
working at a job you don't enjoy."
three messengers and assurances
Her son, Mark, 34, is with the
At the urging of the Mansfields,
from two corporate clients from
business and is deciding if he
Apelbaum decided to start her
her City Bonded days that they
wants to make it a long-term ca-
own messenger business. It took
would give her some business. And
reer. "We're getting ready for the
nearly a year and 17 hearings by
she got a full-fledged license.
next generation, and I guess I
the Illinois Commerce Commis-
But Apelbaum had to hustle
have to let go a little. I'm stepping
sion before she became the first
more business. She personally
back in some areas." In the next
woman granted a license to oper-
gave leaflets to every tenant in the
breath she talks about the long
ate a messenger service.
333 building and immediately won
hours she and staff members have
"One of the questions I was
more business. Apelbaum found
spent putting in a new mainframe
asked at the hearings was whether
herself regularly working until
computer system.
J could fix a truck. I said I could
long after midnight and needing
Still, she declares, "I love my
probably do it as well as Mr.
to be back at 6 a.m. when the
life. I live on the Gold Coast, I like
Mansfield, who knew nothing
messengers arrived. That's when
the hustle and bustle, the restau-
about repairing vehicles."
she took to sleeping on the floor.
rants and theaters and museums."
After what was to be the final
"I didn't even have a blanket,"
She adds that she has a weekend
hearing, Apelbaum stormed into
Apelbaum recalls.
place is Wisconsin where she goes
SUN-TIMES/Tom Cruze
the office of ICC commissioner
The company had had what
to "look at the stars, hear the
Founder and owner Phyllis Apelbaum poses outside her Arrow
and, by he acription, "started
Apelbaum calls "nice consistent
birds and
en to God's voice."
Messenger office building at Milwaukee a
Augusta.
dan
the
play
Businesswomen
of Chicago, Unite
at 20 gives
By Debbie Gulecki
24
your
C
hicago is a good
place for people
who believe in hard
89-6
work," says Phyllis Apelbaum. "If
you open a little cart on Milwaukee
Avenue and work at it, within a week
you'll be able to make a living selling
hot dogs. That's just the way it is."
She is living proof that the role
of small entrepreneurs, especially
women entrepreneurs, is growing
rapidly in Chicago. Fifteen years
ago, Apelbaum's company was
ARROW
one of only 7,000 or so companies
that women ran at that time in
Chicago. By 1988, the count
had more than tripled.
Much of this growth can be
attributed to the entry or reentry
DAVID CARTER
of women into the workplace
generally. Four out of five small
Woman with a message
"Chicago
is
a
good
place
for
businesses started in America in
people who believe in hard work," asserts Phyllis Apelbaum (center). Today ber Arrow
1987 were founded by women.
Messenger Service employs 150 people and bills more than $2.5 million annually.
However, the Chicago area has
proven to have certain unique
Development Center, which
So she decided to start her own
attractions for women and other
provides counseling and varied
messenger service.
minorities over other parts of the
workshop series.
One almost insuperable obstacle
country. The city, during the admin-
But the struggle to found and then
to her dream was financial: She had
istration of the late Mayor Harold
successfully administer a company
only $3,500 to cover all start-up
Washington, began the "Minority
in Illinois, especially if you are a
costs. Those thousands quickly
Set-Aside" program. Under its
woman, remains a difficult one, as
disappeared as she faced the next
auspices, twenty-five percent of
Apelbaum's story illustrates.
obstacle-the legal one. In order to
all city contracts are bid out to
Beginning at the age of twenty,
run a messenger service in Illinois,
minority contractors, and another
she spent fourteen years as a
a person must be licensed by the
five percent are targeted specifically
dispatcher, first at one messenger
state. But in 1974, some state officials
to women-owned businesses. In
service and then another. After a
were openly skeptical of a woman's
addition, the State of Illinois has
decade and a half, though, Apelbaum
ability to start, let alone oversee,
established the Women's Business
was overqualified and restless.
such a service. After seventeen
58 ILLINOIS
fruitless hearings before the
COMING BACK
fied in Illinois. Retailing, for example,
Commerce Commission's hearing
continued from page 57
is now providing more new jobs every
examiners, Apelbaum's money was
year than is any other industry. Finan-
gone and she still had no license.
ing to a 1988 Fortune magazine article.
cial services have become equally im-
Broke but undaunted, she made one
Lawson concurs. "It's certainly up
portant to the economy, especially in
last desperate phone call, to then
there," he says. The company had
the Chicago area. Chicago has almost
Commerce Commissioner Charles
no choice but to update: "What we
1,300 banks. These provide jobs for
Freeman, and explained her problem
realized is that we are now facing a
more than 100,000 people. The finan-
and her hopes for the business. He
globalized and much more competi-
cial exhanges-the Mercantile Ex-
personally granted her the necessary
tive marketplace. We had to streamline
change, the Board of Trade and the
license. Arrow Messenger
our operations. We had to cut costs.
Midwest Stock Exchange-employ
Service was born.
And we had to change our employee
33,000 more (and are indirectly respon-
Arrow's announced
relations, give our workers more
sible for up to 110,000 additional jobs).
willingness to deliver
responsibility for quality and even
Both the Mercantile Exchange and the
anything legal, from
their own management. Those are the
Board of Trade have installed com-
computer parts to
things we have tried to do."
puterized, worldwide networks that
body parts to homing
And Deere has succeeded. Despite
will allow for twenty-four-hour trading
pigeons-and to do so
the drought of 1988, which cut farm
of commodities and options. That de-
in tuxedos if requested-
profits and thus equipment sales,
velopment is expected to increase
has made it one of
Deere turned a profit of $288 million
profits-and jobs-significantly over
Chicago's most pros-
in 1988, following years of losses.
the next five years.
perous messenger
The same resurgence is in evidence
"Illinois is now a service-driven
services. Today, the
throughout the Illinois economy. Em-
economy," says Dederick, "more so
company has moved
ployment in 1988 reached record lev-
than a manufacturing or an agricultur-
to a new headquarters
els. Unemployment hovered at or
al economy." What that means, he con-
about five minutes
below 5.8 percent. Personal income
tinues, is "strength. Diversity is a good
outside Chicago's
set a record of more than $180 billion.
thing, because when the next recession
central business district,
And the productivity of Illinois work-
hits, Illinois will not be as hard hit. Ser-
employs 150 people
ers, according to the Midwest Manufac-
vices are much more recession-proof."
and bills more than
turing Index, is growing at a rate of
The state is recession-proofing itself
$2.5 million every year.
nearly 3.3 percent, 20 percent higher
in other ways. The state government is
than the growth nationwide.
actively promoting a wide variety of
B
est of all, with
How did this happen? And how did
new industries-from high-tech com-
the passage of
it happen so quickly?
panies to auto parts makers-through
time, Apelbaum's one-
"Several reasons," says First Nation-
the use of "enterprise zones," which
time liability-her
al Bank's Swonk. "The lower dollar
provide new and existing companies
gender-has been trans-
helped. Exports are up to some degree
with tax breaks and other incentives.
formed into an asset.
[see "If Illinois Were a Nation
page
"There's a great deal of resilience in the
"Chicago has one of the
62]. But at least as important is that the
new Illinois economy," says Swonk. "In
strongest women's networking sys-
state's manufacturers have reshaped
many ways, it's stronger now than any
tems anywhere," she says. "I know of
themselves. They have become much
of its neighbors. And, as the farm econ-
at least twenty-five networking groups
more competitive."
omy picks up-which, barring anoth-
myself." They provide her and the
Paradoxically, an even more impor-
er drought, we expect to happen this
other members, she continues, with
tant component of Illinois's economic
year-that will add to the recovery."
a support structure and, more im-
recovery has been that its manufactur-
If any further evidence were re-
mediately, with leads and general
ing base sunk so low. As a result, manu-
quired, one need only visit the former
information about how and where
facturing is now a much smaller
Union Stock Yards. This once decayed
to do business in Chicago.
element of the overall economic mix.
area has been transformed into an in-
"When you're the head of a cor-
It has been supplanted by services.
dustrial park. Two hundred new busi-
poration, your employees come to
This change mirrors a reshaping of
nesses cluster here, including small
you for answers. You're expected to
America's economy overall. Today, on
manufacturers, and soon, several retail
know," Apelbaum says. "But all too
the national stage, jobs in service
outlets. Four thousand people now
often you don't." She pauses and
industries-retailing, tourism, sales,
work in the Yards' confines. Another
laughs. "Luckily, I've found that if
financial services and so on-greatly
2,200 new jobs are expected to be
I don't have the answer, one of the
outnumber jobs in manufacturing and
created as the industrial park grows.
other women I've gotten to know
are growing at a more rapid clip.
The ghost of economic vibrance
usually will. What a relief."
That development has been magni-
past has returned.
ILLINOIS 59
1990
SMALL BUSINESS
PERSON
OF THE YEAR
2ND RUNNER-UP
(TIED)
Joseph Massimino, President
Helene Massimino, Vice President
Oatmeal Studios
Box 138, Town Road 35
Rochester, Vermont 05767
(802)767-3171
The little man with a banana in one
ear, an ear of corn in the other, and a
pencil dangling from his nose gazes out
at you. "Things are pretty normal
around here," he comments, and then
asks, "What's new with you?"
That banana man with the offbeat query
is a good example of the lighthearted
humor that this rapidly growing
Vermont greeting card business spreads
around the world.
Oatmeal Studios began in 1979 with an
SBA-guaranteed loan and two hand-
screened designs that were sold, in lots
of 20 greeting cards each, to one store.
First-year sales exceeded $10,000 and
led the Massiminos to research further
the potential of the greeting card
market.
Sales at Oatmeal Studios have increased
steadily - the company achieved sales
of $2.9 million in 1989. The product
line has grown to include almost 1,000
designs and the staff has increased to
21 full-time people. The company's
products are distributed throughout the
United States, Canada, the United
Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium,
New Zealand and Singapore.
Oatmeal Studios has developed into a
business that can operate in the unique
and outstanding environment of
Vermont and still reach and benefit
from a national and international
market.
