Press Releases

Photo Caption: 1157 designconcepts designed and built this curved wall display for the NASCAR Hall of Fame Museum that opened this past year in Charlotte, North Carolina. The prominent display for corporate and individual members includes pictures of the first Hall of Fame inductees as well as other historic NASCAR images

In spite of a 2010 economy that failed to gain much upward momentum through the year, 1157 designconcepts was able to realize positive gains in its business, notes Evelyn Flock, company President and CEO.

Her report follows: 1157 designconcepts is the donor recognition vendor of choice for more than 2,500 major colleges, leading medical centers and hospitals, museums and other not-for-profit organizations throughout the United States and Canada. With its roots in the community tracing back for over half a century, the company designs and builds donor walls for capital campaigns and giving programs, as well as hall of fame displays, history walls, interactive kiosks and a broad range of recognition plaques. Since charitable giving has sustainably slowed over the past several years, there has been less recognition activity which in turn has presented challenges for the company.

Additionally, 2010 was the first full year for the company without its beloved founder, Joe Rudy, who died suddenly in November, 2009. However, the company was able to rise above these adversities and flat sales for the first half of 2010 turned to unprecedented performance in the last half of the year. In fact, October shipments were the highest in the history of the company.

The focus of the year was on controlling expenses while expanding the company’s sales network in key markets throughout the United States. By yearend, the company had put in place an experienced and knowledgeable sales team that is poised to take advantage of a rebound in recognition activity as it occurs going forward. In addition, Bruce Eschmeyer joined the company as its new Operations Manager. Bruce brought with him a wealth of knowledge and experience in the company’s markets and strong leadership skills that will serve the company well as it continues to grow.

During 2011, the company plans to introduce significant enhancements to its interactive product line that incorporates computer touch screens into interactive displays that invite the viewer to get involved with the system. Capital improvements are also planned in both the design and production area that will strengthen the company’s ability to provide cutting edge display solutions for its customers. Without the unified cooperation, unprecedented effort and unwavering support of all of our people, the successes we have had and our ability to maintain viability through tragic adversity would not have been possible. The company is well positioned to take advantage of opportunities as they develop, and if the upward trend from the end of 2010 continues, activity for the year should be improved.

The company is located at 171 S. Lester Avenue, Sidney, OH 45365.