Joe Suss, MacPherson’s Sales Representative Extraordinaire:
It’s with sadness that I announce that Joe Suss will be leaving MacPherson’s on February 15th. Joe has worked here since 1993 and his territory was one of our first expansion moves into the eastern United States. The accomplishments in his time with the company would fill a book, but what “Joe PA”, as we affectionately refer to him, is really known for is a great sense of humor, rare wit and a big heart. I know I speak for everyone when we say he will be missed!
– Steve Robinson, Sales VP, MacPherson’s
Here is a note Joe wanted us to send out to everyone:
I want to thank my customers and everyone at MacPherson’s for their help and support. I’ve been in art distribution for 32 years, the past 15 ½ with MacPherson’s and have enjoyed every minute. Everyone at MacPherson’s was phenomenal at helping me work with my accounts to grow their business and resolve problems. One of the great attributes of MacPherson’s is their commitment to the success of their employees and business partners.
Any success I had in sales could not have been achieved without my customers. It was an honor and privilege to work with them. I truly feel we worked together to help each other be successful. I’m leaving with great memories of my time in the art industry and wish everybody happiness and success in their business and lives.
Regards,
Joe
Check out the local Philly TV News where Jay Thomson’s Sherman Mills Art Supply has been involved in good works delivering donations to art products starved middle school students. The result? Teachers are able to concentrate on real creativity instead of doing without or pinching pennies! Way to go Jay! Click here to watch the video: Fresh Art Philadelphia
Krylon is offering Art Student Scholarships:
For over 60 years, Krylon® has been the choice of fine artists for the preservation of priceless artwork. We’re proud to be their choice. Now it’s Krylon’s turn to make a choice. A choice to ensure the future of fine arts remains strong. And for that, Krylon chooses you.
In an effort to help art students with the soaring costs of tuition while contributing to the fine arts establishment, Krylon is awarding five $1,000 Krylon Clear Choice Art scholarships to future fine artists and giving ten students a gift package of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives. In addition, the art program at each winner’s school will receive a $500 grant and a large gift package of Krylon Artist Sprays and Adhesives. Click here for more details and the downloadable application form: Krylon Scholarship Program
Michaels Stores, Inc. announced on January 26 that it had reached an agreement with Tata Consultancy Services, based in India, to “co-source” various functions, initially including portions of the retailer’s Information Technology, Information Services and Accounts Payable functions. In related news, Michaels will lay off approximately 100 employees at its corporate headquarters in Irving.
Canson has hired Max Bowers to manage sales for its expanding line of art inkjet papers called Infinity. The line features precoated standards such as Mi-Teintes, Montval and BFK papers and will be launched in the fine art channel in late February.
Best wishes to Bob Brown, former head of Daler Rowney USA as he recovers from cancer related surgery.
We are sending our best thoughts and prayers to Nora Hackenberg of Artist and Display Supply, Inc. in Milwaukie, WI for a quick recovery from a recent accident.
Bob Overpeck, well regarded “Road Warrior” Art Rep and former principal at the long defunct and iconic west coast art supply wholesaler Duncan Vail passed away on November 26th.
Consumers Plan For Cupid On The Cheap: This Valentine’s Day, consumers will focus more on cards and kisses, less on restaurants and candy. A new survey from the National Retail Federation shows that while spending will be down, shoppers will look for ways to be creative in inexpensive ways like making their own Valentines and cooking romantic meals at home.
Newell Rubbermaid Inc., the Atlanta parent of Sanford, reported a fourth-quarter loss of $256.7 million versus a year-earlier profit on 12% lower sales. The company reduced its quarterly dividend to 10.5 cents a share.
Ulf G. Linden, respected Swedish industrialist and owner and chairman of Beckers, the parent of ColArt International passed away of a heart attack on January 3rd. He was 71 years old. Our most sincere condolences to the family and his daughter Jenny Linden Urnes who succeeded Mr. Linden as the group’s chairperson last year.
The MacPherson’s team spans the globe in search of great products and programs. In this photo taken at the Paperworld show in Frankfurt, Frank Stapleton, Kathy Johnson and Lisa Slauson meet with the Lyra Pencil team to develop marketing programs supporting our continued distribution of one of the worlds finest sketching products.
CPSC Delays Enforcement of CPSIA: On Friday January 30, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission issued a one-year stay of enforcement of the new standards included in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Some of the new, stricter standards relating to lead and phthalates content in children’s products were to go into effect Feb. 10. The Commission’s website said, “The stay of enforcement provides some temporary, limited relief to the crafters, children’s garment manufacturers and toy makers who had been subject to the testing and certification required under the CPSIA. Read the complete statement: www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html.
Artist Mercantile will no longer import and market Schmincke Fine Art Products in the USA. In a letter to customers Artist Mercantile’s head David Ingraham wrote “the current economic conditions, including the
continuing weak dollar, make our business model unsustainable.” Just in! Chartpak will assume the exclusive distribution of Schmincke going forward. In the photo are the key signatories(from left to right):Michael Hammer of Hammer and Associates (one of Chartpak’s rep groups), Markus Baumgart of H. Schmincke & Co., Nils Knappe of H. Schmincke & Co., Steven W. Roth, President, Chartpak, Inc., and Thomas J. Richards, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Chartpak, Inc.
The Artist’s Studio in Brookings, OR has decided to close their doors.
Best wishes to Nora Hackenberg of Artist and Display Supply, Inc. in Milwaukie who is recovering from a nasty ankle accident.