A Place for You to Connect to Us
29 Jan
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27 Jan
ChemArt was given to opportunities this past holiday to brighten the holiday spirit of students and state.
2009 Christmas Tree at the RI State House
ChemArt donated over 150 ornaments to the RI Governor’s office for the purposes of decorating the state house tree. Each year, the tree has a differemt theme. The tree’s theme this year was “Peace”, allowing ChemArt the opportunity to donate various peace-themes ornaments, such as the Peace & Unity flag ornament and the Hope and Peace globe.
ChemArt currently works with RI Governor Carcieri’s wife to design a custom ornament each year to give away as personal gifts to friends, supporters, family and staff.
ChemArt's Peace and Unity ornament
ChemArt was also invited to decorate two trees at the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. ChemArt bought two trees, one for the Presdient’s house, and one for the President’s office, and decorated each with hundreds of ChemArt’s ornaments. One tree was decorated in a traditional style and one with a more whimsical flavor.
Richard E. Beaupre, owner, founder and CEO of ChemArt is an alum of the University and is very active in it’s educational and philanthropic endeavors.
URI Christmas Tree in President's Home
25 Jan
I have been to more social/professional events than I care to remember. A couple I actually can’t, although I must say the security at Bradley Airport is way too uptight. I mean, it was 1995 for crying out loud. Until a couple of years ago, I had never given a thought regarding the time, energy and the sheer tenacity that goes into arranging one of these blasted things. Ignorance is indeed, bliss. While few have an understanding of the origins of the “Christmas Party”, everyone is absolutely positive as to how it should go, and they are all wrong. Every one of them. Without question. At Chemart, the Christmas Party has been in existence longer than I have been employed here. Therefore, it would seem prudent to emulate the event as it unfolded the year before. This is where the first obstacle presented itself. It seems the previous Party was so unsuccessful that the Company very nearly called a halt to the event entirely. Several days following this revelation, acid reflux became a topic of conversation at the dinner table. While most of the facts as they relate to the party’s unraveling are sketchy, there seemed to have been threats of sexual harassment issues over the exchange of money, (not what you think), inappropriate dancing and, if memory serves, wanton displays of glee and endearment. Was I to be arranging “Footloose, The Sequel”? At this point I should point out that the employees and management enjoyed these activities immensely. The previous HR Manager, however, felt these activities were dangerously pleasant and no good would come of it. As a consequence, the party prior to my arrival was dreary, lackluster and devoid of the mayhem everyone hopes for at a Christmas Party but never wants to be the source of.
My mission was clear. Whatever I do, don’t do that. The activities committee convened many, many times over the course of two months, carefully planning menus, centerpieces, music, entertainment, seating arrangements, restroom fragrances, et al. We are a closely knit group, respectful of everyone’s opinion and always bringing a positive approach to the table. Groups such as ours are great for the dispersal of culpability. “We” is a powerful word and, like a large school of fish, makes it difficult to single out one individual when things go awry. I have actually heard rumors that it was indeed an overzealous activities committee that brought down Enron, not faulty investments and cooked books, but I won’t reveal my sources. One would be stunned to learn of the ferocity of the HR clique when it comes to protecting their own.
Much like your car on that icy slope last winter, our festive date with destiny ground closer and closer. The day of the event was Friday, December 11. It was cold, but we didn’t have the snow that ambushed the party several years ago, limiting attendance to half, I believe. Directions were given. The guest list confirmed. The menu approved. Evening attire was chosen, re-chosen, debated and donned. Many of the committee members arrived early to ensure all the preparations were in order. As the six o’clock hour drew near, guests began to arrive, discard their coats and assume their positions around the bar and tables. It’s always interesting to see how people choose their dining arrangements when it’s general admission. These decisions can have long-term ramifications. As the night wore on, it became clear that people were genuinely having a grand time. There were no fisticuffs. No table dancing. No emotional outbursts. No food fights. None of the chaos we secretly wish would happen so we could post it on YouTube with chest-thumping bravado. These people really like each other. Everyone was happy to talk to everyone! No feigning of interest. No borderline tolerance. No uncomfortable leers or gestures. The smartest thing we as an Activities Committee did was let human nature take it course. In retrospect, I should have expected this. Everyone acted as I had always known them to act, just more socially that evening. What had threatened to halt all Christmas Parties was the misguided efforts in the past to exert too much control. When you try to prevent all undesirable outcomes, there will be collateral damage. That evening, the fun got sucked out of the hall faster than a fart on an elevator. Moreover, if you let people just be themselves, they’ll take care of themselves. Such philosophy can be applicable in a multitude of scenarios. Of course, having an open bar certainly facilitates the camaraderie. We should thank Dick for that one.
23 Jan
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18 Jan
I’ve been hearing and reading a lot about marketplace relevance lately, and I guess it booth astounds and puzzles me. You see, my first job was shoveling mud, and the relevance of that task was to clean up after a natural disaster, try to get things back to normal, work side by side with your neighbor, make life better of your community. That always stuck with me.
So when I hear the buzz about relevance, I have to question…. why? Isn’t’ it all relevant?
In business I guess there are two paths to take – make a fabulous product that creates high demand, is suited to the audience, or not! Today, the “or not” doesn’t really cut it.
So here I am at a niche company that believes it should do the right thing for the customer. Now isn’t that relevant? If the product, service, communication, engagement, audience are always kept in that context of doing the right thing doesn’t it make sense that the company doing those things will always be rewarded? And therein lies the rub – it doesn’t always work out that way.
You see it really does have to be significant! The audience is the one that matters. Creating a relationship where the customer and the company both benefit because the product or service makes sense is so important. Business isn’t just about the transaction; it should be about the relationship.
Let’s use ChemArt as an example. We win every day when we listen to what the client wants; apply that to design, budget, and on-time delivery; and we both win. When the client – organization, agency, club, community affairs – knows who they are, what resonates with their constituents, and what drives those customers to take to action, we all win. And when the customer feels as if the experience matches their expectations, sense of affinity, or supports their point of view, we all win!
Approaching business this way just makes sense. It creates a bond that lead to other business through word of mouth, repeat business and referrals. It creates a force that becomes larger and more significant the longer the relationships last.
I know that I still rely on businesses – personal and professional – that treat me the way I what to be treated; that always rise above the other either by service, attitude or interest in me. Isn’t that what makes us marketplace relevant?
I’d love to hear from you. I’m sure there are all kinds of illustrations that make you feel like you’ve had experiences that were the result of marketplace relevance.