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
03. Application
Small Business of the Year, re: Joseph and Helene
11/21/89
P-6, (b)(6)
Massimino; personal information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90
Date Closed:
10/18/2004
OA/ID Number:
06898
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
OMB Approval No. 3245-0125
Expiration Date: 7-31-86
NOV 2 9 1989
CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT
to the
A Montpeller,
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
JOSEPH
F.
NAME: 9 HELENE
MASSIMINO
(First)
(Middle/Initial)
(Last)
POSITION, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYER: PRESIDENT ANDVICE
PRESIDENT/ CREATIVE DIRECTOR, OATMEAL STUDIOS, Box 138,
TOWN RD 35, ROCHESTER VT 05767
TYPE OF BUSINESS: GREETING CARD MPR/WHOLE PHONE:
INDICATE PREVIOUS OR PRESENT FINANCIAL (INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT COMPAI SORETY BOND,
OR CONTRACTUAL ASSISTANCE WITH SBA. GIVE APPROXIMATE DATES AND TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.
1978 10,000 Bank/SBA Loan
To establish Oatmeal Studios
HOME ADDRESS: Box 329 , ROCHESTER VT 05767
(Please include post office and zip)
SERVICE ON FEDERAL BOARDS, COUNCILS on COMMISSIONS
(Indicate previous or present):
NO
IF EMPLOYED BY A STATE GOVERNMENT, IS IT AN ELECTIVE POSITION?
Yes
No
NA V
ARE YOU ON A FEDERAL PAYROLL?
Yes
No
12/24/52
PLACE OF BIRTH: BRONX, NY (BOTH)
BIRTHDATE: 4/14/53
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT VERMONT
The authority to obtain this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301, 15 U.S.C. 634(b), 44 U.S.C., 3101. Routine
uses of the information are:
To member. respond to a request from a member of Congress regarding information about an Advisory Council
To disclose information about an Advisory Council member to general public.
To respond to requests from the General Services Administration.
Date:
11/21/89
(Signature)
(This must be signed as a condition of the appointment)
SBA FORM 898 (10-83) REF: SOP 90 3 Previous editions are obsolete.
GPO 902-518
SNALL
BUSINESS
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
FEDERAL BUILDING, POST OFFICE BOX 605
1953
MONTPELIER, VERMONT 05602
Tel. No 828-4422
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is to attest that Oatmeal Studios of Rochester, Vermont is
a small business according to 7 (a) loan standards. Industry
size standard is 500 employees for printers of greeting cards
(SIC 2771) and subject business employs only 21. SBA Form 898
haws been submitted to Joseph Azzarano for clearence under
SBA's civil rights requirements.
Owners of this business, Joseph F. Massimino and Helene L.
Massimino, have been negotiating with a potential purchaser.
If a sale takes place, it will likely happen prior to small
business week (May 7-11, 1990). Business will remain at its
present location and Joseph and Helene Massimino will remain
employed by the business for at least one year following the
sale. These facts came to light after the awards committee of
Vermont Advisory Council had made its choice.
Ora H. Paul
District Director
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
JOE MASSIMINO
President/CEO
HELENE LEHRER MASSIMINO
Vice President/Creative Director
OATMEAL STUDIOS
ROCHESTER, VERMONT
05767
CRITERIA
A. STAYING POWER HISTORY OF BUSINESS
Oatmeal Studios began in 1979 when Helene Lehrer Massimino
hand-screened two designs and sold them in lots of 20 cards
each to one store, the Frog Hollow Craft Center in
Middlebury. This limited production sold well and the
success of early business was gratifying and encouraging.
Increased efforts were then directed towards marketing and
productions areas including the development and release of a
24 note card line which was commercially printed. This line
was marketed to a number of smaller retail outlets in
Vermont directly by the Massimino's and the success in these
1979 sales exceeding $10,000 led the Massimino's to further
research the potential of the greeting card market.
At the end of 1979 they unveiled a line of 36 full size
greeted cards. Through 1980 they added additional designs
in Christmas and Valentine's Day to result in approximately
80 designs by the end of the year. Gross sales for 1980 had
jumped seven times - to over $72,000 for the year.
At this time Joe and Helene were still a two person company
although the success of the cards had led to contracting
with a few sales representatives in different parts of the
country. The early designs were quickly accepted by
consumers, and in the period 1980 to 1981 (still operating
1
essentially as a two person company) Oatmeal Studios' sales
more than doubled with gross sales for 1981 of $173,000.
In the period from 1981 to 1983, the Massimino's further
developed their potential within what was defined as the
"alternative greeting card market", a growing segment of
greeting card sales in the United States. Joe and Helene
participated in research activities including trade shows
and investigation into the business end and handling of the
company. They also enlarged the product line into
stationery, widened the special occasions for which the
greeting cards were produced, and also produced notepads.
In anticipation of future growth, the building they were
leasing was purchased in July of 1981.
Major growth for the company occurred in 1984. The company
had four employees at that time, but by the end of 1984 had
grown to ten, primarily involved in production, shipping,
and business and office management. In the period 1981 to
1984 the company sales increased almost 130 percent. In
1984 the company's sales were over $393,000. By the end of
1985 they had increased another 68 percent and by 1986, the
company had broke the $1,000,000 mark and had gross sales of
over $1,300,000.
2
In 1987 sales grew to close to $1.8 million and in 1988 to
over $2.2 million. Oatmeal Studios will achieve sales of
2,900,000 for 1989 and has close to 1,000 designs in their
current product line. The company's products are
distributed throughout the US, Canada, Bermuda, United
Kingdom, Germany, France, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand
and Singapore. The company has additionally authorized
licensing and printing of its product in the United Kingdom
and Australia.
Oatmeal Studios projects strong future growth. This is
based upon its past performance, product quantity and
excellence, the increasing consumer acceptance of their
designs, and its analysis of a variety of factors:
1.
The company sees the alternative greeting card
market increasing in size and territory throughout
the United States.
2.
The company feels that its performance and future
growth is indicated by increasing infiltration
into the alternative greeting card market. It is
in more stores and has more space in those stores
primarily as a result of quality product and
aggressive sales and marketing efforts which
3
include special programs dedicated to increasing that
space.
3. The company has been successful and continues to
expand its product line. Their Designer Post-It
Notes, and Magnetic Pads have done extremely well
and continue to expand into new markets. Oatmeal
has not only been successful in marketing its own
designs and items but has been involved in
licensing with other companies. Oatmeal designs
are now on various products including balloons,
bookmarks, paper plates, napkins, paper cups, and
other party goods.
B.
GROWTH IN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
Original number - 2
Currently - 1989 - 21
It is important to note that significant growth has occurred
in the number of outside personnel and free-lancers.
The United States sales rep force has grown to 125 and the
Canadian rep force to 20.
The number of free lance writers has grown from 0 to 350.
4
The number of free lance artists has grown from 0 to 7.
C.
INCREASE IN SALES DOLLARS
1979 - $10,454
1985 - $659,771
1986 - $1,338,315
1987 - $1,785,113
1988 - $2,222,778
1989 - Projected $2,900,000
D.
CURRENT AND PAST FINANCIAL REPORTS
E.
ORIGINAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Oatmeal Studios was started by the two nominees in 1979.
F. INNOVATIVENESS OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERED
Oatmeal Studios is an extremely creative and imaginative
company. The products they manufacture are the result of
developing original concept and a great variety of humorous
writing. This is combined with colorful and eye catching
graphics to produce a unique line of products.
Their high level of creativity can also be seen in their
trade show booths and the catalogs and sales literature they
print.
5
Innovative sales and marketing approaches include special
plans and programs available to the retailer and unique
merchandising units to display product.
The innovativeness of design is evident in the desire for
other companies to use Oatmeal Studios' designs on their
products.
Oatmeal Studios has developed into a business that can
operate in the unique and outstanding "environment" of
Vermont and still reach and benefit from a national and
international market.
G.
RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY
A major challenge faced by Oatmeal Studios has been the
extremely competitive nature of the industry. It is an
industry which is continuously demanding new and exciting
product that will sell profitably. Oatmeal Studios releases
hundreds of designs each year to meet this challenge and has
been very successful in its rating of retail sellability.
This rating has been within the top 5% of the industry. The
challenge of competition has also been met by the
development of a strong sales representative force,
aggressive marketing plans, and a responsive customer
service and sales department.
BOB-
6
another
H. EVIDENCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY NOMINEE TO AID COMMUNITY
ORIENTED PROJECTS
Rochester Playground Project - Oatmeal Studios contributed
to the project by donating money, setting up a Christmas
card fund-raiser with the school children, and by designing
and donating a T-shirt design for the Harvest Fair fund-
raising.
Russian Peace Mission - Oatmeal Studios made donations for a
trip to Russia by one of our town's students. We also
donated cards and notepads to be given out. This was
thrill for us as our logo with "Rochester,
identifies where they came from.
Valley Athletic Programs - Oatm
our valley's athletic progr
participates in the sof
Dandelion Day
products fr
to outstanding students, and all participants received art-
related prizes. The project was successful in promoting
artistic talent and enabling the students to see the result
of their efforts.
Gifford Memorial Hospital - Oatmeal Studios has made a 5
year commitment to the hospital's building project.
In an indirect area of contribution to the community, the
nominees made a particular effort involving considerable
resource in the design and construction of their new 22,000
square foot facility. The building and grounds fit in
aesthetically with the character of the town in an
environmentally conscious way.
I.
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS
The nominees reflect favorably as model representatives of
the Small Business Association.
It should also be pointed out that they were selected as the
Business Persons of the Year in January of 1987 by the
Rochester Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Rochester Valley
Chamber of Commerce includes businesses from Rochester,
Hancock, Granville, Stockbridge, and Pittsfield.
8
J. COMPLIANCE WITH THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSOCIATION'S CIVIL
RIGHTS REQUIREMENTS.
K.
DEMONSTRATED INITIATIVE IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS OF NATIONAL
INTEREST
Employment of the handicapped - workshops in Vermont are
used for several areas of our manufacturing and packaging
processes. The nominees are also sponsors for the Special
Olympics.
Employment of disadvantaged individuals - nominees have
hired employees through the State Targeted Jobs program and
special training programs.
Energy saving - nominees included energy saving design in
the construction of their new facility. This includes high
levels of insulation and weatherstripping, energy saving
building material, and high efficiency mechanical systems.
