Sundial has a new look on the web. Our site features details on our marketing planning, graphic design, web design, printing, trade show displays and much more. A new expanded design portfolio and marketing needs assessment add to the exciting new look. Please visit the site and let us know if you have any feedback.
Headlines may be gloomy for the year ahead, but that hasn’t deterred one Edmonton entrepreneur from setting some ambitious goals for 2009. Ben Block, owner of Sundial Graphics, opened the business in 2005 which has grown it rapidly offering integrated marketing services.
As a perpetual goal setter, Block was reviewing how far he has come and what’s next. “When I started the business I set several goals both for Sundial and myself” commented Block. “I recently sat down to review those goals which included to raise a $1 million for charity. If I’m working to build my business I want to know I have worked just as hard to give something back.”
Block has partnered with Free the Children, a not-for-profit group that combats child labour in developing nations through education, clean water, construction of schools as well as income generation projects for parents. Ryan Hollinrake, Corporate Engagement Manager at Free the Children has worked with Block to secure approvals, photography and other resources needed to get the project underway. “We are very excited about this inspiring idea and hope the business community will support Ben as he seeks to support our efforts.”
But how to do it? Sundial has leveraged our design and print capabilities to create a unique desktop calendar showcasing the positive impact Free the Children is having around the globe. These calendars can be branded with corporate logos allowing them to be used as promotional items. “Companies routinely purchase branded merchandise for their staff, clients and as giveaways. It’s my hope that enough companies will direct some of those funds to this project and allow us to achieve our goal” says Ben. By selling the calendars for $20 each and donating all profits to Free the Children, Sundial must sell 70,000 units to reach our goal.
Ben Block and Sundial were recently featured in a national article discussing small businesses and their owners. The feature profiled the founding of Sundial as a “one man show” and its steady growth. Printed in Edmonton, Vancouver, Saskatoon and Montreal, Sundial would like to thank CanWest and the reporter Bill Mah for the opportunity.
See the article online at http://www.canada.com/edmontonjournal/news/story.html?id=2f8dcd78-bc41-4877-a96d-8316d87d9966.
Sundial is proud to announce the launch of a sister company Sundial Publishing. As the publisher of “Commercial Space” and “Canadian Foreign Investor” magazines it was time the publishing branch of the business took on a life of its own. While the Sundial design and production team still supports both publications, the new company will be focused on marketing, editoral, ad sales and new opportunities.
“We are very excited to see our publishing endeavors expand” comments Ben Block, company President. “‘Commercial Space’ was a great learning experience over the past several issues and with it’s increasing success we look forward to ‘Canadian Foreign Investor’ to our portfolio”.
Check it out online at www.sundialpublishing.com.
Ok…there’s a rope involved…don’t get too excited! We just needed your attention. J
Ben Block, the Founder and Director of Sundial, has just registered for the Drop Zone www.thedropzone.ca and will be repelling off the Sutton Place Hotel on Sept. 8 in support of Easter Seals. Although we found out about this operation a little late in the game but we’ve decided to aim high for the company fundraising goal. Presently Easter Seals is only 33% of the way toward their goal of $75,000 with just over 3 weeks left. Since they still have a ways to go we are hoping to directly raise at least $3,750 or 5% of their total. With time running short we could use your support to reach this goal for a great cause.
Money raised from the Drop Zone will help Albertans with disabilities and special needs get the equipment they need to live a more independent life. It also supports the Easter Seals Camp Horizon in Bragg Creek. For more information on their programs and services, please check out their website at www.easterseals.ab.ca.
Secure online donations can be made with your credit card and an electronic tax receipt will be sent to you by email at: http://my.e2rm.com/personalPage.aspx?SID=1903545. Otherwise, in person cash or cheque donations can be made as well and we can arrange for a tax receipt manually.
If you are able to lend any support it would be greatly appreciated, otherwise thank you for your time and wish him luck. J
Thanks,
The Sundial Team