From the President

Dear ARA Member:

As you know, the Awards and Recognition Association is the official sponsor of the ARA Sportsmanship Award, which is presented annually to an NCAA Division I college football player who exemplifies sportsmanship both on and off the field. We’re proud to announce the 2007 ARA Sportsmanship Award finalists, who represent a variety of schools of all sizes and locations throughout the United States; these outstanding athletes' conduct both on and off the field was considered in order to meet the award's high standards for behavior. The recipient, to be announced later this month, will be chosen from one of the following 10 college football players.

• Alex Brink, quarterback, Washington State University
• Jordon Brown, wide receiver, University of Houston
• Quentin Groves, defensive end, Auburn University
• Jacob Gutierrez, running back, University of Oklahoma
• Dionte Johnson, fullback, Ohio State University
• Thomas Keith, linebacker, Central Michigan University
• Micah Rucker, wide receiver, Eastern Illinois University
• Jarrid Smith, guard, Florida Atlantic University
• Jeremy Thompson, defensive end, Wake Forest University
• Robert Valletti, left tackle, Iona College

ARA's Sportsmanship Award is the only national award that recognizes an athlete's character and leadership as it translates to sportsmanship. The selection panel, chaired by former Brigham Young University Head Football Coach LaVell Edwards, looks for players that stand out and contribute on the playing field and in life. Past winners include DeAngelo Williams of University of Memphis (2005), who now plays for the Carolina Panthers, and Brian Leonard, a Rutgers University fullback (2006), who now plays for the St. Louis Rams. 

I encourage all ARA members to take advantage of the opportunity to establish a local sportsmanship award program in your area. A complete tool kit to help you get started can be found by clicking here. For more information on the ARA Sportsmanship Award visit the ARA Sportsmanship Award Web site at www.arasportsmanshipaward.com.

Sincerely,

Ed Hunt
President
Awards and Recognition Association

2008 ARIEF Silent Auction – Making a big difference in little ways!
Make a difference by making a pledge to the Awards and Recognition Industry Education Foundation Silent Auction taking place at the 2008 ARA International Awards Market, featuring products and equipment donated by ARA member companies.  All proceeds go to ARIEF, click here for pledge form. Join many of your business colleagues and donate an item today!  Donations received in our offices by year end are tax deductible. Also sign up as an on site volunteer!  Email your availability to Ccummings-Associate@connect2amc.com

ARIEF Scholarship Applications Available
The Awards and Recognition Industry Educational Foundation (ARIEF) will be awarding five $1,200 scholarships for the 2008–2009 academic year. All employees and children of ARA member companies are eligible to apply for 2008 ARIEF Scholarships. Click here for more information and to download an application. The deadline for submitting applications is January 8, 2008. Scholarship recipients will be announced at Awards Gala held during the 2008 International Awards Market in Las Vegas.

ARIEF is a non-profit organization that exists solely to provide financial assistance to students affiliated with ARA member companies who wish to pursue an education in any field of their choice.

It's not too early to register for the "Bigger, Better, Bolder" 2008 ARA International Awards Market, so sign up now! And remember, member companies attend for free! Click here to register on-line or send in the registration form you received in the mail.

Remember that if you attend the show, you might win a 2008 Ford Mustang! Believe us when we say this is one show you won't want to miss

Important dates for 2008 ARA International Awards Market

• “Early Bird” registration deadline for the show is December 28, 2007. Register by this date to be eligible for a drawing offering three free nights at the ARA host hotel, the Las Vegas Hilton.
  
• January 18, 2008, is the nomination deadline for ARA Retailer, Supplier, and Sale Representative of the Year, and Founder’s, Hall of Fame, and Volunteer of the Year awards. Click here for more detail about the ARA Awards Program. 
  
• Remember that you could be the winner of a 2008 Ford Mustang for attending the 2008 ARA International Awards Market in Las Vegas. Click here for more information on this exciting opportunity.

Attention Education Certification Program Enrollees
Updated transcripts have been sent to all people enrolled in the ARA Certification Program. If you did not receive your transcript please contact the ARA Education Manager at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

Vote for the 2007 ARA Speaker of the Year Award
Were you inspired by a speaker at an ARA event in 2007? If you are enrolled in the ARA Certification Program you are eligible to nominate up to two of your favorite speakers to receive the Speaker of the Year Award.  Nomination forms were enclosed with certification transcripts that were just sent out. Please submit your nominations before January 9, 2008.

Host a 2008 ARA Regional Education Event
Find out why partnering with the Awards and Recognition Association to hold an education event at your location is a good value proposition for your company. Click here for more information about hosting a Regional Education Event at your facility in 2008. Applications are due by January 9, 2008. For more information, please contact Daniel Weinstock, ARA Education Manager at dweinstock@connect2amc.com.

ARA 2008 Calendar
ARA included a helpful gift with your December issue of Recognition Review—the ARA 2008 Calendar. Featuring new and exciting products and contact information from ARA supplier companies, this colorful poster calendar can be displayed in an area of your shop to help you, your employees, and customers easily reference dates.  Thanks to the following calendar sponsors: Topmost World, JDS, Epilog, Plastic-Plus, Plastic Dress-Up (PDU), Identification Plates, Visions/Awardcraft, American Acrylic Awards, Continental (CAT) Trophies, AT Designs, and Marco Awards Group.

January 14–17, 2008
CorelDRAW Boot Camp Cruise
Miami/Eastern Caribbean
800/736-8973
www.unleash.com

February 25–29, 2008
2008 ARA International Awards Market
Las Vegas Convention Center
800/344-2148
www.ara.org

July 30–August 2, 2008
Texas Trophy and Awards Show
Moody Gardens Hotel
Galveston, TX
817/868-6515

The December 2007 issue features articles on custom awards, vector-cutting tips, recognition packages, and packaging and awards display equipment from ARA supplier companies. ARA now distributes its official magazine electronically in addition to its standard printed-and-mailed issue. If you didn’t get a copy via e-mail, please let us know by sending a message with your store name and address to info@ara.org.

If you’re an ARA member, log in to the “Members Only” section using your member number, and select ARA “Ask an Expert.” Find the topic and expert you’re looking for and submit your question(s). More often than not, an ARA expert will have the solution you need.

? Can you give me some basic advice for effectively laser engraving photographs? Any suggestions or ideas you might have to guide me are certainly welcome.

Diane Bosworth, Access Business Solutions, responds: When it comes to laser engraving photographs, success depends on several key factors.

1. Know your machine’s driver and capabilities. This will greatly assist you in being able to consistently engrave photographs that are aesthetically pleasing.
2. Know your software. Whatever graphics package you use, the better you are at manipulating and enhancing the photograph, the better the final results will be.
3. Pick the right photograph. Whenever possible, use photographs that show contrast between the background and the image. 
4. Pick the right material. Stick to materials that laser engrave with contrast. This will greatly enhance the finished image. Good luck!