The Academy Awards at eTapestry

Jay Love — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 20:11:00 GMT

Near the end of every year at eTapestry, we gather together to bestow our own very special version of the Oscars. This annual tradition revolves around the awarding the Spirit of eTapestry Award and the naming of our Associate of the Year. We do not have the Red Carpet arrival scene for opening entertainment, however we hold our own by inviting in and supporting the Lawrence Central High School performing show choir. This award winning group in its own right always sets the stage with a few numbers from their upcoming winter show mixed in with a few holiday classics. Seeing such top notch kids performing at such a high level brings a smile to everyone’s face.

We next highlight all of the charitable endeavors of our eTapestry division of Blackbaud. One of the first items I discussed with Blackbaud CEO Marc Chardon is the continuation and enhancement of such traditions as we became part of Blackbaud. Like so many other key areas, the folks at Blackbaud not only met, but actually exceeded our expectations here. Through Blackbaud’s charitable arm we have steadily increased philanthropic functions to now include nearly every employee on multiple occasions throughout the year. For more please click here.

Just like the Academy Awards, once the preliminaries are over, the stage is set for the awards we all came to see. Next on the docket is the Spirit of eTapestry Award. Here is a little background on this honor. We created it as a way to thank and recognize individuals outside of the company who have played a role in helping our business grow and improve. The award also represents the values that we wanted our company to be built on – Quality, Service, Integrity, Teamwork, Trust, and Fun. Those who receive the honor receive a statue of the flag-raising at Iwo Jima. This event was a significant victory in 1945 during WWII. It is an appropriate symbol for several reasons. First it represents outstanding achievement and commitment – the victory at Iwo Jima by the USMC helped bring to conclusion the Second World War. Second, it is a symbol of teamwork – the climb to the top of Mount Suribachi was dangerous and tortuous and required a team effort to achieve success. Third, it served as an inspiration to others – the sight of the US flag flying atop the island re-energized the troops.

And finally, it serves as a reminder of eTapestry’s original location on a retired army base Fort Harrison.

Our winners have ranged from our very first customer, to professional advisers, to major customers, to mentors, to investors and of course numerous business partners. In 2008, we recognized one of our largest customers who have been part of our family for several years. Like so many of our customers who are constantly improving upon their fund raising results, they helped to push us forward in so many innovative ways. For more information about Cornerstone University please click here.

Our final award(s) revolve around our individual star performers. The past winners of our Associate of the Year award are sort of the Who’s Who of eTapestry. Most of them are names quite familiar to most reading this blog. I would be remiss if I did not mention them all. They include: Mike Rusche, Scott Hedrick, Rick Radcliff, Chip Muston, Alice Baun, Wayne Robbins, Josh Esslinger, Doug Stevens, Greg DeaKyne, Melissa Allen, Becky Marcum, Rob Signorelli and Steve Payne.

This year we had two winners who impacted our business in huge, but separate ways. First, Kim Hammer, our manager of customer support who lives to improve customer satisfaction by her deeds and those on her team. I am sure any of you who are customers reading this entry will instantly recognize her and her commitment to excellence.

Next, we wrapped up our version of the academy awards with one of the leaders and key contributors on our sales team. Susan Ingram has literally succeeded at just about every role we have in eTapestry sales. From her initial start in existing customer sales to new account sales to sales manager to international/partner sales. She has climbed to the pinnacles of success in each endeavor.

As you can tell by the picture below, Susan and Kim’s smiles as well as their "can do" spirit are quite infectious. Hollywood better watch out for these two!

So, although I will enjoy the upcoming Academy Awards with all of its unique pomp and circumstance, I will also smile and think of the special eTapestry version from this past December...

The Jay Love Blog : awards

The Academy Awards at eTapestry