Crystal D benefit helps families kick off the school year

    As summer wound down, a very special Crystal D employee benefit ramped up!  

    Our school sendoff program encourages parents to be with their grade school-age children as they head out for the first day of school. These moments are emotional and it’s important for families to experience them together.  
     
    “I can’t believe we work at a place that prioritizes family in such a big way. I say I’m lucky, every week, and it’s always true,” said Travis Brynness, Crystal D virtual production artist. 

    The program provides paid time off and allows employees to be relaxed, present and focused on their kids on this special occasion — not worried about being late for work or losing compensation. Grandparents are also welcome to participate! 

    Here are some of our Memory Makers’ students at their school sendoffs. We wish you all an amazing year!   

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    Honoring Crystal D’s Q2 WOW Champs

    Crystal D isn’t just a company that produces awards and gifts for others — we also practice recognition and appreciation with our own employees, who we call Memory Makers. We have a variety of programs in place to highlight people for the ways they contribute, carry themselves and serve our customers.   

    Every quarter we spotlight five Memory Makers nominated by their peers for living out our Core Values. Congratulations to the WOW Champs for the second quarter of 2024, as announced this week!  

    Here’s who they are and a sampling of the kudos they received.

     

    Emma — Customer Service

    Core Value: Integrity — “I do what I say I will do.” 
    “Emma has been taking on different responsibilities since she started. Whenever and wherever we need her, she is happy to help. Even when she has to step out of CSS into a completely different department, Emma is there. I am always impressed at how quickly and efficiently she processes these orders. I know that when she says she’s on it, it will be done before the end of the day. Business moves fast, but Emma is even faster!” 

      

     

    Erin — Customer Service

    Core Value: Quality — “I have the unyielding persistence to improve.” 
    “Erin has been with us a short while, but she is already well on her way to being an expert in her role! She is always reaching out to me on projects I have quoted to ensure she has the correct information before reaching out to customers. She is quick at getting back to customers with great information and she is always positive. I am very thankful to have Erin a part of the Crystal D team and she fits perfectly!”

     

    Abby — Art  

    Core Value: Commitment — “I am committed to the ongoing viability of the company.”  
    “Abby is very committed to all the work she does, always working to the best of her ability and very helpful. She helps to control and understand all the additional bits that go into outputting orders, she is always quick to respond, and she sticks to the systems we have in place. I deeply appreciate Abby’s critical eye checking over the details, as I know she has what’s best in mind.”

      

    Mai Kia — Production

    Core Value: Respect — “I treat others the way I want to be treated.” 
    “I was already about a year into working in Colorfill before Mai Kia joined the production team, but it’s hard to picture her not having been part of the team since the beginning. She always has something nice to say about you.  She’s respectful to everyone.  It’s great to work alongside her in production. Crystal D values respect, and that’s what she is all about.” 

     

    Allen — IT

    Core Value: Passion — “I have the burning desire to achieve, in all I do.” 
    “Allen and I work closely on a program and getting automated systems up and running. He comes to me with his questions and concerns because he really wants what he is crafting to be of use and exactly what we need. Allen takes pride in his work and does not give up even when things go a bit sideways, as they can in programming. What he is working on will help us all, and I deeply appreciate his ability to adapt and change what he is working on to suit the needs of our internal customers so we can better serve our external customers.”

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    Crystal D named to PPAI’s 2024 “Greatest Companies to Work For”

    Crystal D, the leading supplier of crystal awards and gifts, has been named one of the Greatest Companies to Work For in 2024 by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI).

     

    “Crystal D is honored to be included as one of the best employers, and we are so grateful that our team loves working here,” said President Jeanne Dahlgren.

     

    “We love what we do, and we are thankful to our employees, who we call Memory Makers, for all they contribute each day. Together, we turn emotions into memories for millions of recipients! Thank you to PPAI for recognizing us as one of the top large companies in the industry.”

