Incentive - March 2008 - (Page 64)

AWARDS Waterford Ballet Ribbon Dinnerware Collection (l) and the Willoughby Plate from Pickard China (r) is durable and stylish. Crate and Barrel’s signature chic designs vary from modern to classic. And at price points to accommodate companies of all sizes for employees at all levels, its tight packaging and presentation is getting notice in offices all over. turned customized photo frames are among Crate and Barrel’s more popular sells. “A lot of the decanters come in hand-blown or unusual shapes,” Kelley says. “Things like this are decorative and functional.” She agrees that for tableware and drinkware in recogni- “What’s important is an assortment to fit all different budgets.” –Jeffrey Fina, of Michael C. Fina Pat Kelley, manager of public sales for Crate and Barrel, says that the demand for practical but elegant recognition rewards is evident through their customers’ routine item selection. Crate and Barrel offers an alternative to high-end lead crystal. Kelley mentions the glassware possibilities—hand-pressed, molded glass tumblers, smoky glass, basic or hand-blown. Says Kelley, “[Crate and Barrel] offers such a great selection of both classic and seasonal, colorful things. There’s always something fresh and new to see.” With a wide assortment to please almost any great employee, Crate and Barrel’s theme gifts suit many occasions. Barware sets that include glasses, and coasters tion programs, practical is in. The seasonal hot-chocolate- and coffeethemed china mugs are popular in corporate sales, says Kelley. “The thought process is that it’s a great family gift and a really nice employee recognition gift.” Although Crate and Barrel has lines of both porcelain and bone china, they are not regularly sold to corporate incentive customers. Michael C. Fina is a New York–based employee recognition company that serves clients such as IBM, UPS, Bank of America, Pfizer and Wachovia, according to its Web site. Vice President Jeffrey Fina spoke to Incentive about the use of the crystal and china rewards that are classified as “heir- loom” in its merchandise catalogs. Heirloom gifts will always be included in Michael C. Fina catalogs because “it is important for [them] to be part of an entire assortment,” says Fina. The company offers roughly 20 catalogs at varying price points, with 64 items per catalog. Fina says they offer a wide selection of crystal at even “entry-level price points,” including crystal stemware, vases and bowls. Fina, whose programs reach millions across the country, says the company offers brands like Waterford, Baccarat, Wallace, Oneida, Orrefors and Kosta Boda. “What’s important is an assortment to fit all different budgets. [The programs are] cost-centric,” says Fina. It is unlikely that Shang Dynasty traders saw the motivation potential in their porcelain stocks. But, if primitive china could inspire pan-continental treks, it would surely have long-lasting allure. Chinaware and crystal are among the most significant gifts an employee can wish for. So remember: In the no-nonsense culture of today, convenience is valued. While desk ornaments, like crystal timepieces or ceramic figures, are exquisitely decorative, employees and bosses are asking for even their top luxury rewards to be user-friendly. 64 | Incentive | March 2008 | incentivemag.com http://incentivemag.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Incentive - March 2008

Incentive - March 2008 Contents Editor’s Note: Delivering on Diversity In The News Cover Story: Leveraging Diversity in the Workplace Incentive Interview: Paul Levesque on Why Awards Fail Case Study: AEIS’ Max!-imum Incentive Program Mine Employees’ Creativity with Innovation Incentives Incentive Must-Reads The Third Annual Gift Card Roundtable My Turn: Motivation or Bribery? Everybody Get Together In Her Shoes: Why Bosses Should Be Flexible Incentive Primer: Passport Problem-Solving potentials Here and Now Is CES Electronics Heaven? China and Crystal: More Than a Pretty Face Travel News Florida: What’s New on the Beach? Smooth Sailing for Incentive Cruising Come To Hawaii And Take It Fast Last Word: But Enough About You

Incentive - March 2008

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