The Printing Co. Turns '25 in 2012!', Gives Back

Jason Coalter, President of The Printing Co., receives an award presented by his employees in honor of the company's 25th year.

The Printing Co. is celebrating turning "25 in 2012!" But unlike most birthday parties where the guest of honor receives gifts, the company intends to give back all year long in a 'Birthday Gift Give-Back' to the communities it serves: Cape Girardeau, Perryville and Farmington.

According to Jason Coalter, President of The Printing Co., "We are very grateful to the people in each of our markets who have contributed to our growth. We have grown from a small shop in South Cape with a single printing press and copy machine to a multi-market printer with full-service solutions. Our twenty-fifth birthday celebration gives us a perfect opportunity to thank the people and communities that have helped us get here."

Just over a year ago, Cape Girardeau Printing Co. purchased Blake Graphic Arts in Farmington, having added a Perryville location in 2007. This began the process of transforming the company name and brand to The Printing Co. to reflect the company's geographic expansion and product diversity. Even the pronunciation is different, with the traditional abbreviation of company being pronounced "koh." Coalter adds, "Our new tag line, 'More than ink on paper,' doesn't just reflect the many services and products we provide. It's also because we build solid relationships with our customers that we really value, and we are always giving back to the people who have given us this incredible opportunity. When I look at my life, it's taking advantage of opportunity. You don't' know how many will come your way, so don't waste them and don't waste your relationships."

The 'Birthday Gift Give-Back' celebration began in Perryville in January with The Printing Co. and key customers donating folders to the Perryville elementary schools. In February The Printing Co. supported SADI in Cape and Perryville by donating promotional flyers and gift cards for the organization's candy bouquets and printing flyers for Discovery Playhouse in Cape. This summer area golfers may recognize the company's Margarita Mobile, a golf cart-turned tiki hut The Printing Co. donates to many regional fundraising tourneys at the cost of nearly $1,000 a tournament when drinks and labor are factored in. Coalter explains, "The Printing Co. has a history of giving significant donations to various causes, including the American Cancer Society, The March of Dimes, many public and private schools, and a whole lot more. But this year in addition to helping the people who ask us, we're being more proactive in actually offering donations to make our twenty-fifth year especially memorable."

Company president and founder, Ted Coalter, established Cape Girardeau Printing Company in 1987. At the time he was the only employee, managing all sales and print production. Now the company has offices in Cape, Perryville and Farmington and just under 20 employees that include several print specialists and sales representatives dedicated to each market. His son remarks, "Being familiar with starting things from scratch, The Printing Co. came from nothing the same way my dad came from a poor family. As any small entrepreneur knows, starting a business is not easy. In fact it can be hell at times--late nights, working seven days a week. When I think of The Printing Co. I think about the sacrifices he made for our family and taking out loans when his first bout with cancer arose to keep his business alive so that I would have an opportunity to help him build a legacy. It was through his leadership and opportunities and education I received from him that helped transform us into the thriving business we are today."

Everyone is invited join in The Printing Co.'s "25 in 2012!" celebration all year by following the company's Facebook page where news, photos and special offers surrounding the Birthday Gift Give-Back year-long party will be posted. People representing nonprofit organizations in Cape Girardeau, Farmington and Perryville may contact their local office of The Printing Co. to discuss Birthday Gift Give-Back opportunities.