     

    Crystal D, with more than 30 years in the promotional products industry and a PPAI 100 top supplier designation, was nominated by an employee for the industry-wide competition that included PPAI members from both the U.S. and Canada. PPAI then invited all employees to participate in a confidential survey, where respondents rated Crystal D on a range of topics — including company values and ethics, benefits offerings, and the individual’s confidence about their future within the organization.

     

    Within their responses, Crystal D employees cited the company’s work/life balance, high Net Promoter Score, and strong values and ethics among the reasons why it’s a great place to work. Additionally, commenters emphasized their colleagues’ kindness and helpfulness.

     

    “I’ve been a part of this organization for more than 25 years, and one of the constant winning facets within our playbook has been our people,” said Mike Irvine, executive vice president and chief operating officer.

     

    “The Memory Makers at Crystal D put their hearts into every interaction and every transaction. They are the heartbeat that moves us forward and wows our customers every day. I’m proud to help make this a wonderful place for everyone to be their best selves and do their best work.”

     
    About Crystal D  
    Crystal D (www.crystal-d.com), leader in crystal awards and gifts, has been delighting recipients with the highest-quality recognition products for more than 30 years. We are known as the Home of “The WOW Effect” ® because every item is designed and hand-crafted by our artisans in St. Paul, Minnesota, and this meticulous attention to detail turns the emotion of a recognition experience into a lasting memory. Crystal D offers over 1,500 innovative and elegant awards and gifts, guarantees an industry-leading production time of just six to eight days after art approval, and has earned five-star status for our customer service. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com. Interested in joining our team of Memory Makers? Visit Crystal-d.com/careers.

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    Survey says: Customers keep coming back!

    Our most recent Voice of the Customer survey was taken by more than 200 participants averaging 19 years in the industry — and their loyalty index for Crystal D came in at 89 percent!  We work hard to live up to our reputation for providing the highest-quality customer service and highest-quality crystal awards and gifts. The best thank you we can receive is our customers’ repeat business.  

     

    Respondents noted many reasons for why they return to Crystal D time after time, including our customer service, product selection, varied price points, high-quality workmanship, and the ability to take on both small and large orders.  

     

    We are humbled and grateful for the comments they provided, and we also take all feedback to heart so we can continue to provide simple, easy and fast service!   

     

    Here are a few examples of what our customers shared.   

     

    • “Crystal D is at the very top of my list when searching for awards in all categories.  I’ve owned my own company for the past 24 years and have never been disappointed with Crystal D.” 

     

    • “We use Crystal D on a weekly basis. The products as well as the service are exceptional. We value our partnership with Crystal D and look forward to more business in the future.” 
       
    • “Crystal D is the only supplier that comes to mind when I’m in need of awards!” 

     

    • “Crystal D has never failed us.” 

     

    • “I have known of Crystal D for many years and it’s my preferred vendor. Never a problem. Always a pleasure to work with.” 

     

    • “Crystal D walks with you through the experience. An order of one item is as important to them as 100 pieces … well, at least that is how they make us feel!!” 

     

    • “Great selection of products. Service is top notch. Never a problem in all the years working with Crystal D.” 

     

    • “Crystal D is our go-to vendor, with great customer service and communication; quality awards that customers want to reorder year after year.” 

     

    • “Crystal D’s product is high quality, and our customers are always satisfied with their awards.” 

     

    Learn more about the survey! We are grateful to earn our customers’ loyalty. For assistance with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.     

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    Crystal D employees set sail for teammate’s annual cancer fundraiser  

    Can you think of anything better than a boat ride on a beautiful summer night? How about a river cruise with food, drinks, music, and dancing that raises money for the American Cancer Society? One of Crystal D’s Memory Makers helps make it all possible.  

      

    After Mike Pooler lost his mom to cancer in 2001, his family wanted to do something to support others facing the disease. His brother Steve started the first Cruise Against Cancer in New York on the south shore of Long Island. A few years later, Mike and his other brother, Bill, brought event to Stillwater, Minnesota, and the beautiful St. Croix River. 

