The “Key to the City” is bestowed upon distinguished persons and honored guests of a City. The practice of presenting a key to an individual may be traced back to medieval times, when admission into a city was hampered by many legal restrictions, as well as by walls and locked gates. The key symbolized free entry. In today’s world, the act of giving the Key of a City is symbolic, since city has no gates to unlock.

Over the years, award industry developed a stylish series of Laserable Wooden promotional products such as Key Chains and Business Card Holders with silver trim. This new line of products combines the classic beauty of lasered wood with the sleek modern detailing of polished metal. Because the pre-treated laserable surface is wood, there is no danger of keys chipping off the finish in a pocket or purse. These products are going to last, which is one of the most important characteristics of a good promotional product.

What is the difference between a sign and an award plaque? Sometimes, only its purpose. Find out where the sign will be posted and when it needs to be installed. Determine both the budget and expected lifespan of the sign. Following these guidelines will help an award company provides a product that serves the customer well both aesthetically and functionally.

Price was a top factor for many years during the economic downturn. Now corporate clients are awarding more recipients and showing interest in custom products despite the cost. These custom awards draw more than ever from the company’s logo, design, and branding, with complementary colors and even award shapes inspired by the company’s logo, product, or headquarters.

When it comes to award products, style and quality are among the most factors considered by corporate customers. Awards must fit with the company’s established recognition program and the look and feel of the company’s branding and culture.

There are four steps to design custom awards:

Step 1 – Project Vision: Gathering Background Information
We will work with you to clearly define the vision and the business objectives of your award program. We will also discuss the project background and goals, including theme, timeline, quantity and pricing. This is the best time to introduce your ideas.

Step 2 – Concept Drawings: Your Ideas on Paper
After we understand the project requirements, we will create initial design sketches. Our project team will provide concept drawings for your custom award. We will make the necessary changes based on your feedback.

Step 3 – Electronic Color Rendering: Your Product Takes Shape
During Step Three the sketches are re-formatted into a three-dimensional color rendering. This rendering will give you a realistic view of the final custom award. We will continue to modify the design to your satisfaction. Any charges for these services will be discussed before proceeding. Each custom product is priced based on its unique design.

Step 4 – Creating a Sample: Your Award Comes to Life

Based on the color rendering, we will fabricate a one-of-a-kind sample custom award for your review. If necessary, further modifications can be made to the design. After you give final approval, production of your custom award will begin.

We love to recognize our future leaders. Recognition for academic achievement, leadership, participation in an academic event such as academic decathlon, attendance, individual class subjects as well as other non-academic school activities (excluding sports). The venue is always in the school environment. The categories include all classroom subjects such as math, science, and reading, as well as honor roll, and others that are not academic subjects, but that are still in the school environment such as band, attendance, choir, chorus, drama, field day, friendship, music, dance, etc.. The list of non-academics is long. School levels include pre-K, kindergarten, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, high school, junior college, college, and university.

Ready to expand your business globally? Our blue crystal globe is a great way to say “You’ve got the world spinning right in your hand”, which will get the growing pains theme song stuck in your head for the rest of the day, or rest of year in 2014.

We will be closed 12/25/13 to 1/1/14. The Encore team would like to wish everyone a joyous and safe Holiday season!

It is no surprise that positive reinforcement improves individual job performance, yet available data shows that an effective recognition program can also boost performance organization-wide, not just among those being recognized.

According to human resource research firm Bersin by Deloitte, recognition programs contribute to a 14% rise in overall productivity – in addition to reducing voluntary turnover by 31%. Of course, the right gift does not hurt either.

A beautiful award like the art glass lets employees know they are a big part of the solution to any problem.

Organization chooses to send the message, these awards make a strong statement about the investment employers and people make in each other.

The new AcrylaStone Plaques and Plaque Stands are the perfect solution for memorial markers and exterior signage. AcrylaStone’s 18” Plaque Stands are made with powder-coated, 5/16” steel and have a stabilizer to prevent spinning. AcrylaStone Plaques are made with a weather-resistant acrylic material, are available in White, Sand, Carmel, Grey, Chocolate, Evergreen, and Black colors that will complement almost any décor and are available in sizes from 4” x 4” to 9” x 12”.

We bring Old West to modern awards with the new Old West Log™ line of products. These plaques, coasters and name badges across sections from Elm trunks and branches. With the bark still circling them, they have a very rustic feel that is perfect for any occasion that needs to evoke the feeling of historic or artistic or outdoor events. They are available in 7” and 9” approximate diameters and come with a sawtooth hanger, while the coasters are a 4” diameter with felt feet. The name badge is an oval approximately 2” x 3”. All of the Old West Log™ products are wood products and are made in the USA. Because they are a natural product, no two are exactly alike.