Environmental improvement - in the design of their new
facility, environmental concerns include site location,
cultivating the site area for agricultural purposes, and
protecting the river bordering the property. Oatmeal
Studios is a pollution-free, clean business, whose facility
fits in well with the environment.
9
Maby
1
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and
Eleabeth
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⑉
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Oatmeal goles Recipe:
VT.
couple
that
has
people
and
Add a Dash of Humor
By Sandy Cooch
The little man with a banana in one
bizarre, it's not offensive, he said.
four free-lance artists employed by
"We can take a project from start to
oversees the creative arm
to
to each other and the company.'
se
an car of corn in the other, and a pencil
"You could say it's fun, appealing.
Oatmeal Studios.
finish in two to three months,' said
He was educated as a/civill engineer,
Massimino. "We really operate as
dangling from his nose gazes out at you.
upbeat, positive, be added.
"Our humor is all homogenous,'
Lehrer. "R would take Hallmark two or
be is apparently born businessman.
I
Things are pretty normal around
"h helps to communicate between
commented Massimino. "All of our humor
three years." she added.
His education, be knowledged,
gave
"h's probably the best group of people
here. be comments, and then asks
people, said Lehrer
is a certain kind of humor. and that humor
As an example, Massimino pointed out
him "a certain amount
company could have, be said.
"What's new with you?
Our cards make fun of everyday
is carried by a vehicle-which is a
that he had decided three months ago "to
certain amount of planning skills.
"And they re creative, added Lehrer
That banana man with the offbest query
situations and provide relief for some
character
get together with 3M. with a proposal "to
in Ten Years
"We'll probably sell more than eig
is the top seller in the Oatmeal Studios
anxieties. she added.
Card graphics are signed by the artist
bring color and design to a generic
It is difficult to predict
where the
million cards next year, and maybe
greeting card collection.
There are cards for divorcees: "You're
Lehrer still does a significant amount of the
product.
business will be in 10
years,
said
million to a million netspads, as
He's also a good example of the
divorced sow and a whole new person.
art herself.
is this case the generic product is "Post-
Massimino. since the last few
years
have
Massimino.
lighthearted humor that the rapidly
You're exciting, vivacious, beautiful My
A new line of cards, "Oatmeal with Fruit
It" notes, the little yellow tags you see
been "so phenomenal.
'When you think of the numbers
growing Rochester business spreads
God. you're competition!'
and Nuts." features the artwork of
stuck on office memos, reports and
"I'd like to see the company grow M
people who read the cards. it could
around the world.
There are cards for pregnant women:
Pittsfield artist John Kennody
refrigerators everywhere.
large and as quickly as is comfortable for
tens of millions of people that we a
That's right, around the world.
"The last time Mona felt this way it was
The cards are priated in Massachusetts
Oatmeal Studios-designed "Post-Its"
everybody, be confessed
making laugh.' be continued
The little alternative greeting card
traced to an All you Barbequed
and shipped back to Rochester for
are already in production.
Everybody" is the Oatmeal Studios
"We help communicate fun
company. started seven years ago by
Rib Dinner' but this time she had a bunch
packaging into twelves and eventual
Massimino, president of Oatmeal
staff, and Massimino and Lehrer both
happiness. k's a rewarding kind
Helene Lehrer and Jeseph Massimino, is
something might be different. Congratu-
shipping
Studios, watches over the business arm of
lauded their employees.
business, be concluded.
now a big alternative greeting card
lations.
Oatmeal's humor and tight design
the company as skillfully as his wife
'All the people here are very committed
company that will probably sell more than
There are cards for retirees: "Yay,
produce cards with a high retail popularity
eight million cards next year in the U.S.,
retirement is finally here. My advice
or "sellability." Independent market
Canada, the United Kingdom and Am
Don't stay home with nothing to
researchers have placed Oatmeal Studios
trable.
do. Go pester your kids for awhile
in the top 20. in an industry of 500
The rapid growth of the young business
And there are the regulars birthday
companies
has been nothing short of phenomenal.
cards for example: "Happy Birthday
Presently, Oatmeal Studios sales are
Husband and wife team Massimino and
want to know how you stay so fit and
briskest in several diverse states--Discis,
Lehrer. both 33, started Ostmeal Studios in
trim-looking have you been using the
Massachusetts, California and Texas. The
1979 with "two designs and so capital.
trash compactor on your thighs?
cards are also sold in England and Canada,
Learer silkscreened the cards at home,
There are also seasonal cards for
and arrangements have just been made to
while Massimino did the marketing,
Christmas. Valentine's Day, Mother's
distribute in Australia.
packaging and shipping from a tiny,
Day. Father's Day and so on.
Vermont sales are only a small part of
third attic room - Rochester's Main
All in all. Ostmoal Studios has developed
Oatmeal Studios market.
Street.
a line of more than 700 card designs. and a
But we have 100 percent saturation in
Today, Outmoal Studios barely squeezes
line of 36 "Post-It" notes will be added
Rochester. Lehrer joked.
tasto that three-story building There are
next year.
An independent sales representative
Sunnum
attractive offices, a clattered design
The carefully controlled design process,
convinced Lehrer to expand her business
studio, rooms for packing and shipping,
overseen by Creative Director Lebrer,
into full-scale production.
and rooms packed colling high with boses
begins with the gage.
And now Oatmeal Studios relies on a
of cards.
Pirst,' said Learer, "the ideas come
corps of independent of
The full-time staff of 18 is backed up by a
in.
them throughout the U.S.- sell its
team of free-lance artists and writers and a
Some are contributed by 25 steady
cards.
nerwork of independent sales represen-
free-lance writers, others by in-house staff,
Lehrer and Massimino cam't say enough
I
including a full-time editor.
good things about their "sales reps.
Sales have doubled in the past few years,
Some of the ideas even come from the
They make a point of soliciting their
and it's likely that they M double again next
independent sales representatives who sell
salespeopies input, they said, and they
year, indicated Massimino.
the cards throughout the country.
back them up with services and programs
in the $5-billion greeting card industry,
The ideas are sorted through and some
to help sell the product.
dominated by big companies such as
are selected. Then there is a second
One of the secrets of the business'
Hallmark and American Greetings, Out-
selection process in which the ideas are
success, agreed Masimino, was its sales
meal Studios has loand its niche. "And
refined "to where they are completely
force. Another secret, be said, "is getting
our niche is, basically, our humor," said
accepted by us. as Lehrer said.
the product out on time
Massimino.
But that's not enough
Speed is Searet
There is a wide market for that humar,
Test Marketing
That latter point, be said, was a chief
be noted.
Then Oatmeal Studios does - market.
distinction between Oatmeal Studios, and
What is's Net
log on the written material alone. after
greeting card giant such as Hallmark.
It's hard to pin down a definition of the
which final selection and reflacements are
"We're more willing to take risks
Oatmoal Studios brand of humor.
made.
into new areas." be said. "We have the
"k's casier to say what it's met," offered
Fleally, the ideas are matched to the
ability to take a concept, research it and
Massimino.
different graphic styles and characters that
develop it, and get is isto retailers' hands
Joseph and Helene Labrer - the amotive busband- - foot-growing
The not corny it's not punny. it's not
have been developed by Lehrer and the
many times faster than a Hallmark
company, Outmont Studies.
Photo by Sandy Cooch
Joseph Massimine sas Helene Lebrer of Outmeal Studies worked hard to bring their greeting card
company Into - Industry dominated by a few huge companies. Their success was recognized locally
when a Rochester Valley Chamber of Commerce named them "Business team" of the year for 1986.
Oatmeal Studios Named
1986 'Businessteam'
Rochester Valley Chamber of
and now employs a full-time
Commerce's 1986 Businessman
staff of 18 backed up by a team
of the Year took a surprise
of free-lance artists and writers
turn-It was a "Businessteam"
and a new network of independ-
of the Year-Helene and Joseph
out sales representatives.
Massimino of Ostmeal Studios.
They are a talented young
Sales have doubled in the past
couple who have accomplished
few years, and it's likely that
much and have a great future
they 1 double again next year,
with their planned expansion.
Indicated Massimino.
'Our
The alternative greeting card
niche is basically our humor.
company started seven years
he said.
ago is now a big company that
will probably sell more than
The RVCC annual meeting
eight million cards in the U.S.,
was held at Annabelle's with a
Canada, the United Kingdom
buffet dinner served in the
and Australia next year. The
pleasing setting of the restaur-
ant.
rapid growth of the young
business has been nothing short
There was a good attendance
of phenomenal.
to enjoy the evening and hear
The husband and wife team
the speaker of the evening, Jim
started Ostmeal Studios "with
Guest, Secretary of the Agency
two designs and no capital,"
of Affairs. Development and Community
JAN.1987
Something's Cooking at Oatmeal
Oatmeal Studios Greeting Cards has begun construction of a 22,000 square
foot building, south of Rochester. The facility will house office, production
and warehouse operations for the company. Financing is through a joint
program, Including Vermont Industrial Development Authority, Green
Mountain Economic Development, and the Randolph National Bank. From left
to right are: Richard Robson, architect; Earle Simpson, president, Simpson
Construction; and Joe Massimino and Helene Lehrer of Oatmeal Studios.
White River Vall
March 27, 1986
WINNERS
By Heidi Comes
III.
By Jody Jesso
Oatmeal Studios of Rochester needed three more
designs to complete their portfolio of 1986 Christmas
cards, so called on Hancock Elementary School
students for their artistic assistance. The studio chose
three designs which Helen Lehrer-Massimino adapted
into cards which will be distributed world-wide. In addi-
tion to the three winning designs by Jody Jesso, Heidi
Comes and Sandra Carden, Jason Bass and Jesse Isaac-
son were cited for artistic excellence. Prizes were also
awarded to 23 other children who submitted Christmas
designs.
By Sondra Carden
EXCERPTS FROM A RECENT 152 PAGE PUBLICATION ON GREETING CARD
DESIGN FEATURING THE WORK OF OATMEAL STUDIOS.
II
OKEETIN
CARD
DESIGN
&
and pucker your your y €
ILLUSTRATION
Fill your heart with love!
EVA SZELA
the Romantic Love sending situation
as a whole. When that is what you
want to create, it's important to know
how to do it, and do it effectively.
