Moore Exposure ranks the 31st best place to work out of more than 22,000 distributors of promotional products and awards, according to the Advertising Specialty Institute – the largest media and marketing organization serving this nearly $20 billion industry.

Of particular note, Moore Exposure is the only ranked firm with a team dedicated to serving U.S. military clients. The firm ranked the 10th best place to work among distributors in the southeastern United States.

 Moore Exposure ranked 42nd overall in North America when factoring in several thousand manufacturers and suppliers of promotional products along with distributors like Moore Exposure. 

 The Best Places to Work initiative involved an in-depth survey process developed by Counselor magazine and Quantum Workplace. The process began in March with more than 250 companies completing the initial nomination process.

 Every employee in each company completed a 37-question survey about their work experience in 10 different areas:

* Team effectiveness

* Retention risk (employee loyalty)

* Alignment with goals (does employee understand goals of company?)

* Trust with coworkers

* Individual contribution (does the company adequately recognize employees?)

* Manager effectiveness

* Trust in senior leaders

* Feeling valued (does the company invest in employee success?)

* Satisfaction with current role

* People practices (satisfaction with company benefits)

Weighing each question evenly, Quantum scored all of the responses and then presented Counselor magazine with a ranking of all the companies that qualified for inclusion in the program. Counselor then took the top 75 companies from Quantum’s scored rankings and is honoring those organizations as this year’s Best Places to Work in the ad specialty industry.

 Submitted on behalf of the entire Moore Exposure team

Pantone colors are created using the Pantone Matching System and most are identified with a PMS matching number. For instance, the correct colors for the American flag are red 200, blue 280, and pure white, which has no number.

These color codes are used by advertising companies, graphic artists and printers to ensure that every logo and design is produced as it is meant to be. Moore Exposure provides its customers with art proofs that list the PMS colors for each promotional graphic.

Source: Advertising Specialties Institute

 My initial expectation of an internship at Moore Exposure was that I would be working for a promotional marketing company, focusing primarily on business advertising through retail products. While this was more or less the case, I was unaware, however, of the in-house division of target segments- civilian and military.

 Adding to this unexpected discovery was my observation of the physical layout of the office itself, with all military-focused personnel situated on one side and the civilian staff on the other. It appears to be a house divided.

 Commanding the military sales force is Steven, overseeing and working in partnership with his teammates, Jessica and Jack. Together, these three tackle the duty of servicing the U.S. military and defense businesses.

 They are known throughout the world, among other things, for their commemorative medallions known in the military as challenge coins. Never have I witnessed or fathomed such meticulously detailed orders. However, each order, regardless of its depth or breadth, is handled as priority one. Day after day, I observed a humble sense of pride. They are delighted to serve those who selflessly protect and serve our country.

 On the opposite side of the building is a team who serves businesses, schools and other non-military organizations. Guiding this crew is Jean with Ninette, Sweetie, Sharlae, and Matt supporting her efforts.

 This quintet routinely faces a boundless market, providing promotional tools for more businesses and types of businesses than my fingers could physically type out. Orders that seemed off-the-wall and confusing to me were accomplished in stride. The civilian-targeted staff members truly rely on the team to complete almost every job, often using each other as a sounding board and resource.

 If Steven’s side of the office marches with a sense of patriotic enthusiasm, Jean’s domain parades through each week thoroughly enjoying what it is they do, making work as fun as I’ve ever witnessed it to be. The relief to Moore Exposure’s juxtaposing office layout and market segments is the overwhelming camaraderie among all personnel. I’ve said it once, and I’ll repeat it again: The Moore Exposure staff truly is a family.

 This is my unembellished account of Moore Exposure – divided in mission, but united in one goal to serve every customer so well they never want to go anywhere else. My supervisor has completed my internship evaluation, so the gloves are off. Alas, only positive recollections and observations remain and can be reported. I speak the truth. Lest you forget, I was unpaid … remember?

 I entered this internship leery of what I would actually take away from it. I departed with a wealth of knowledge, nine dear friends, and one incredible mentor. Many, many thanks to all of you for making my summer a special and memorable one.

