Congratulations to the 2011 Manufacturers of the Year!

By Zoltun | Published: December 2, 2011

Zoltun is an unwavering supporter of the manufacturing industry.

For the second year in a row, Zoltun was a presenting sponsor of the 2011 Manufacturer of the Year Awards, honoring the Pittsburgh region’s proud manufacturing tradition and its future.

More than 300 people from various industries came together at the historic Omni William Penn on Thursday to recognize the region’s exceptional manufacturers.

Winners were announced in five categories, broken down by company size, and an additional winner was announced from a relatively new category, Sustainable Manufacturing, which recognizes a green product or process.

The Pittsburgh Business Times staff did a wonderful job of showcasing each of these top-notch manufacturing companies’ strengths, and the acceptance speeches were informative, dynamic, and inspirational.

As Pittsburgh’s only design company with a focus on the manufacturing industry, Zoltun was proud to contribute to these prestigious awards as both a sponsor and as a fan. We believe that the manufacturers and their proud workers who continue to make great products will be a catalyst in our economic recovery.

Many congratulations to the winners and finalists of the 2011 Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Under 50 Employees:
Winner:  Alle-Kiski Industries
Finalists: Circuits LLC, Pennsylvania Pure Distilleries LLC, Wolfpac Technologies Inc.

50-99 Employees:
Winner: Richardson Cooling Packages
Finalists: Allegheny Mineral Corp., Jennison Manufacturing Group, Wolfe LLC

100-299 Employees:
Winner:  AccuSpec Electronics LLC
Finalists: Accrotool, c3controls, Aquatech International Corp., General Carbide Corp.

300-999 Employees:
Winner: Aerotech Inc.
Finalists: American Beverage Corp., Matric, McKesson Automation Inc.

More than 1,000 Employees:
Winner: Calgon Carbon Corp.
Finalists: ACHIEVA Supports, LANXESS Corp., Eaton Corp. Electrical Sector

Sustanability Award:
Winner: LANXESS Corp.
Finalists: Blume’s Solid Surface Product Inc., Allegheny Mineral Corp., Aquatech International Corp., Circuits LLC, Matric, McKesson Automation Inc., Wolfe LLC, Wolfpac Technologies Inc.

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Zoltun Awarded at MarCom

By Zoltun | Published: November 23, 2011

The MarCom Statuette (from marcomawards.com)

Zoltun is proud of the fact that we have some of the best people in the city surrounding us – both as clients and as co-workers. We’re fortunate to have been given the opportunities to work on some very cool, very gratifying projects this year. 

We submitted a few of them to the MarCom Awards, one of the oldest, largest, and most respected competitions in the creative industry. With more than 5,000 entries per year, being selected for a MarCom Award is quite an honor. 

We’d like to thank every  one of our outstanding clients. It’s because of you that we are able to continue doing what we love, every day – designing and creating with a purpose. 

Based on the evaluation of MarCom judges, our entries merited two Honorable Mentions, two Gold awards, and three Platinum awards.

Honorable Mentions 

Brothers Lazer trade publication – Ads/Magazine category
Elemix 6 product brochure – Print Design for Brochures category

Gold Awards

Iron Mountain’s “The Eastern Voice” newsletter – Print Design for Newsletters category
Zoltun hangtags – Ads/Door Hanger category

Platinum Awards

Philips Respironics new product launch brochure – Marketing/Promotion Campaign category
Zoltun community brochure – Print Design for Brochures category
Zoltun promotional calendar – Marketing/Promotion Materials/Calendar category 

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A Lesson in Moveable Type

By Zoltun | Published: November 11, 2011

Some of Zoltun’s employees are quite familiar with letterpress typesetting and inky fingers.

Since we spend the majority of our days typing, deleting, and designing conveniently on a screen, we thought it might be fun to switch it up and get back to the good ol’ roots of physical, moveable type.

On Tuesday, the Penguin Bookshop (an independent bookstore that’s been operating in Sewickley, Pa., for 80 years) hosted Kyle Durrie’s Moveable Type project. We took the opportunity to check  out the Type Truck.

The very portable, fully functional 1982 Chevy-step-van-turned-traveling-print-shop was parked on Beaver Street, inviting passersby to stop in, have a look around, and try their hands at some good old-fashioned letterpress printing.

"2,000 pounds of iron, lead, wood, and love."

Originally from Portland, Oregon, Durrie combined her love of road trips and printing like any other quirky artist would – by purchasing a former American Linens fleet truck, tearing out the interior, and replacing it with an entirely custom printing studio, work and storage space included. If you look closely at the side, you can still see the old logo beneath the paint.

 Durrie now travels around North America in “the Sweetheart of the Road,” teaching lessons on the history of moveable type, hosting demonstrations in typesetting, and booking workshops at independent bookstores.

photo from type-truck.com

“Moveable type” is a term associated with letterpress printing, the system of printing that uses physical, block-like pieces of type – individual letters, numbers, characters – to reproduce the elements of a document.

