Call for Entries: Fourth Annual UNIVATOR Awards Now Underway

ONLINE ENTRY FORM.... available here

The end of summer not only marks a return to school and structure, but here at UniformMarket it also signals the beginning of our quest to find the best and most innovative ideas, programs, products and services created over the past year. In short, it marks our first call for entries in UniformMarket’s annual UNIVATOR awards, a competition which honors you – the manufacturers and distributors of uniforms, identity and school apparel.

UNIVATOR is one of the few awards programs out there that recognizes the accomplishments of individual companies, both big and small. Past winners have ranged from the nationally known industry powerhouse Cintas, to smaller, regionally-based firms.

As in the past, this year’s winners will be featured in the January online issue of UniformMarket, as well as the Spring/Summer edition of Made to Measure Magazine. A press release announcing the results will also be issued to various media outlets, thereby increasing your exposure and marketing possibilities.

What does it take to win a UNIVATOR? What do we look for? In a nutshell, creativity, something that sets you apart from others in your market space. Listed below are a few examples:

Product Innovation - have you launched a product which has taken the industry or a specific market segment by storm? Have you breathed life into a tired, old product, effectively making it new again? Have you taken an existing product, introduced it into a non-traditional market, thereby growing the business for all?

Website Design and E-commerce – have you recently redesigned your website, making it truly user-friendly? Has the addition of e-commerce capabilities added to your bottom line? Have you used online technology in a new or unusual way to grow your business?

Customer Service – These days, customer not only expect competitive prices, but they also demand outstanding customer service? How do you service the customer? Have you produced programs that not only retain customers, but bring in new ones?

Crisis Management – Has your company recently undergone a crisis which was effectively resolved? Have you turned bad publicity around, or have you fought off attacks about a particular product or practice?

Marketing and Public Relations - Do you have marketing or public relations program by which you measure success? Have you produced an in-store campaign which has driven sales? Do you have a holiday or other targeted marketing campaign which has worked well? How have your marketing efforts benefited your customers, the industry and your company?

Program Design and Implementation – Have you produced an end user program which reinforces the brand or takes the market in a new direction? Have you enhanced your customers’ image by creating a suitable, identifiable look? Have you brought non-traditional wearers into the uniform marketplace?

The above should not be viewed as a finite list and are also given as suggestions to spark your creativity. Other scenarios exist and are limited only by your imagination!

Can your company make the cut? Are you UNIVATOR worthy? To find out, simply complete the entry form, send the supporting materials back to UniformMarket via email or traditional mail.

Deadline for Entries: Friday, November 30, 2007

Remember, all winners will appear in the January online edition of UniformMarket and the Spring/Summer print edition of Made to Measure Magazine.

Don’t just create. UNIVATE. Send us your entries today!

Questions? Contact Jackie at Jackie@uniformmarket.com

ONLINE ENTRY FORM.... available here