     
    Crystal D supports the event every year, inviting employees to join in the evening’s events, as well as sponsoring a table and donating toward the silent auction and raffle. The 2024 event held this past weekend was another incredible evening and a rousing success!  

      

    Funds from this popular Cruise Against Cancer for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life directly benefit local organizations. In its first six years, the Cruise Against Cancer in Minnesota has raised more than $70,000, and the proceeds for 2024’s event are still being tallied! 


    I-94 bridge over the St. Croix River

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    How to ‘crystallize’ special occasions with commemorative gifts 

    They’re the moments when you wish you could stop time, those wow-worthy experiences that you never want to forget. Luckily, you can help ensure these memories never fade.


    Taking the time to recognize the significance of major events is powerful for everyone involved, and customized crystal gifts provide versatility to show recognition in unique ways.      
     

    Commemorative gifts can be customized with deep-etched images and text, or even 3D depictions of buildings or objects “floating” inside the crystal. Additional customization options can include colorfill, Illumachrome™ or just about any combination of imprint processes! And while many customers order them to give for special occasions, others make crystal gifts available for purchase as a part of a fundraiser.  

     

    Here are some examples special occasion gifts that become treasures! (Each image can be clicked on to view additional product information.)

    Decommissionings (pictured: Chapin rectangle)

     

     

    Building closures (pictured: Oakley award)

     

    Innovations and milestones (pictured: Encapsulate gallery item)

     

    Anniversaries (pictured: Denali rectangle)

     

    Grand openings & ribbon cuttings (pictured: Lambent Flame)

     

    Crystal D’s solutions specialists can assist you with selecting products, coming up with customization ideas, and working within any budget and timeframe. Contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@crystal-d.com.    

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    Add up the fun with these gifts for employee anniversaries

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    Looking for a buzz-worthy way to affirm for employees how much you appreciate them? Go with a gift that invites them to literally rack up  their years of service and makes a satisfying “clink!” sound for every anniversary.

    Our crystal Goal-Setter awards are an increasingly popular selection for organizations that want to take a step up from paper certificates or trinkets, and instead give something that reminds employees of how valued they are.

    Each of these impressive awards begins with a main piece that has an optically clear etching panel for text, logos, graphics or any combination of them. Colored blocks are then added to recognize every year of service or major milestone.

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    Goal-Setter awards have flexibility to fit everything your organization wants to celebrate, and the blocks can also be designed to call out any promotions, honors and awards received. This award option is economical, too, versus producing individual pieces for every occasion, and it’s easy to order the affordable blocks either ad-hoc or all at once. (Check out this fun video from PromoCorner to get their take on why Goal-Setters should be top of mind and how they make celebrations easy!)

    These awards are sources of pride that become showcases and keepsakes as unique as every employee who receives one.

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    Make it yours 
    Keep in mind that Goal-Setters can accommodate deep etch and colorfill imprints, and the blocks are available in a range of colors to coordinate with branding and themes.

    All of this can be shipped out in just six to eight business days after the art and customization are approved!

    For assistance with product selection, customization ideas, questions and quotes, contact us at (800) 544-1131 or email sales@

    crystal-d.com.   

     

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    We’re all about that (lighted) base

    With eyes turned toward the skies and faces reflecting the glow of the pyrotechnics bursting high above, there’re nothing quite like watching people take in a fireworks show. Seeing sparks of bright light interrupting the dark draws people in and holds them, awestruck and captivated.

    When people see crystal awards and gifts enhanced with lighted bases, the result is just as spectacular, and the reaction is just as breathtaking.

    Most of our pieces benefit from having a base for display, but some design features stand out even more when paired with a lighted base. The difference is easy to see.

    Best uses for lighted bases
    Crystal awards and gifts featuring 3D subsurface images, deep-etch designs or text, colorfill, or Illumachrome™ imprints benefit the most from the illumination provided by a lighted base.

    Why? Because the light allows the designs to stand out within the optically clear crystal, and every intricate detail instantly becomes easier to see.

    Here’s another before-and-after pic, of a 3D subsurface dragon. You can also watch the video showing the impact a lighted base can make.