S
aying "I love you
Another important consideration in
is so much more
this category is the representation of
than an expression of our feelings
This is an excellent example of a
the sexes in your illustration. If you
It's a two-way commitment
couple rendered realistically so that
are rendering a couple realistically, as
between hearts
they might be anybody, with any
in the illustration below left, then you
between lives
color of hair or eyes. This makes
will automatically indicate a man and
It's not expecting too much
the card appropriate for a greater
a woman (or a boy and girl if you are
from each other too soon
number of Romantic Love sending
doing a card for teens). If a different
but taking time to build our relationship
situations.
styling is used and you are depicting
on trust and respect
the couple through two animals, as
It recognizing our differences
shown in the illustration of the two
as well as our similarities,
teddy bears, flowers, or perhaps birds
and seeing those differences as a way
realizing that the things
flying off into the setting sun, give
to complement each other
that make each of us special and unique
also make our relationship
some consideration to how you're
It's accepting each other's shortcomings
special and unique
It's being friends
going to indicate which is male and
but emphasizing the strengths,
liking each other as well, as
which is female (otherwise it could
encouraging the successes
loving each other
It's remembering
look more like Friendship). Making
but still loving during the failures
that even though we're we close
we each deserve distance,
one smaller than the other is the fre-
that even though we re together,
we each deserve our sobtude
quent solution to this problem since
It's sharing the sad and happy
the wrong and right
women are more often the slighter or
the worst and best
and through everything
shorter of the partners.
atill believing that "/ love you"
is worth it of
Animals representing the couple
are an excellent solution because then
the specific physical characteristics of
the actual couple are avoided. Color
of hair, kind of build, degrees of
attractiveness, and race are all set
aside. If you use the two birds flying
This illustration is a good example
off into the setting sun, you then
of the use of the heart motif in
have an entirely appropriate symbol
Romantic Love. Note the imaginative
for every couple everywhere of the
solution to the problem presented by
the gender identification of Whimsical
ideal perfection of their ever-lasting
animals, here accomplished through
love.
the use of tiny personal accessories.
The following step-by-step demon-
This solution adds tremendously to
stration is an excellent example of
the Whimsy and charm of the card.
using a couple of cute koala bears to
illustrate Romantic Love.
Love you
17
Country goose, also a great subject
matter for this season.
Some additional Christmas classics
greetings
are the dove, a symbol of peace;
candles, an inspirational approach;
angels, a charming example of which
is the illustration shown far right.
Redbirds, such as cardinals, provide
ideal opportunities to work in the all-
important Christmas red and are good
traditional subjects as well. A
delightful example of cardinals is in
the illustration shown on page 78.
The poinsettia is the flower most
strongly associated with Christmas.
Don't overlook the potential of almost
any other flower (certainly the rose)
used either in combination with holly
and/or pine or with red and green
items of some sort. For that matter,
don't overlook both holly and pine as
subjects in themselves.
Things associated with winter will
also work, like a winter bird or a
snowman as in the illustration shown
on page 78. The winter village also
has a nostalgic association and can be
designed in a charming way.
The most general, all-purpose
approach to a Christmas card design
that can be all things to all people is
a card that is predominantly editor-
ial, designed with lettering as the
focal point, with other understated
elements complementing the whole.
The illustration shown on page 79 is
an excellent example, although the
editorial isn't completely predomi-
nant here.
As with all the examples shown
throughout the book, these are in-
tended to inspire you by breadth of
possibility in not only subject matter
but style and technique. Study each
The coziness and warmth implicit in the Coun-
one and take from them those aspects
try styling of this card are well suited to a suc-
and elements that interest you, that
cessful Christmas card. This example shows an
seem pertinent to you and your way
excellent use of a Christmas wreath based on the
of working. Remember that these are
highly popular Everyday welcome wreath. The
not the only right ways of doing
addition of a charming Country goose makes this
Christmas designs. These are the
ways that these designers, artists, and
Joyous Greetings Holiday
one a sure winner. Note how positive and yet
still very general the editorial is.
writers have chosen to do their
designs. Yours should be entirely
your own and completely different-
completely you!
76
This illustration is an excellent example of Sur-
prise used so that the viewer is led to believe a
tremendous compliment is about to be paid. In-
stead the idea is turned around into a risqué
This example of Surprise in a Humorous card
compliment rather than a general one and the
strikes a chord of sympathy and support in this
rhythm of writing is changed as well. Study the
wonderful woman-to-woman Birthday card. Note
manner in which the editorial goes from the lofty
the chatty posture of the character on the cover
and the abstract on the cover to the low-down
and the cup on the table, both subtle suggestions
and specific on the inside. This technique
of close friendship and long conversations.
augments the impact of the Surprise.
r
Another birthday and you're still
I like you because of your lafty ideals,
t
not married.
6
to
s
your sense of fairness,
4
and your keen analytical wit.
What are you waiting for
-
someone who's good looking,
a
6
rich, sensitive, witty
4
6
s
and perfect ??
of
4
P
r
4
b
6
Created by Eva Szela Kikl''' © Eva Szela
Fill your w
THE FACT THAT YOU'RE
Me too.
A GREAT LAY HAS LITTLE
HAVE A HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
OR NOTHING TO DO
WITH IT!
103
SEASONAL HUMOR
All the devices you've just examined
(and, of course, any new ones you in-
vent!) can be applied to Seasonal
greeting cards. The humor may be
softened for certain seasons or occa-
sions. Mother's Day, for example, is
Mom, you will really
a good opportunity for humor. Love
appreciate this card
or gratitude will usually be couched
in the joke. An example can be seen
in the illustration shown here.
Father's Day is another good oppor-
tunity for holiday humor. However,
the humor is again light hearted and
loving, frequently focusing on tradi-
tional concepts of fatherhood. An ex-
ample of a Father's Day card is
shown opposite.
Christmas is the biggest holiday for
greeting cards. There is certainly an
opportunity for Humorous Christmas
cards. Some popular themes are holi-
day stress, anything relating to Santa,
reindeer, elves, chimneys, sleighs,
mistletoe, shopping, gifts, merriness,
and good wishes. Humorous Christmas
cards are usually created from the
M.Lehrer
secular perspective of the holiday.
You risk offense by making light of
the Religious aspects of this holiday.
Valentine's Day is very suited to
Humorous greeting cards, especially
Slams and Insults. The illustration of
the woman, shown far right, is an in-
teresting example of both the device
of Surprise and that of the Slam in a
Humorous Valentine. Themes are
usually love-related or Valentine-
related as in "Valentine, be
mine
nobody else will have you."
Every holiday presents a Humorous
opportunity. Let your common sense
This is an excellent example of a Humor
be your guide. If the holiday is based
Mother's Day card. The humor is soft, t
on a Religious event, tread lightly
device is Surprise, and the subject matter
and carefully so as not to give of-
Mom and flowers, very Feminine in app
fense. Otherwise, simply address
whatever the basis for the holiday is,
it's already
try out a few of the devices for
clean, neatly folded,
creating humor that you've explored
AND wrinkle- free!
in this chapter, and have a go at the
holiday of your choice. The jokes are
there. Have fun with them! If you
think you're funny, you probably are.
106
the
Valley
OATMEAL STUDIOS
Oatmeal Studios
sends its regards
From the sleepy Windsor County town of Rochester,
Oatmeal Studios markets an extensive line of greeting
cards throughout the us and Canada - and even
England and Australia.
By Ed Barna
of trends and fashions in the highly com-
his spring Oatmeal Studios will
petitive greeting card industry, Oatmeal
T
move out of its headquarters
has no intention of leaving.
in a two story house in the mid-
"The town of Rochester is a real
dle of Rochester, but it's not
special place for us and for anyone who
moving far.
works for the company - in the sense
The greeting card company's new
of community and its size and just in
22.000-square-foot production and ware-
terms of the physical beauty of the
house facility on 10 acres along
valley,' Massamino said.
the White River will mark not only eight
"It's a pretty hectic business, and it
years of steady growth. but also a conti-
always helps to contrast that with a nice,
nuing commitment to the Windsor Coun-
quiet environment when we need to.
ty town where the company started.
I enjoy that mix," Lehrer added.
Begun as a collaboration between cur-
The new building. with Richard Wylie
rent president Joe Massimino and cur-
Robson as architect, will use wood siding
rent vice-president and creative direc-
"in the tradition of a large Vermont-
tor Helene Lehrer, Oatmeal Studios pro-
style building," Massimino said, with
jects sales of over eight million greeting
the site intended to blend into the coun-
cards and notepads this year.
tryside. In that last respect, it will be
Massimino and Lehrer are co-owners
very much like its owners.
Helene Lehrer and Joe Massimino, owners of Oatmeal Studios, have created
of the company and now marital part-
Both came to Vermont 13 or 14 years
ago, leaving metropolitan areas for
a full line of greeting cards and note pads.
(Photo: E Barna)
ners as well.
Through an independent distributor,
something that felt more like home, they
the firm markets cards in Canada and
said. "There has been a lot of support
the US, and, through licensed overseas
from the community and from the
The first step, Lehrer said, was to
the different relationships: father to
production, reaches the United Kingdom
town," Massimino said, "both for our
establish a 'look,' a recognizable set
daughter, sister to brother, and so on.
and Australia as well.
business and for our building project."
of stylistic characteristics. In their case
For Christmas, a market in itself. they
US distribution involves 120 sales
"I think it's important to the com-
it was a look that is "humorous, color-
have a line of cards in a more traditional
representatives: independent salespeo-
munity because it provides a certain
ful, and fun." In an industry where there
vein.
ple who have agreed to take on Oatmeal's
amount of jobs," Lehrer said.
are more ecological niches than market
Over the years that adds up to a lot
line of cards in addition to stationery,
According to customer service
positions - where the offbeat, zany,
of designs. "We started with two dozen
gift wrapping paper, and other products
manager Kelly White, the pair were in
and outrageous are par for the course
and over 1,500 designs have been created
they market to various stores.
1986 voted the Rochester Valley
- Oatmeal manages to combine
in that time period, Massimino said,
In addition to the 22 employees in
Chamber of Commerce business per-
mainstream appeal with consistent
perhaps 2,000 including stationery
Rochester, there are freelance artists and
sons of the year, "the first time a business
interest.
designs.
writers in New York City and Califor-
team has been given the honor."