 Chris Barbee

Chris Barbee is currently a senior Retail Management major at the University of South Carolina. He will graduate in December 2010. Chris was a summer intern with Moore Exposure, and did a three part blog series about the life of an unpaid intern.

The ASOM, located in downtown Fayetteville, is one of the most prominent landmarks in our city. The museum is a part of the US Army museum system but is also partnered with a non-profit foundation.

Several Moore Exposure employees, family members and friends turned out for the 5K event – all in uniform, proudly sporting a Moore Exposure tee shirt made especially for this race. Everyone finished the race in good time, including employee Sweetie Stewart who pushed her granddaughter in a stroller the whole way.

Not only was this an opportunity to show patriotism, but also a show of civic duty and pride for the city of Fayetteville.  In wearing our company tee shirts, we wanted to display our solidarity in how much everyone at Moore Exposure cares about our military and our community.

In the ASOM’s front yard were more than a thousand American flags – a Field of Honor with each flag tagged in honor or in memory of a service member. Not surprisingly, Moore Exposure was a major sponsor of this event as well.

It was uplifting to see the masses of runners and spectators who came out in droves to support the museum. I was certainly proud to be a part of the fundraiser and equally proud of my counterparts from Moore Exposure.

Jack Daniels, Military Consultant

jack@mooreexposure.com

Jack Daniels is a former infantryman and Special Forces Operator who served with the 3d Special Forces Group (Airborne) in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

The Moore Building before renovations started.

The Moore Building has received the Best Revitalization of a Non-Residential Property award by the Fayetteville-Cumberland County joint appearance commission. Our project was one of five considered for the award.

The Moore Builidng after renovations were completed.

Moore Exposure’s headquarters building also was one of four properties nominated for Best Green Project. That award went to the Public Works Commission.

Also housed in the Moore Building are Sustainable Sandhills and G&E Advisor. Space for lease is still available. For information about leasing space, call Steven Moore at (910) 486-8021.

 At Moore Exposure, I’ve witnessed a “team” approach where every employee is able to fill in for of his or her co-workers. Even in the absence of one or more staff members, work continues.

For instance, it’s not uncommon for Matt or Sharlae to venture from their respective desks in response to apron-clad Ninette’s cry for help in the stock room. Both Matt and Sharlae can check in and process packages. On the other side of the office, Steven, Jack, and Jessica are constantly in and out of each other’s offices. Every employee takes a teamwork approach in assisting customers.

Success within these walls is not measured by individual achievements. It’s evaluated by satisfaction in knowing that the Moore Exposure team did everything to deliver great customer service and a quality product. You might think I’m exaggerating the extraordinary teamwork exuded by my adopted summer kin. But, I’m not. If anything, I’m envious of their innate abilities. Plus, why would I lie? I’m unpaid…remember?

Chris Barbee is currently a senior Retail Management major at the University of South Carolina. He will graduate in December 2010. Chris is a summer intern with Moore Exposure, and will be doing a four part blog series about the life of an unpaid intern.

 Caps, mugs, bags, and shirts. When decorated with your logo, do they leave a lasting impression on your target market? An in-depth research report says they do, and that corporate awards may work better than any other advertising specialty.

 A recent industry survey asked recipients of promotional products if they were likely to do business with the advertiser. Here are some of the findings:

 Nearly 70 percent who received a logoed cap, mug, bag or shirt said they were likely to do business with the advertiser. However, the recipients of corporate awards bested the field with 77 percent saying that they were likely to do business with the advertiser.

 This news is especially good for employers who use awards as a tool to help retain high-quality employees. Corporations of all sizes, as well as military and government outfits, use awards to motivate and retain employees. Rewarding high sales production and recognizing excellent service are two examples of how organizations use awards.

 Non-profit organizations can use this information, too. This market segment uses awards to motivate donors and recognize volunteers, both of which are vital to their existence.

 Of course, there is an art to selecting the right product for each advertisers’ target audience. The award does not have to be of high value or expensive, but it has to be a quality product or else the message will be lost. A low-quality award would likely result in a negative reaction – the opposite of what the advertiser intended.