    And, in this design showing front and side views of a tower with a 3D subsurface design, butterflies appear to take flight with their wings aglow from the base that projects light through them.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Crystal D has a wide variety of lighted base designs in finishes including black piano, rosewood, black mirrored and more — and there’s a full range of sizes, too, to help you find the base perfect for your project, style and budget. We’d be de-light-ed to help! Contact us today! 

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    3 tips for retaining employees through recognition

    Good employees are worth hanging onto — and it’s expensive when you don’t. Really expensive. Forbes has reported that replacing someone who leaves an organization can cost, on average, six to nine months’ worth of the individual’s salary. Yikes.

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    Sure, there are many factors that weigh into a person’s decision to go or to stay. But there’s one that employers have more control over than they realize: recognition. 

    Organizations that prioritize employee appreciation, a Gallup/Workhuman survey revealed, have workers who are 56% less likely to look for a new job. Recognition is 

    also a powerful recruitment tool, giving an advantage to companies that have woven it into their culture and making them more attractive to potential workers. (HR recruiters especially love when they can share these programs with applicants!) 

    Employee recognition awards clearly pay off, but unfortunately many organizations don’t know how to do them (or how to do them well). Here are three tips for building a framework for spotlighting contributions. 

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    1. Decide what to highlight. No matter what, your awards should align with what’s important to you and your culture! Popular themes are years of service, company values or leadership behaviors, project launches, innovations, teamwork, metrics (like sales goals or growth), employees of the month/quarter/year, and customer reviews or ratings. Determine which ones you want to focus on, then outline the criteria for recipients.   
    2. Be intentional and authentic. It takes commitment for recognition programs to be successful. Leaders must be all-in on putting forth the effort to identify what they want to recognize, as well as clearly articulate why a person or team is chosen. Be specific so people immediately recognize how their everyday efforts and special contributions made a difference.   

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      No matter what, the appreciation has to be authentic. Be thoughtful and truly enthusiastic about every single award handed out. When it comes to the awards themselves, they should reflect your brand and culture. Crystal awards are a beautiful reminder of the investment you are making in ensuring your teams know how valued they are, and they can be customized with any combination of colors, logos, text and images.   
       

    3. Do it regularly. What’s the frequency, Kenneth? As often as possible! The key to meaningful recognition, above all else, is to be consistent. Decide on a rhythm you can stick to and that fits into your calendar. You can either integrate your appreciation within already-planned meetings or set aside regular time throughout the year to focus on delivering kudos (and keep this time sacred).  

    Crystal D has worked with thousands of customers who recognize their people for their contributions. We have examples and ideas that can help you launch your own program, as well as crystal awards for every recognition need and budget. Reach out and contact us! 

    Monterey 6213

     

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    Celebrating the ones who help celebrate others!

    WOW Day 2024 is in the books and our cheeks still ache from the smiles and laughter!

     

    What’s WOW Day? It’s exactly what it sounds like: an entire day devoted to providing “The WOW Effect”™ to our employees. Crystal D sets aside this time every year as a recognition event for our Memory Makers — who they are as unique individuals, as well as how each person brings memories to life for the millions of customers we hand-craft awards for.

     

    It’s not a time for numbers or financials. It’s all about having fun and expressing meaningful appreciation of the people who work to celebrate people. And it’s the culmination of our year-round, frequent, and meaningful recognition program. Authentic appreciation is at the forefront of everything we do and all that we are!

     

    At this year’s WOW Day, we heard keynote speakers reminding us of the positive impact we have on the world. We bowled under neon lighting. We danced! And we revealed a new class of Value Champions, a Grand Value Champion, and many more deserving award winners.

     

    What began years ago as a short meeting with lots of graphs, has morphed into a celebration of the people that make our company what it is today and what it will be in the future.

     

    We are set to GLOW ALL OUT!

     

     

     

    And, finally: CONGRATULATIONS to all the Memory Makers for a wonderful year! Special shout-out to our big winners at WOW Day 2024!

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