FACTORY UPGRADE

In the Spring of 2000, we re-located to a completely new facility in West Wareham, MA and tripled our space. It has been operational for two years now, the bugs are out, the new folks are trained, we are starting to see all of the improvements that we expected, and we are very excited about it. As a matter of fact, we are proud to report that this facility has been the subject of several articles in woodworking industry magazines. One of the reasons for this publicity is our investment in a significant amount of new computer-controlled equipment, including an automated finishing line, one of the first of its kind installed in this country. It improves production efficiency, minimizes hazardous pollutants, and ensures employee safety while providing the most durable finish available. Plus, it is totally environmentally-friendly, because it releases no toxic fumes from lacquers, thinners, or stains. These investments are yet another indication of our commitment to offer our customers competitive pricing by cutting our costs, not by cutting corners.

NEW CATALOG

We've completely re-done our 32-page, four-color catalog. It contains new products, additional project photos, testimonials from retailing professionals, and more information on the FranklinFlex Design System™, which enables you to create custom-quality specialty retail selling environments without the custom price tag by blending a wide variety of standard, modified, and custom fixtures that are built-to-order in your choice of any material or finish. We're confident that after you review our new catalog, you'll understand why our customers love their stores! Request a catalog now.

MICHAEL LABAIRE JOINS FRANKLIN FIXTURES

Franklin Fixtures welcomes Michael LaBaire as Special Projects Coordinator. Mike returns to his Massachusetts roots with thirty years of store fixturing and planning experience. An original incorporator of the New England Booksellers Association, Mike also served on the board of the American Booksellers Association and on the faculty of the ABA Booksellers Schools, teaching store planning and visual merchandising. As the first executive director of the Conference of National Park Cooperating Associations, he designed stores for national park visitor centers. As Sales & Marketing Director of Display Fixtures in Charlotte, NC, Mike consulted on store and fixture design for Christian stores and P-O-P design and vendor display programs. Mike will augment Franklin's service to a widening variety of specialty retail markets. He can be reached at 508-291-1475, ext. 23, and at mlabaire@franklinfixtures.com

ART KING SERVES AS A FACULTY MEMBER AT A WORKSHOP ON THE BUSINESS ESSENTIALS OF OPENING A BOOKSTORE

Art King, Director of Marketing for Franklin Fixtures, conducted an educational session at a workshop designed for prospective booksellers held March 3 - 8 in Raleigh, North Carolina. The week-long seminar covered all aspects of bookselling and was held in co-operation with the American Booksellers Association. Art's session covered valuable, practical topics such as:

• Viewing Fixturing As An Investment, Not As An Expense
• Fixture Categories
• Material Selection
• Display Techniques
• Tips On Maximizing Your Fixturing Investment

The workshop, titled "Opening A Bookstore: The Business Essentials," was conducted by Paz & Associates of Nashville, TN, a retail training firm which offers affordable, practical business solutions created by experienced book professionals. Their services include bookstore design, opening book inventories, computer system development, logos and promotional materials, staff training, and store merchandising.

If you would like further details on upcoming workshops, please contact Paz & Associates at www.pazbookbiz.com or call 800-260-8605.