"The humor is direct. It's not corny
**It may be even higher than that,"
nia. Printing is arranged through com-
Prior to Oatmeal's beginnings eight
or punny, it's not rude, and it allows
said Lehrer. who at this point sometimes
petitive bidding and is presently done
years ago, Massimino had been "pretty
people to communicate a variety of
finds herself creating new cards in her
by several print shops, mainly in
much self-employed,' doing carpentry,
salutations about holidays and events,"
sleep.
Massachusets.
logging and work on cars.
Massimino said. "I think the humor
"It's a constant creation business."
A collaborative venture between
Lehrer had been an art major at Cooper
in our cards works so well because it
Lehrer said. ''It's trendy. it's fashion
Oatmeal and 3M produced a line of 'post-
Union in New York City. When she
touches on subjects and situations that
oriented.' One year pigs will be all
it notes' that has become increasingly
decided on the move to Vermont, she
are common to a lot of people. but which
the rage, then dinosaurs. or - who
successful. The project entailed use of
looked for ways to put her art skills
we don't easily see the humor in,' he
knows?
3M adhesive patents.
to use.
said.
"You keep your ears open and you
"There are over 500 greeting card
She began silkscreening little note
With time, the original line of cards
keep your eyes open.' Lehrer said.
publishers in the United States, some
cards, she said, and "there seemed to
was joined by two more, and soon yet
"Who creates trends. you know? Is it
of them very small ones, some of them
be a demand for them, and I started
another line with a more contemporary
the people or the manufacturers? I don't
very large companies like Hallmark and
to do more. Sales reps who saw the
look will be joining them. Lehrer said.
know. They listen to what store owners
American Greetings," Massimino said.
cards in area shops started getting in
"Within that look we then establish
are telling sales reps. and attend trade
"In terms of retail popularity, there's
touch with her.
the categories that are necessary to sell
shows. and look in city store windows.
a research firm that reports monthly.
"At that point I spoke to Joe and he
greeting cards," she said: seasons like
"and try to be at the beginning of a
It has always placed us in the top 15
joined me in pursuing this as a business
Valentine's Day and Easter and Mother's
trend. We've been successful at that.
to 25." he said.
for both of us, Lehrer said. "We were
Day, occasions like graduations and
she said.
1990
SMALL BUSINESS
PERSON
OF THE YEAR
2ND RUNNER-UP
(TIED)
James L. Harrold, President
Webcrafters, Inc.
2115 South Wilson
Tempe, Arizona 85282
(602)966-6922
Jim Harrold knows adversity in a very
personal sense. When he was 18, he was
stricken by polio and was paralyzed from
the chest down. By his mid-20s, he had
fought off much of the paralysis and has
ones adversents
been winning ever since.
After taking over a bankrupt print shop in
1978, Harrold started Webcrafters, Inc., a
printing company. The company earned a
modest profit on revenues of $800,000
that first year. Today it grosses more than
that amount each month. Current annual
1st then policerapt print shop
sales are over $10 million.
Among Webcrafters' customers is
Arizona State University. The firm prints
ASU's daily newspaper, State Press.
ASU
Harrold is assisted in his operations by his
wife, Penny Ann, and their 19-year-old
son, Brent. Jim's brother, Joe, is
company controller. From 12 employees
12 years ago, Webcrafters has 115 today.
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
04. Application
Small Business of the Year, re: James Harrold; personal
01/19/90
P-6, (b)(6)
information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90
Date Closed:
10/18/2004
OA/ID Number:
06898
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5 U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
OMB Approval No. 3245-0125
Expiration Date: 7-31-86
CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT
to the
PHOENIX DISTRICT
ADVISORY COUNCIL
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
JAMES
NAME:
L.
HARROLD
(First)
(Middle/Initial)
(Last)
POSITION, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYER:
PRESIDENT
WEBCRAFTERS, INC.
2115 S. WILSON
TEMPE, A7 85282
TYPE OF BUSINESS: PRINTING
INDICATE PREVIOUS OR PRESENT FINANCIAL (INCLUDING DEVELOPMENT COMPANY), SURETY BOND,
OR CONTRACTUAL ASSISTANCE WITH
ES AND TYPE OF ASSISTANCE
HOME ADDRESS: 1503 E. WESTWIND WAY, TEMPE, ARIZONA 85283
(Please include post office and zip)
SERVICE ON FEDERAL BOARDS, COUNCILS OR COMMISSIONS
(Indicate previous or present):
NONE
IF EMPLOYED BY A STATE GOVERNMENT, IS IT AN ELECTIVE POSITION?
Yes
No
NA X
ARE YOU ON A FEDERAL PAYROLL?
Yes
No
X
PLACE OF BIRTH: FORT DODGE, IOWA
BIRTHDATE: MAY 12, 1941
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
No. /
The authority to obtain this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301, 15 U.S.C. 634(b), 44 U.S.C., 3101. Routine
uses of the information are:
To respond to a request from a member of Congress regarding information about an Advisory Council
member.
To disclose information about an Advisory Council member to general public.
To respond to requests from the General Services Administration.
Date: 1-19-90
(Signature)
(This must be signed as a condition of the appointment.)
SBA FORM 898 (10-83) REF: SOP 90 54 3 Previous editions are obsolete.
GPO 902-618
RIO
SALADO
BANK
P.O. Box 22022
Elden "E.G." Barmore
President & CEO
1400 East Southern Avenue
Tempe, Arizona 85282
(602) 345-8800
November 6, 1989
Mr. James P. Guyer
District Director
U.S. Small Business Administration
2005 N. Central Ave., 5th Fl.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
Dear Mr. Guyer:
As his banker, I am proud to place James L. Harrold in nomination for
"Small Business Person of the Year 1990."
The story of Jim and Webcrafters, as told in the following narrative, is that
of the classic success of an entrepreneur and his small business.
He guided his company through start up to prominence and profitability in an
extremely competitive printing industry. He is the kind of person with the
kind of company that Rio Salado Bank is honored to have as a customer.
Jim recently accepted appointment to our Advisory Board and the bank now
benefits from his business acumen.
Sincerely,
Elden
Elden "E.G." Barmore
President & CEO
EGB:os
NOMINEE
James L. Harrold
President
Webcrafters, Inc.
2115 S. Wilson
Tempe, AZ 85282
(602) 966-6922
AWARD
CATEGORY
Small Business Person
of the Year 1990
SPONSOR
Elden "E. G." Barmore
President & CEO
Rio Salado Bank
1400 E. Southern
Tempe, AZ 85282
(602) 345-8800
November 6, 1989
James L. Harrold
President
Webcrafters, Inc.
STAYING POWER
For the last 12 years, James "Jim" Harrold has been a
driving force in the growth of Webcrafters, Inc., one of the major
commercial printing houses serving metro-Phoenix.
Jim had extensive experience in the printing industry (see
Resume, Appendix A) before he decided to set off with several
colleagues and form his own printing company in late 1977. The
group purchased the assets of a small print shop that had filed
bankruptcy and then in January, 1978, they organized
Webcrafters, Inc., in Glendale.
As Jim recalls, the new company had its share of start-up
problems but "never had a losing year." They showed a modest
profit on revenues of $800,000 in their first year. Webcrafters
now grosses more than that in a month.
In 1982, the company moved to Tempe "to be closer to our
larger clients," Jim explains. Arizona State University is one of
their biggest. Webcrafters prints ASU's daily newspaper, State
Press.
Jim functioned as general manager of the business while an
equal partner, Tanner Brown, dealt more with sales and
marketing. Wanting to move Webcrafters into a more aggressive
posture, Jim bought out Brown in 1985 and now controls 90
percent of the firm's stock. The remaining 10 percent is held by
Edwin "Ted" Maudsley who serves as press room manager.
With Jim in control, the company increased production and
revenue soared from $2.5 million in 1984 to $4 million in 1985
(see Financials, Appendix B).
In 1987, after leasing its facility in Tempe for five years,
Webcrafters exercised an option and purchased the land and
building. The acquisition was financed through Rio Salado Bank.
are
with a Small Business Administration guaranteed loan.
Additional space has been leased as the company continues to
my
flourish, even in the area's soft economy.
Jim says, "I don't expect a record-breaking year in 1990, but
Webcrafters will keep volume up and continue its profitability."
and make
He has diversified the company into many forms of printing, using
both web and sheet-fed presses. Webcrafters prints newspapers,
catalogs, books, advertising supplements, direct mail pieces,
brochures and folders. He attributes his firm's success to being
"consistent" in its reliability. "We meet deadlines again and
again," Jim says. "I can't remember the last one we missed."
GROWTH IN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
In 1978, Webcrafters began operations with 12 employees.
The number has grown each year until today the company
provides employment for between 110 and 115 persons.
Working side-by-side with Jim is his wife, Penny Ann, who
serves as Secretary of the corporation. Their nineteen-year-old
son also is employed by Webcrafters. Jim's brother, Joe, serves
as the company's controller.
The employees have a full range of benefits, including a
profit-sharing plan.
INCREASE IN SALES
Despite a severe newsprint shortage (see "Response to
Adversity") in the early years of operation, Webcrafters has
posted a continued increase in sales and revenue.
From start-up year revenue of less than a million dollars,
Webcrafters has tracked constantly upward. After Jim gained
control in 1985, his leadership moved the company to $6.3
million in 1986, $8 million in 1987 and $10 million in 1988.
*
Fiscal 1989, although slowed by a faltering economy, also is
expected to show growth.
CURRENT AND PAST FINANCIAL REPORTS
From the time Webcrafters was incorporated, Jim recognized
the importance of having good financial statements and cost
controls. See Appendix B for complete sets of financials on the
past three years of business.
INNOVATIVENESS OF PRODUCT
Jim sees his company as more than a printing house. "We're
really a part of the communications cycle. We are a manufacturer
of advertising-based products." Speaking about what the industry
calls free-standing inserts (FSI), Jim points with pride to his new
Didde press, a million-dollar state-of-the-art unit.