Watching Durrie line up her type and stamp-like characters in the printing tray, I couldn’t help but think about how far we’ve come in the design industry in only the last few years, let alone since Gutenberg’s invention of the printing press. It’s all very cool.

Template for the Penguin Bookstore's custom print

 

For now, we at Zoltun aren’t planning on going back to the old-fashioned typesetting style anytime soon – we’ve kind of grown accustomed to the efficiency of our Macs. Of course, that’s not to say we won’t purchase a 19th-century printing press of our own, if only to keep in John Wolowiec’s office.

See more photos below: 

The Penguin Bookstore's custom print

Upright letter press for thicker cardstock

Prints for sale

  

The Moveable Type's Tour Sign

Red pushpins mark Durrie's travels

 

 

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Are you a seasoned sales professional with a proven track record of success in generating new business?

By Zoltun | Published: October 20, 2011

You are? Well, we’re looking for you.

Zoltun is a full-service graphic design firm, located in Pittsburgh’s Southside. We are seeking an experienced and well-rounded sales professional who will be responsible for prospecting for new clients, understanding their needs, conducting sales presentations, and closing business. Time will be split between in-office calling and out-of-office client meetings. The ideal candidate will have experience in the graphic design industry with a proven track record of successfully generating new business.

Zoltun has a 20-year history of serving clients with our expertise in the design, development, and production of marketing materials. Our experienced team works with clients to produce brochures, catalogs, tradeshow exhibits, newsletters, websites, and more.

We’ve built our reputation on putting our customers first, keeping our commitments, and being involved in our neighborhood. In 2011, Zoltun was voted one of Pittsburgh’s “Best Places to Work” and has been listed as one of Pittsburgh’s “Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies” from 2008 through 2011.

Requirements:

  • At least 5 years of business-to-business sales experience, preferably in the graphic design industry
  • Ability to develop and execute a sales plan
  • Track record of success and achievement as a sales professional
  • Ability to work closely with internal account management and production staff
  • Ability to consistently identify new sources of business through networking, territory planning, and cold calling
  • Ability to achieve sales quotas and goals
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • 4-year degree
  • Experience and contacts in the manufacturing and energy sectors is a plus

Please contact Judy Feild:

judy@zoltun.com
Vice President of Sales and Account Management
10 Bedford Square
Suite 200
Pittsburgh, PA 15203

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Photos from the 2011 South Side Step Trek

By Zoltun | Published: October 14, 2011

Zoltun was a sponsor of last weekend’s  South Side Step Trek. Check out some of our photos here!

The Step Trek t-shirt was designed by our friends at Commonwealth Press.

An arch of balloons greeted trekkers at registration.

The Step Trek drew an audience of over 550 trekkers.

Complimentary fresh cut watermelon, oranges, and bottles of water were provided by sponsors.

Photo boards with images of renovations done through the years provided insight to the unique lives of the residents of the South Side Slopes.

Franctuary provided hot dogs and other great food via their food truck!

Represent.

Were you at last weekend’s Step Trek? Let us know on our Facebook page!

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Winter Coat Drive for Rainbow Kitchen Community Services

By Zoltun | Published: October 5, 2011

Zoltun is working with Rainbow Kitchen Community Services to collect donations of winter clothing and outerwear for men, women, children, and infants.

The winter clothing drive will start Wednesday, October 5, and go through Monday, October 24.

We will be collecting donations of new and gently used winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves. ALL sizes are needed, including plus sizes (XXL and up). Also, if you have any new or gently used children’s Halloween costumes, we will gladly take them.

If you’re in the area, we will have a collection station near our flagship in the South Side. If you’d like to donate but can’t make it to 10 Bedford Square, email Alex at alex@zoltun.com. If one of us is near your area, we’ll try to pick up your donation.

We at Zoltun care about our fellow human beings. We care about extending ourselves to help make life a little better… to do something to help someone else get through the day. Join us!

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Zoltun Sponsors “Explore the Floor” Event

By Zoltun | Published: October 5, 2011

Zoltun is a sponsor of the Explore the Floor event at Eaton Corporation. Here’s a sample of our giveaways!

The Zoltun paint cans are painstakingly cut and assembled by hand.

Reusable and recyclable, the cans are stuffed with Zoltun’s “Z Spot” t-shirts in various sizes and colors.

The swatch of paint reflects our clients’ distinct and individual brand colors.

Like ‘em? Let us know!

 

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3 Tips for Navigating the New Facebook

By Zoltun | Published: October 3, 2011

The most striking change in Facebook's redesign will be the new timeline.

Facebook switched it up a bit last week, to equal parts dismay and delight of its users.

Some changes have already happened, while some are forthcoming as a result of the social giant’s F8 conference, which was held last week.

Here’s a look at some of the changes that have already happened (and will be happening), and a few tips to take advantage of.

  • Subscribe.

Facebook now allows people to “subscribe” to users’ updates, giving you more control over what you choose to see from your friends and what they see from you. People who aren’t your friends can also subscribe to your updates – but only to the ones that you make “public.”

If you want to make sure that you’re sharing things only with the people you want to share them with, go to your Privacy Settings and double-check.