 Product options in the award market number in the thousands. To help you select the one that will work best for your organization is why we’re here.

 Steven Moore, co-owner of Moore Exposure, has 28 years of experience in sales, marketing and promotions. He can be reached at steven@mooreexposure.com or (910) 486-8021.

It took little time for me to learn Moore Exposure’s top priority- Customer Service. From the first minute of the first day I began my internship, I witnessed samples returned to vendors, embroidery and art proofs returned to their places of origin, and Jean, on several occasions, boldly decree in her best authoritarian voice, “I will NOT stand for my customers receiving anything but the BEST quality work out there!” Likewise,  during the Friday staff meeting, Jean and/or Steven beat the dead horse of the importance of customer service as it relates to forming lasting relationships with our clientele and to the overall success of the business. Think I’m fabricating this or stroking egos for personal gain? Think again. I’m unpaid…remember?

Resting on a shelf in the front office, a modest yet conspicuous sign reads, “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” While this quotation literally refers to price points, within the verdantly restored walls of Moore Exposure, quality is characterized by one’s effort in and exuberance for serving a customer. No other issue trumps this golden rule of sorts at 215 Williams St. Never have I witnessed a single employee pull up lame at any point prior to the extra mile.

Through this outsider’s inside view, the truth is seen. Make no mistake about it- the staff here truly, truly cares about each and every one of its customers. Dare you call balderdash on me? Try me. I’m unpaid…remember?

Chris Barbee is currently a senior Retail Management major at the University of South Carolina. He will graduate in December 2010. Chris is a summer intern with Moore Exposure, and will be doing a four part blog series about the life of an unpaid intern.

Beach towels can have one of the largest imprint areas of any promotional item. With numerous colors available and multiple decoration options, a beach towel could make your promotion truly unique.

If you are looking for the most unique summer promotion, consider flip flops. You can choose the sole and band color to match your logo colors, plus you get three imprint areas, including a 1-color imprint on the band and up to four colors on the sole. The icing on the cake, however, is the cutout on the bottom of the sole that leaves a promotional trail in the sand.

A more functional promotion is the cooler, which can come in wide variety of colors and designs. Whether you want a cooler to hold a six-pack or one that has a folding chair attached, these items will carry your logo from summer outdoor concerts to the fall sporting events.

Finally, have some fun and send your logo outside to play ball. Whether on the beach, at the park or in your backyard, a sport ball is a fun summer essential. From footballs to soccer balls to dodge balls, we can find a way to see that you score with your target market.   

Jessica Showalter graduated from Salem College in 2006 with a degree in Communication with a concentration in marketing and advertising. She is the proud wife of a soldier. Jessica has been with Moore Exposure since 2008.

As a military spouse, I know your struggles. I know that today somewhere in the world there is a spouse celebrating a birthday or anniversary without their spouse and possibly hundreds of miles from their family. A wife is trying to help her son learn how to hold a bat knowing that her husband would do a better job. Just to name a few of the ever-present everyday struggles that these amazing people deal with.

These brave women and men stand behind our American military every day – supporting them, loving them, and missing them, plus keeping everything at home running smoothly.  Fortunately, they are not alone because all around the world military spouses join together to form incredible bonds and friendships. Men and women from all walks of life come together with one thing in common – their spouse’s job – and build friendships that will last a lifetime.

Why? It’s all for the love of a soldier. Yes, we feel that we are supporting our country in a small way, but at the end of the day, it’s all about supporting my soldier.

Fayetteville, NC, is a unique town full of civilians and businesses that go above and beyond to support the local military. On a personal note, I am so blessed to work for a company that open-heartedly supports soldiers and their spouses. I will forever be grateful for the support that I receive from my Moore Exposure family.

So today, all of us at Moore Exposure simply say thank you for all that you do! We proudly support our military and their families!

Jessica Showalter graduated from Salem College in 2006 with a degree in Communication with a concentration in marketing and advertising. She is the proud wife of a soldier. Jessica has been with Moore Exposure since 2008.