The Didde can handle massive runs of FSI's for clients such
as Advo, a large direct mail company. An eight-color press, the
Didde can feed out FSI's printed in four colors on both sides,
folded and dried, and ready for delivery to the Post Office -- all in
a single run. The press even changes rolls of paper without
slowing down. (See sample FSI, Appendix C.)
According to Jim, "We're one of only three or four
companies in the area that can handle 800,000 pieces and have
them off the press and in the hands of consumers within hours."
RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY
physicallings
When Jim was age 18, he was stricken by polio. The
crippling disease left him paralyzed from the chest down. By his
mid-20's, he had largely regained use of his body. Although still
handicapped in the right leg, Jim won his battle with polio. He's
been winning ever since.
No stranger to adversity, he faced a critical test within six
months of starting his new printing company. "We're dependent
on raw materials," Jim says, "and we'd just opened the doors when
the publishing industry was confronted with the worst shortage of
printing papers in this century."
At that point in the company's existence, it had a web press
and needed newsprint. And the newsprint shortage was to run two
years. Because Webcrafters was a new company, its allocation
from big Canadian suppliers was too small to allow the firm to
break even.
Desperately, Jim looked around for another type of customer
who didn't require newsprint. He found one in a new Christian
publishing house which wanted to print educational materials for a
nationwide market. Jim could obtain book printing papers and
went to work doing books for the Christian publisher. "Problem
was," Jim reflects, "both our companies were undercapitalized, so
you had two drowning entities clinging to each other. But
somehow it worked."
Jim arranged a credit line with a paper supplier. "In effect
our supplier bankrolled us." This approach to the problem helped
Webcrafters survive until the paper shortage ended. Today, the
Christian publisher is located next door and remains a large and
successful client, expected to sell two million books next year to
1,400 private schools across the country. And, Jim still buys
from the paper supplier which helped him through those difficult
years.
AID TO COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PROJECTS
A printing company is the kind of business that is often
asked for a contribution by non-profit organizations. Jim is quick
to lend his personal and company resources to worthy causes.
Most recently Webcrafters donated a 40-page program for a
Special Olympics event. They also printed a fundraiser mailer for
an adoptive parents group.
publishs
three
faith
shop
state
of
fath.
country
the shortage
role
in
business busness faith helped nemo Emerand work
in
self
mm
APPENDIX
Appendix A - Resume
Appendix B - Financials
Appendix C - FSI
NAME: James L. Harrold
Appendix A - Resume
ADDRESS: 1503 E. Westwind Way
Tempe, Arizona 85283
DATE OF BIRTH: May 12, 1941, Fort Dodge, Iowa
MARITAL STATUS/FAMILY: Married - 24 Years
Wife - Penny Ann
Son - Brent - 19 Years
EDUCATION: High School - Fort Dodge Public High School
College - Mesa Community College - General
ASU - General Business & Accounting
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE:
1961-1967 - Brooks Newspapers, Inc.
General Production Duties: Typesetting, Process
Camera, Film Stripping & Platemaking. Operated
small letterpress and offset presses in firm's
commercial job shop.
1968-1972 - Valley Of The Sun Newspapers, Inc.
Supervisory responsibility for typesetting and page
layout for group of weekly newspapers. Transferred
to Business Office in 1970. Promoted to Business
Office Manager in 1971. Financial responsibility for
activities of 11 weekly newspapers and small
commercial web printing plant.
1973-1977 - Sun World Corporation, dba Sun Publishing Co.
Operations Manager, Sun Publishing Co., Tempe, Az.
Duties included full general management responsiblity
for this division, including Sales, Production,
Estimating, Staffing, Purchasing, Marketing Strategy,
Capital Expenditures, Budgeting, etc., with
accountability for over $1,200,00.00 of production
assets, and the activities of 55 employees.
1978-1989 - Webcrafters, Inc.
President
PROFESSIONAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
-- Increased gross sales of Sun Publishing Co.'s commercial
printing plant from $14,000.00 per month (1972) to level of
$185,000.00 per month (1977).
-- Reversed losses of approximately ($20,000.00) per month
(1972) to profit of $18,000.00 per month (1977) at Sun Publishing
Co.'s Tempe commercial printing plant.
Revised
1990
SMALL BUSINESS
PERSON
OF THE YEAR
2ND RUNNER-UP
(TIED)
Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet
(George Bush Library)
Document No.
Subject/Title of Document
Date
Restriction
Class.
and Type
05. Application
Small Business of the Year, re: George Mathews; personal
11/28/89
P-6, (b)(6)
information redacted. (1 pp.)
Collection:
Record Group:
Bush Presidential Records
Office:
Speechwriting, White House Office of
Series:
Speech File, Backup
Subseries:
WHORM Cat.:
File Location:
Small Business Person of the Year 5/8/90
Date Closed:
10/18/2004
OA/ID Number:
06898
FOIA/SYS Case #:
Re-review Case #:
2004-2265-S
P-2/P-5 Review Case #:
MR Case #:
Appeal Case #:
MR Disposition:
Appeal Disposition:
Disposition Date:
Disposition Date:
RESTRICTION CODES
Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)]
Freedom of Information Act - [5] U.S.C. 552(b)]
P-1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA]
(b)(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA]
P-2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA]
(b)(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of an
P-3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA]
agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA]
P-4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or
(b)(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA]
financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA]
(b)(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial
P-5 Release would disclose confidential advise between the President and
information [(b)(4) of the FOIA]
his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA]
(b)(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
P-6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal
privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA]
privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA]
(b)(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement
purposes [(b)(7) of the FOIA]
C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed of gift.
(b)(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of
financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA]
PRM. Removed as a personal record misfile.
(b)(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information
concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA]
AY 04 '90 10:44
U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
P.2
SMALL BUSINESS PERSON OF THE YEAR
CANDIDATE FOR APPOINTMENT
STATE
NONE
to the
ADVISORY COUNCIL
SOCIAL SECURITY NO.
NAME: George
David
Mathews
(FIRST)
(MIDDLE/INITIAL)
(LAST)
POSITION, NAME AND ADDRESS OF BUSINESS OR EMPLOYER: President/CEO
Ozark Mountain Enterprises (Stone County Tranworks)
EC 73, Box 427. Mountain View, At 72560 (Hwy 66 West)
TYPE OF BUSINESS: Manufacturing
PHONE: 501-269-8108
INDICATE PREVIOUS OR PRESENT FINANCIAL, SURETY BOND, OR CONTRACTUAL
ASSISTANCE WITH SBA. GIVE APPROXIMATE DATES AND TYPE OF ASSISTANCE.
None
HOME ADDRESS: HC 73 Box 427 Mountain View AR 72560
(Please include post office and zip)
SERVICE ON FEDERAL BOARDS, COUNCILS OR COMMISSIONS (Indicate previous
or present):
IF EMPLOYED BY A STATE GOVERNMENT. IS IT AN ELECTIVE POSITION
Yes
No
NA X
ARE YOU ON A FEDERAL PAYROLL? Yes
No X
PLACE OF BIRTH: Russellville, Alatiama
BIRTHDATE:
5/27/53
CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT
1
The authority to obtain this information is contained in 5 U.S.C. 301,
are: 15 U.S.C. 634(b)(6), 44 U.S.C.,3101. Routine uses of the information
To respond to a request from a member of Congress regarding
information about an Advisory Council member.
To disclose information about an Advisory Council member to
general public.
To respond to requests from the National Archives.
(Signature)
Date: 11/28/89
(This must be signed asa condition of the appointment.)
SBA FORM 898 (12-81) REF: SOP 90-54-3 Previous editions are obsolete
MAY 04 '90 10:44
P.3
David Mathews
Introduction
DAVID MATHEWS AND STONE COUNTY IRONWORKS-
THE GREAT AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY
When David Mathews, President and founder of Stone County
Ironworks, first picked up a hammer in 1976 at the age of twenty
three, he had no intention of creating a multi-million dollar
corporation that produced hand-forged iron products.
Having dropped out of college in search of an alternative
lifestyle (born in 1953, he hales from Athens, Alabama), his
goal was to lead a simple life in the hills of Stone County,
Arkansas where his philosophies would reflect in every aspect of
his life.
From years in the Boy Scouts (he also attained the rank
of Eagle Scout), he gained a great respect for nature and folk-
lore. The writings of Louis Bromfield (one of the first organic
farmers in the United States) and Henry David Thoreau further
inspired him. Feeling that everything matters and is connected
in life, that meaning takes presidence over money and that in
business you need not be ruthless to succeed, he set out to make
an example out of his life.
At first, Mathews made his living by cutting fire wood
and doing maintenance work. The art of, blacksmithing he, by
chance, discovered appealed to him immediately. Though this
craft was an essential part of everyday life, by the mid 1930's
all that remained of its use was horse shoeing and repair work.
The opportunity to be a part of the revival of this traditional
art, while not compromising his principles appealed to him.
An apprenticeship through the Committee of One Hundred
(who promote Arkansas arts and crafts) and a position at the
Ozark Folk Center (an Arkansas state park) demonstrating the
blacksmithing technique helped this "self taught" blacksmith
hone his skills.
By 1979, Mathews needed a place closer to town with
electricity and running wator and moved his home-based shop into an
old, abandoned filling station which he rented near the town of
Mountain View and was officially open for business.
*
MAY 04 '90 10:45
P.4
He and his two employees (who play an integral part in the
company today) did everything from produce, ship and sell the then
ten item product line. Stone County Ironworks was marketed
through the Ozark Craft Guild, Ozark Folk Center and an ever
expanding number of retail craft shows.
In 1984, Mathews began redirecting his base of business.
from retail craft shows to wholesale accounts and his first
building was erected (with a blacksmith shop and showroom) to
house his growing business.
Today, five expansions later, the company has burgeoned
into a thirty-three thousand square foot operation (with over
one hundred employees) consisting of:
- a production blacksmith shop supplying
their now three thousand wholesale accounts
- a custom blacksmith shop creating one of a
kind residential and commercial commissions (its latest project
for the Washington National Cathedral, Washington, D.C.)
- a pottery shop manufacturing planter
inserts for their line of plant accessory items
- offices
- the newest addition: a retail store located
in a National Historic Register building in downtown Mountain
View.
