Start Me Up

A new decade has begun, and Artco is starting off with a bang. We're full steam ahead with some very exciting new products that have been lacking in our marketplace in a long, long time. The sales force is energized for the new year's prospects. You'll want to see these new offerings in person to get a true appreciation for what Artco is doing for its business colleagues.

Speaking of the sales force, you know we just named our 2009 Salesman of the Year, and (drumroll, naturally) this year's honor goes to Brad Ward. No shock here....the author seems to recall a similar outcome not too many moons ago.

Who's on first? What's on second? Where's your Twitter? First off, I can't wait to get outside once this weather breaks. Hopefully the Midwest will see the sun soon. It's cabin fever in Kansas! Second, I am curious....what does the reader think the "big thing" in the funeral industry is going to be in 2010? We're not hedging our bets yet, folks, but we hear you loud and clear when you give us input towards the products and services that are most important to you, and we aim to cater to those specific needs.

I think that 2010 is off to a great start in that regard.

...And Justice for All

Been a long time, been a long time, been a long, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely, lonely time since I rapped at ya' folks.  It's a busy time of year for us at ye olde casket house.  I've got no fewer than five different projects going on my desk right now.  Whew!  How 'bout those Royals?

First off, let me break the wonderful news that the "Nature's Friend" (catchy name, eh?) marketing piece has made its way from the printer to my desk.  We'll be bringing that product out where available in our territory.  Those of you familiar with Matthews International's booth from last year's NFDA in Orlando got to see a few of the products we are going to be featuring.  I'd encourage you to contact me via phone or email for further information.

Have you heard of the website YouTube (gwhahah)?  Artco's had an account for what seems like eons there, but no video content to show for it....wait for it....until now!  The marketing department was finally able to get its hands on the newest, video-enabled iPhone.  And today marks our first mobile video upload, entitled "It's Lunch Time."  Rather catchy, I know.  Prepare yourself to gain a plethora of Artco employee-only insight in this video!  Incidentally, future video content will continue along with the "chicken or the egg" argument  for funeral industry-enlightenment purposes.  Until then, enjoy-

Can't Believe It

THIS is what I'm talking about with our industry! Always with the bad news; always a leading, "startling and gruesome" story.

When are we going to drum up some positive funeral energy?!

Feliz Navidad

Artco would like to wish Harry Poplawski, sales representative out of our Chicago-based warehouse, a happy and prosperous retirement. Harry attended his last Illinois state convention last week. A reception was held at the Capital Room of the Crowne Plaza Hotel last Monday in his honor (pictured, center).

Mike Virelli will be handling Mr. Poplawski's former accounts post-retirement. (We'll be posting a fitting introduction for Mike at a later time.)

Thank you, Harry, for all your hard work through the years.