Today should be known as ‘Feelgood Friday’ as PG Buzz is sharing the nominations for the wonderful individuals in our greeting card community who have been put forward by friends and colleagues in the trade to receive a surprise treat either to say thanks, to cheer them up or just in acknowledgement of the important role they play in their life.
Looking to spread some joy, Max Media Group (which owns PG Buzz, Progressive Greetings and several other trade magazines), felt compelled to join in with Random Acts of Kindness Day, which fell on Wednesday just gone. An emailer was sent out to all PG Buzz recipients asking for names of industry buddies who would be deserving of a surprise treat.
Here, PG Buzz shares snippets from some of the lovely heartfelt nominations…
Rosy James, creative director and co-owner of Papagrazi – “Rosy is such a warm, wonderful and amazing friend and also industry buddy. However tough things have been she has just kept herself so positive and strong. She definitely deserves a lovely treat! XXX”
Tony Roberts, sales director of IC&G – “Tony is retiring next month without the proper industry send-off that he so deserves, due to the lockdown. He will be so missed and has been such a help and good friend to many over the years.”
Jackie Humphrey, owner of Dragonfly, Cheam – “Nothing is too much trouble for Jackie! She looks after her shop customers brilliantly, and also always look after the reps and agents who call on her! There is never a shortage of tea and biscuits when I visit, and they even offer me delicious chocolates from their Belgian chocolate counter! During lockdown I have contacted lots of customers to keep in touch and see how they are doing, but Jackie is one of the few that has actually contacted me, to see how I am doing, which is so kind of her. In my opinion she is an absolute star!”
Penny Shaw, marketing director of Cardgains – “It’s been like the hokey cokey for Penny this last year being in and out of furlough as well as some other tough stuff to deal with but she has done it with a smile on her face and an arm around the indies customers who need more support than ever before. I for one appreciate all she does.”
Linzi Kelly, owner of Southsea Rock – “Linzi’s is a small independent business which has struggled through Covid, but she always had the time to say a kind word on Instagram and have been very supportive generally.”
Andy Teesdale, territory manager of Noel Tatt – “Andy is such a lovely person and always makes us smile. We’d love a surprise to be sent to him.”
Steve Smith, buyer of Gardners, Eastbourne – “Steve is an unbelievably helpful and kind buyer who has been working from home for the last year on all but one day a fortnight when he goes into the office. He is utterly professional and nothing is ever too much trouble.”
Tara Hills, graphic designer for Carte Blanche Greetings – “Tara sends me little messages while we have been working from home during lockdown, just to check how I am. It may not sound like much, but it means so much when you are sat on your own day in day out. It’s nice to know someone is thinking of you. It’s always the little things that count and mean so much.”
David Robertson, managing director of JP Pozzi, Elgin and Buckie
“Despite having put in countless long hours running his business, he has always made time for others. His columns in PG have provided so much comfort – telling us that it is okey to not be okey during all this. He deserves a treat and a few hours off!”
Tony Cotterell, studio manager of Words ‘n’ Wishes – “Tony’s a jolly good fella, lovely friend and the best trade show dinner date. We have missed so many dinners and G&Ts recently that some making up in the form of a random act of kindness would be a beautiful thing!”
Natalie Taylor, marketing manager of Calendar Club – “Natalie is such a lovely person to work with. She is so hardworking and so helpful. She always cheers me up when we have our catch-ups so she deserves a little treat to say thank you.”
Sarah Laker, owner of Stationery Supplies, Marple – “Sarah deserves a surprise treat in recognition for her charity work; for opening a second shop during lockdown; for being a kind friend throughout the pandemic (always being there to raise a glass with or shed a tear with); for championing other small businesses and for having immense amounts of energy!”
Mark and Leona Janson-Smith, co-owners of Postmark
“They have been fantastically upbeat, at least on the outside, throughout the pandemic, always going the extra mile!”
Fiona Kennedy of The Pitshanger Bookshop, London – “Fiona is a sole trader working all hours to keep her bookshop afloat in these crazy times – Fiona is just a super human being.”
Ann Rivett, member of UK Greetings’ sales team – “Ann is one of our lovely reps and agents we have looking after our account. She has not had an easy of it personally during the pandemic so we would love her to receive a little pick me up.”
Tracey Bryant, co-owner of Expressions (Swindon), Cats Whiskers (Bishops Cleeve) and Polkadot (Keynsham) – “Tracey is always so supportive on the phone and by message. She’s someone you can be honest with and not fear what she’ll think!”
Steven Prunsinski-Stills of The Happy Chappo – “Steven remains positive and spreads joy with his illustrations and fundraising for some amazing charities. Steven definitely deserves a little surprise to make him smile :)”
Lizzie Sladen, buyer of John Lewis partnership
“Lizzie is a great manager and really deserves a surprise thank you treat. 2020 was really tough for lots of reasons, but day in day out despite the challenges, she faces everything with positivity and has provided a huge amount of support to all – from hosting fitness Zoom calls to posting surprise treats. I now think it’s her turn to be recognised for how great she’s been! Thank you.”
Peta King, owner of Kings Framers, Lewes – “Always has a cheerful attitude despite all the lockdown problems. She has offered Click & Collect to customers and always go out of there to give customer satisfaction.”
All nominees’ names received from the greeting card community (as well as those from Max Media’s other sectors, including gifts, housewares, party, preschool and licensing) are to be ‘put in a hat’ and 10 will be picked at random with the treats to be sent next week.
Top: There’s lots of love and mutual respect in the greeting card community.