Mathews seems older and wiser than his thirty six years
when he sights his dedication to traditional values Producing
over two hundred fifty items, each with a look of heirloom
quality, is a tribute to Mathew's ability to combine the best of
old world craftsmanship and modern business practices.
Mountain View, Arkansas (population: 2147) is the heart
of rural America and possibly an unlikely location for Stone
County Ironwork's headquarters (townspeople believed success
might require relocation to a larger city). But, it was here
that Mathews was first captivated by the scenery and the people
and from humble beginnings his dream began to unfold.
Today, Mathews and Stone County Ironworks are a major
asset to the community. Any adversities to rural conditions
Mathews sees as a personal challenge and has conquered them in
his favor.
MAY 04 '90 10:46
P.5
Now the second largest employer in Stone County, Mathews
has created an enriching environment stressing creativity,
support and a sense of team spirit. His participation in
community efforts is helping Mountain View to realize its
potential.
In spite of his success, David Mathews remains dedicated
to his original philosophies rather than dollar signs. And,as
business continues to increase, David Mathews exemplifies the
spirit of American small business.
MAY 04 '90 10:46
P.6
David Mathews
Part I
STAYING POWER
Stone County Ironworks began in business in Arkansas in
1981 and was organized as a corporation in 1986 under the name
Ozark Mountain Enterprises.
AS President (and majority stock holder), Mathews has
attracted professionals to key positions by offering equity
positions. His three partners head up the production, marketing
and general office areas.
1979 Mathews moves from his shop in a rural mountain top
homestead to a rented abandoned filling station with
electricity and running water.
1981
Company's name is changed from Kahoka Hill Forge to
Stone County Ironworks.
1984
Bace of business is redirected from relail craft shows
to wholesale accounts.
3600 square foot building is erected for a blacksmith
shop and showroom.
1985
1800 square foot building added for more production
space.
1986
Additional 3600 square foot building added. for more
production space.
Business incorporates under the name Ozark Mountain
Enterprises.
1987
The Village Smithy, a local blacksmith shop, merges
with Stone County Ironworks.
Joe Matheson, owner of Village Smithy, becomes
Production Manager and is made a partner.
Karen Taylor, one of Mathew's first employees and now
General Manager, is made a partner.
1988
Stone County Ironworks moves into Stone County's new
industrial park with a 10,000 square foot building to
house production.
Michael Thornton is hired as Marketing Director and made
a partner.
The operation is computerized.
A pottery shop is acquired to manufacture planter inserts
for the plant accessory line.
MAY 04 '90 10:46
P.7
1989
5600 square foot expansion is added to the building in
the industrial park.
An accounting manager is hired.
A new, larger and more sophisticated computer network
system is added.
A retail store is opened in a 7900 square foot building
in a National Historic Register building in downtown
Mountain View.
:MAY 04 '90 10:47
P.8
David Mathews
Part II
GROWTH IN NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
Stone County Ironworks first started in business with
Mathews and two other employees. Those two employees still play
an integral part in the company today.
The company runs two full shifts and is made up of
the following areas:
Forging department (where blacksmithing is
done)
Fitting department
Finishing department
Shipping and Warehouse
Front office operation
Retail division
Today, Stone County Ironworks is the second largest
employer in Stone County, Arkansas and makes a significant economic
contribution to the area.
Growth, by year is listed below:
YEAR:
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES:
1981
4
1982
6
1983
9
1984
23
1985
32
1986
47
1987
58
1988
85
1989
110
MAY 04 '90 10:47
P.9
David Mathews
Part III
INCREASE IN SALES AND/OR UNIT VOLUME
David Mathews realizes continued growth means constantly
setting and attaining new goals. Product development, keeping
abreast of production techniques, searching out new classes of
trade and new opportunities: Mathews welcomes future challenges.
Stone County Ironworks continues to grow at an
impressive rate. The Growth rate for 1989 will be 54% over 1988
sales and is projected to be 54% again in 1990.
YEAR:
SALES VOLUME:
1981
$ 20,216
1982
32,300
1983
63,374
1984
126,200
1985
176,156
1986
380,000
1987
910,076
1988
1,674,579
1989 (11 months)
2,257,187
:MAY 04 '90 10:47
P.10
David Mathews
Part V
INNOVATIVENESS OF PRODUCT OR SERVICE OFFERED
The very nature of the profession Mathews chose and his
unwillingness to compromise his principles exemplifies his company's
originality. With tenacity and inventiveness, Mathews has managed to:
- revive a near extinct industry and create a multi-
million dollar corporation in the process.
- combine the best of ancient and contemporary production
techniques (example: a dipping process has now replaced the
individual hand rubbing necessary to provide a finish on each product.
- produce heirloom quality products on a large production
scale.
- design a functional product (example: when he couldn't
pick up a log with actual tongs from Colonial times, Mathews
redesigned it to work).
- research and introduce reproductions of historic items
into the product line (example: Courting Candle, Stickin' Tommy).
STICKIN' TOMMY
Courting Candle
In the time before the battery-powered light, coal
A traditional time piece, the Courtin' Candle was used
miners used this gadget to shed aght on their work,
by a young girls father when her suitor came "a courtin'
The miner could hook the tommy to fils helmet
If fie Bhed a particular suttor, the father might set the
to aght the path into the mine while leaving both hands
candle on one of the higher rings, giving the couple a long
free to carry the tools Fie would need as well as food for
visit in hopes that this lad might become his son-in-faw. If
the young man wasn't a favorite, the candle would be set on
the day. Once at his work station, the miner would either
a lower ring allowing just a short visit.
hook the tommy over a rock ledge or drive the spike into a
When the candle burned down to the metal courtin'
convenient beam.
time was over.
The Stickin' Tommy would then provide one
candle-power of light by which to work,
-create a separate custom shop which is able to handle
one of a kind commissions.
MAY 04 '90 10:48
P.11
David Mathews
Part V
- work with major accounts to design exclusive product
(example: fireplace sets for John Deere Company, proposed
furniture line for Ethan Allen Galleries).
- devise a training system able to turn an unskilled
labor force into craftsmen.
- enter new markets successfully by researching the
marketplace, then offering customers his intrepretation in his
medium (example: the wine rack, new this year, ranks #4 in unit
sales).
MAY 04 '90 10:50
P.1
David Mathews
Part VI
RESPONSE TO ADVERSITY
1. How to Develop a Business From a Near Extinct Craft
According to A.B.A.N.A. (Artists and Blacksmiths of North
America; Mathews was recently elected to their Board of Directors),
only a limited number of its twenty nine hundred members actually
make a living from blacksmithing, most enjoy it only as a hobby.
Today, Stone County Ironworks is one of the largest
production blacksmith shops in the United States, employing forty
blacksmiths and over one hundred employees.
Training of Craftsmen
- Due to the hand forged , labor intensive process up to
two years is invested in each blacksmith.
- Rather than an assembly line process, teams are formed
for each product group.
- Team members become familiar with each phase of the
process.
- Has resulted in minimal production losses due to
absence, quality remaining constant, pride in craftsmanship.
Product Saleability
- Researched ancient metal working techniques to find best
processes (fifty year old Trip Hammers still used on the production
floor today).
- Designed all product to be functional.
- Combines ancient techniques with contemporary design
and marketing.
Never eacrificeduquality
2. How to Change the Base of Business to Allow For Maximum Growth
Retail craft shows were providing only limited growth.
Entirely dependent on Mathews to produce product all week, then
travel and sell it all weekend, selling to this class of trade
offered no continuity.
Today, Stone County Ironworks supplies over three thousand
accounts including such prestigous names: Neiman Marcus, Bloomingdales
and Smith and Hawkin.
P.2
MAY 04 '90 10:51
David Mathews
Part VI
Obtaining Wholesale Accounts
- Began attending general gift shows, then added those
that address a specific market (example: High Point, North Carolina
furniture show)
- Wholesale accounts continued to purchase throughout the
year.
- Hired independent sales representatives to service
accounts in specific areas of the country.
- Have begun to develop export markets (currently selling
in Canada, Japan and France).
Marketing
- Created upscale image.
- Hired advertising agency to develop four color catalog.
- Added new categories of product (example: lighting,
wine rack, furniture).
- Developed exclusive product for large retailers (example:
planters for Smith and Hawkins' catalog, candelabra for House
Beautiful Magazine.
3. How to Limit Employee Turnover
Stone County, Arkansas shares the problems of many other
rural areas; economically underdeveloped, its youth have limited
education and little or no skills. With so much training required,
limiting employee turnover was very important to Stone County
Ironworks.
Offering a Skill, Not Just a Job
- Rotating jobs within their various teams instills
confidence and a sense of pride. As their skills develop, a
craftsman is created.
- Teams are made aware of quotas and costs, creating
healthy competition to "beat yesterday" and an awareness of the
business and its needs.
- Free time is provided on Saturdays to any employee who
wishes to design and make a product on his own.
MAY 04 '90 10:59
P.1
David Mathews
Part VI
- Saturday classes and seminars are provided (most
recently, the Blacksmith Association of Missouri shared information
during an all day workshop).
Creating an Atmosphere of Team Spirit
and a Sense of Belonging
- A weekly newsletter shares employee, company and
community information.
- Complete medical and life insurance is offered as well
as free annual flu shots and hearing tests.
- Cash prizes are awarded weekly for the best suggestions.
- Any employee who designs a product which is added to the
product line receives a 3% royalty (5% if they also make the
prototype).
MAY 04 '90 11:00
P.2
David Mathews
Part VII
EVIDENCE OF CONTRIBUTIONS BY NOMINEE
TO AID COMMUNITY-ORIENTED PROJECTS
Visiting Mountain View, Arkansas, in the foothills of the
Ozark Mountains, is like taking a step back in time. And, for that
very reason, tourists come in droves (the annual festivals bring
over fifty thousand people to the small town with a population of
2147).
The setting, the people, the strong sense of values and
community spirit are all genuine- not slickly packaged for the sake
of the tourist dollar.
When David Mathews first visited the area, he felt a sense
of belonging and knew he had found his new home. He remains
committed to the town that first inspired him.
The growth that Mountain View is experiencing, the delicate
balance between old and new, the industriousness required to bring
about change- Mathews is all too familar with these scenarios, having
encountered similar situations in his own professional life.