  • Lists.  

Facebook Lists, found on the left sidebar of your homepage, have existed for a while. Now they’re easier to organize and keep updated. They’re also completely optional.

Smart Lists are automatically created based on the people with whom you interact on a regular basis, but you can move people around as you choose. This way, you can share stories or photos with your family without also sharing the same with all of your coworkers. Simply click on your list on the left-hand sidebar. Once on the List profile, click “Manage Lists.”

  • Timeline.

The timeline, though still in beta testing, has gotten mixed responses from Facebook users. The way your profile works today, the stories that you published, say, last month are hidden by newer content. The only way to access these stories is to click “Older Posts.”

 Now with Timeline, the Facebook profile as you know it will be completely remodeled. The most striking change will be a giant photo across the top of your profile, changeable as you wish. Older things on your Wall are still visible as you scroll down, and will appear in the timeline in the order in which they happened. You will also be able to go back in time by searching specific dates or activities in the past.  As CEO Mark Zuckerberg puts it, it’s “a timeline of your life.”

 You’ll have the options to hide or feature stories and change the privacy settings.

These are just a few of the changes to expect in the near future. What do you think of Facebook’s newest renovations? Leave a comment and let’s discuss!

 

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Not Just Another Walk in the Park: Zoltun Sponsors 2011 Step Trek

By Zoltun | Published: September 30, 2011

Join us as we explore the South Side at the Pittsburgh Step Trek on Oct. 8.

 Zoltun is pleased to sponsor the 2011 Pittsburgh Step Trek, which will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2011 from 11am to around 1pm or later.

The Step Trek is a unique way to explore some little-known parts of historic Pittsburgh neighborhoods. In its 11th year, and with over 550 tickets already sold, the Trek has become a well-established South Side community event.

For a full description and interesting facts, click here. 

 Tickets may be purchased in advance for $9.99, and children ages 12 and under are free. “Walk up” registration on the day of the event is available for $15.00. You can bring your pet along for an extra $4.99.

Your ticket will not only allow you to explore the unique South Side Slopes and Flats neighborhoods, but will also provide access to an artist market, live music, a Chinese auction, and food vendors.

The main way to participate in the Step Trek is to trek, of course, but there are other ways to get involved, too. Contact Alex (alex@zoltun.com) for more details about volunteering. 

Volunteer opportunities include: 

  • Route Preparation (weed whacking or trimming, the week before the Trek
  • Route Marking (placing signage and indicators along the routes, the morning of the Trek)
  • Water Station Crew (stationed at points along the routes during the Trek)
Some of us Zoltunites will be meeting on Saturday morning to trek together as a group. Join us at Josephine and 21st Streets in the parking lot at the base of the slopes, where the event begins and ends.
We’re looking forward to this great event. We’ll see you there!
(And don’t worry. The Steelers don’t play on Saturday!)

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Artists’ Living and Working Space Celebrates 20 Years of Excellence

By Zoltun | Published: September 16, 2011

The Brew House Association is hosting its first ever Alumni Exhibition this Saturday, September 17, in Pittsburgh’s South Side.

The showcase will highlight the work of artists who lived, worked, or participated in programs at the Brew House, and will be dedicated to the celebration of 20 years of excellence in the arts.

The Alumni Exhibition’s opening reception and silent auction, which includes work from Brew House artists, will take place at the Brew House (2100 Mary Street, South Side) from 7pm to 9pm on Saturday, September 17. The artists are listed below. Following the auction, the artists’ work will be featured in a continuing presentation at the Association’s SPACE 101 Gallery in the Brew House. The exhibition will run through October 2, 2011.

The Brew House was once the site of Duquesne Brewing Company. Now converted into a living and working space for artists, the massive building houses SPACE 101 Gallery and The Performance Garage, part of Pittsburgh’s growing innovative and artistic community.

The spaces provide “unique opportunities to artists, as well as the general public, to make meaningful connections with the visual and performing arts” (tribtotalmedia.com).

The SPACE 101 Gallery hours are as follows: 

  • Sunday, 9/18:  noon – 4pm
  • Saturday, 9/24 and Sunday, 9/25:  noon – 4pm
  • Saturday, 10/1 and Sunday, 10/2:  noon – 4pm

The artists whose work will be featured in the silent auction and gallery exhibition are:
Bob Bingham, Michael Pestel, Brandon Barber, Sarah Katie Schaible, Pat Barefoot, Renee Zettle-Sterling, Bill Shannon, Ken Berman, Wendy Osher, Charles Lume, Christiane D, Matt Eskuche, Aimee Manion, Colleen Black, Jaci Rice, Jeffrey Jarzynka, Dave Smith, Tim Kaulen, Tom Sarver, Keny Marshall, Carin Mincemoyer, Chris Craychee, David Stanger, Bill Miller, John Latell, Heather George, Beth Nixon, Rick Bach, MV Carbon, Erin Carey, Gabe Felice, Ashley Pixelle Andrews, Jason Bannister, Karen Hartman, Rob Long, and Rob Katkowski

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