He offers his energy and business acumen to help fight
the demise of the small town in America:
- Takes an active role in the Chamber of Commerce,
challenging its members to action. Is Chairman of the Chamber's
Downtown Preservation Sub-Committee.
- Member, Board of Directors- Stone County Council on
Tourism.
- Involved with Planning and zoning Commission, pushing
to develop and enforce stringent zoning laws.
- Spearheading a "Main Street" program for Mountain View.
Locally funded, this program provides technical assistance in the
form of promotional efforts, economic restructure and overall
design of the town and has been successful in many small towns nation-
wide.
- Has taken over a building on the National Register of
Historic Places in downtown Mountain View for Stone County Ironwork's
flagship retail store. Rejecting suggestions for a large city
location, Mathews felt the town would benefit economically.
MHY 04 '90 11:00
P.3
David Mathews
Part VII
Outspoken on the issue of preserving the town in character with
its architecture, Mathews is now able to put his theory into
practice and set the path for other building owners to follow.
- Has helped decorate the town during holidays and
festivals by designing decorations (a six foot star made of iron
and decorated with lights hangs from the courthouse on the town
square this Christmas, a giant, old fashioned dinner bell signals
the official start of the Bean Festival in October).
- Mathews sees his employees as extended family and
provides support to them when needed. He has helped employees
through drug and alcohol treatment with support and financial aid.
MAY 04 '90 11:01
P.4
David Mathews
Summation
CAN ONE PERSON REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
David Mathews left college behind and traveled to the
hills of Arkansas in search of his destiny. He found his niche
when he discovered blacksmithing.
In true entrepreneurial spirit, the vision, determination
and industriousness of one man created American made products which
are a tribute to his craft, a company based on his strong sense of
personal values and principles, jobs and a better way of life for
his employees and along the way- a multi-million dollar
corporation.
Can one person really make a difference? David Mathews
and Stone County Ironworks exemplify the "Great American Dream".
Reports show
economy
back on track
By Memmott
USA TODAY
S-3-90
Indicating growth
Three more pieces of per-
The index of leading
suasive evidence show that the
indicators rebounded and now
economy. rebounded in early
points to a growing economy
1990 and appears headed for
1%
+0.9%1
more slow, steady growth
But that good news means
there's virtually no chance the
0%
Federal Reserve will try to
push interest rates down any
time soon, economists say.
1%
Change from
Prices already are rising too
previous month
quickly for the Fed's taste, and
it wouldn't want to risk sending
&
inflation even higher by giving
the economy too much fuel
preliminary
Source: Department of Commerce
Vice Chairman Manuel
USA TODAY
Johnson said Wednesday that
and
inflation which ran at a
from February It was the big-
5.2% annual rate in the 12
gest increase since June 1988
months ended March 31 is
and a strong recovery from
already too high. His com-
February's 1% plunge.
ments renewed speculation
Commerce said that or
that the Fed might soon decide
ders for manufactured goods
to nudge interest rates higher.
soared 3.8% in March from
The latest evidence of eco-
February. More than half of
nomic strength:
the increase was due to the
The Fed said Wednesday
highflying aircraft industr
that its April survey of business
and a pickup in the auto indus-
conditions shows the economy
try. But even excluding the
continues to expand slowly
transportation sector, 4 orders
The analysis contained in
rose a healthy 1%
the Fed's "beige book, a re
Wednesday's reports follow
port released eight times a
other recent signs of a re-
year shows that manufac-
bounding economy. Those in-
turing has regained its feet in
clude last Friday's news that
many regions. Also, consumer
gross national product growth
spending is growing at least
accelerated to a 2.1% annual
modestly in most places.
rate in the first quarter - well
Fed economists also say
above fourth-quarter 1989's
'there is little evidence that a
meager 1.1% growth.
general credit crunch' is de-
Judging from the evidence,
veloping So there should be
"it appears we've skirted a re-
enough money available for
cession, says James L.
loans to help keep the econo-
Bellessa Jr., economist at in-
my moving.
vestment advisers D.A. David-
The Commerce Depart
son & Co. in Great Falls, Mont.
ment said its index of leading
indicators rose 0.9% in March
Economy by region, 6B
Photo Copy Preservation
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
April 27, 1990
INFORMATION
MEMORANDUM TO THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
MARK LANGE any
SUBJECT:
REMARKS FOR NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS UNITED AND
THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF WOMEN
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
I. SUMMARY
On Tuesday, May 1, at 2:05 p.m. you will deliver brief
remarks to the leadership of National Small Business United and
the National Association of Women Small Business Owners. The
event will take place in Room 450 of the Old EOB and your remarks
are approximately 8 minutes in length, on speechcards.
II. DISCUSSION
The attached remarks applaud the growth of small
business in this country, especially those businesses owned by
women, and identify their importance in the economy. You cite
the empowering qualities of free enterprise and call on their
support for the capital gains tax cut.
(Lange/Cawley)
April 27, 1990
6:20 P.M.
[SMALLBIZ.DOC]
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS:
NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS UNITED,
AND THE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF
WOMAN BUSINESS OWNERS
ROOM 450, OEOB
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1990
2:05 P.M.
Welcome to Washington! You know, a lot of dust tends to get
kicked up around here -- and they say if you stay too long, it's
easy to forget just how well things are really going in the land
of the free.
But last year was a remarkable year for the job-creating,
entrepreneurial core of American business.
Small businesses created over a million and a half new jobs
in 1989 alone -- about two-thirds of the jobs created in the
nation -- and almost equal to the entire labor force of the city
of Los Angeles.
And the number of woman-owned small businesses created --
notably in mining, construction, and transportation -- increased
at twice the rate of those owned by men. [[ So Maggie Thatcher
was right in saying, "If you want something said ask a man.
If you want something done, ask a woman." ]]
But 1989 was an important year for another reason. Because
it reminded us of the role that government should and shouldn't
play in enterprise.
And it set off a collective movement toward democracy
worldwide that had us all looking up from our work for a moment,
2
in wonder -- bearing witness as the world confirmed the wisdom of
our forefathers.
They understood the importance of limited government. So
they fought for a social order that gave free reign to ambition
-- and unleashed the power of individual aspiration.
We rose, in fact, as a nation of upstarts who didn't know
their place. And this was a new idea: that government, far from
fearing private initiative, should be all for it. And it still
seems like a new idea.
Last year, from Lima to Warsaw to Moscow to Minneapolis, we
were reminded that the power of any economy flows not from an
entrenched, centralized bureaucratic elite -- but from the
vitality of free competition, free markets, and free wills.
Men, women, immigrants, Americans of every kind, from every
corner of this great country, are empowered by opportunities --
by the degree of choice, and the kind of motivation, that only
free markets can provide.
Adam Smith shocked the establishment 200 years ago with
something we've relearned only recently: that everyone has a
natural desire, and a natural right, to improve their situation
-- to truck and barter and bargain and trade -- everyone from a
CEO to a kid with a pocketfull of marbles. And society benefits
from that creative, competitive impulse.
In this century, we defined that impulse as the American
dream. And the dream has done more than endure. It's as dynamic
as ever -- as every one of you proves -- every day.
3
Every man and woman who builds an enterprise -- from a shoe-
shine stand to a multinational -- understands what I'm talking
about. It is what has made us a nation of imagination -- of
mavericks willing to take a gamble on the unexpected, the
untried, the untested, the untraditional.
They're out there moving in every direction, working to
create new economic orders out of chaos. Building empires out
of garages. Foreseeing needs, forming strategies, finding
investors, and founding corporations of every kind.
That is free enterprise.
And that is what we're working to encourage. But it is not
just free enterprise by itself. It is a whole New Paradigm -- a
new way of looking at the world -- that no longer assumes that
bureaucratic, "top down" organization, stifling individual
creativity and responsibility, is the right structure. We want
to share this New Paradigm of freedom and democracy with the
world. We want this democracy to mean opportunity -- for
everyone.
So we began with the lessons our forefathers left us, about
limited government -- which revealed an obstacle to opportunity
they faced then, that we face now: excessive taxes.
Limited government must mean limited taxes. And this
government should not be preventing people from investing in
small businesses -- nor should it swallow a third of the business
you've spent your life building.
4
But that's what our taxation of capital gains does. And
that's why we're working to cut the rate on long-held assets --
and counting on your support.
For anyone launching a small business -- whatever their age,
background, or ambition -- a capital gains cut means a bigger
pool of start-up capital. For growing businesses, it means more
investment for the long term.
And for all Americans, it means opportunity -- the kind of
continued job creation that only new and expanding businesses
bring about.
So we're fighting for this tax cut that raises revenue to
the Treasury; creates jobs; puts us on a more equal footing with
our trading partners -- and underwrites American ingenuity and
creativity in businesses of every kind.
We need to do more to fuel the kind of flexible, creative
energy that drives American business. On the wide range of
issues concerning business owners across this nation -- from
deficit reduction, to education, to product liability reform, and
especially health care cost containment -- we're with you,
working toward solutions. We're also encouraging the kinds of
creative thinking business will need to attract and retain talent
-- like flexible workplace policies, telecommuting, and choice in
child care.
We've greatly appreciated the well-thought out book of
policy recommendations recently produced by your two groups. And
we're working on a range of ideas to help business move
5
with markets as they change -- from encouraging more research
and experimentation, to allowing joint production ventures that
let American firms pool their skills, build new production
facilities, and share investment risks.
But the principle that encompasses our thinking on all of
these issues, is something our forefathers knew -- and the rest
of the world reminded us of, last year.
No state has yet managed to mandate prosperity -- or
creativity. The cruelest societies are those that are static and
stagnant -- cultures that run counter to human nature and
aspiration. But the surest sign of a nation's kindness is the
kind of social and economic mobility it allows its people.
What the world learned in the Revolution of '89 is that
democracy 11 is another way of saying opportunity.
That government's best role, and greatest security, is not
in consolidating power, but in empowering the individual.
And that the truest kindness the state can offer the people,
is to govern with a gentle hand.
After two centuries, we're still convinced that government
should be limited. But if our experience has taught us anything,
it's that the creative potential of men and women with a mission
is unlimited.
You are such men and women. So this administration salutes
you -- and we'll do everything in our power to support the work
you do.
God bless you -- and God bless American enterprise.