We are working on creating some new components for the website. Keep an eye out for two new sections!! We will be adding a "Staff Favorites" and "Deal Busters" section. All in an effort to keep you up-to-date on the new products coming out and help you stay within your budget. As always, feel free to give us a call. 317-275-4111. We are always ready to assist you with your promotional needs.
Server Maintenance
Topic: General Business Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Excuse us today, while we go through a little maintenance on our computers! We are updating our servers and our email will be down for a little while (starting around noon). If, you need anything please give us a call!! Thank you!
Feedback
Topic: Client Feedback Written By: Our Clients
Always great getting good feedback from the people we work with....
Jourdan, I just wanted to let you know that the conference jr. padfolios were a huge hit at our event. Our attendees felt like kings and queens receiving something so nice. We were thrilled to provide them with something that looked so professional but that didn't break our budgets. This was the perfect item! Thanks for helping us get through all the logo approvals and still get everything here in plenty of time. Excellent work!
-Lauren Howard
We Want a Super Cure
Topic: Community Written By: Bev and Matt Middaugh
Breast cancer has turned our lives inside out and upside down many times. It’s impacted the lives of our families and friends. With the Super Bowl as a backdrop, we are working with the Super Cure to help raise money for the important work of “characterizing” the tissue at the Indianapolis based Komen Tissue Bank. This characterization is the scientific process of unlocking the treasure of knowledge stored within the tissue. The secrets of the tissue are the clues to a cure.
Bev and I are matching the first $10,000 we raise with $10,000 of our own – this basically doubles your donation!
Why the Komen Tissue Bank? Well, we have spoken to many cancer docs and researchers who explained the value of “normal” tissue samples. They need to see both healthy and cancerous tissue to examine what changed and what happened to the tissue. Bev and I truly believe that this Bank may hold a cure for breast cancer.
Specifically, your donation will go towards the cost of analysis required for each tissue sample.
How You Can Help – It’s Not Always About the $$
Spread the Word about the Komen Tissue Bank and why it’s important Volunteer Your Time at a tissue collection event Donate your own healthy tissue Donate to the Super Cure and let Matt and Bev match your donation!
On behalf of Bright Ideas, the many women afflicted – and the many more who may suffer through cancer treatment – we thank you for your time, energy and support!
It's time again for the gorgeous blooming mums that we sell at Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple to support the IWIN.
IWIN directly assist women who are in treatment for breast cancer with grants that can be used to simply make life a little easier, by paying for child care, transportation to treatments, groceries... whatever helps the individual.
IWIN is a volunteer organization so all proceeds go directly to the women.
Thank you for all the great support and we hope to see you SATURDAY!
Speaking of Women's Health Conference
Topic: Community
Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Come join us at the Speaking of Women's Health Conference on September 16th from 8am-3pm. Come learn more about women's health, get a pampered a little and discover how to take charge of your health! Check out their website for more information.
Join Us for "Songs for Jill"
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins
A concert in honor of Ms. Jill Blair, Fine Arts Administrative Assistant who passed away on May 26, 2011.
Presented by Carly Kincannon '03 with Nathan Perry
Tickets: $10 open seating; Call 317-415-2705 for tickets
Reception to follow in Wood Room
All proceeds go to the Indian Women in Need Foundation (I.W.I.N.) and a Park Tudor Scholarship honoring Jill.
Donations are greatly appreciated. If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute, you may give a gift in honor of Jill with our online donation form.
IT'S HOT OUT THERE!!! Stay Cool With One of Our Hot Deals!
Topic: Weather and Specials Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Yeah, those white spots and brighter pink spots will be putting us near a heat index in the 100*F range!!! Stay cool and keep hydrated with one of our "Hot Deals" on water bottles and tumblers. Need more options... Give us a call! We've got everything you could need!
Honored by the YWCA of Indianapolis
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Our wonderful CEO, Bev Middaugh, received honors at the 29th Annual Salute to Women of Achievement Awards, held by the YWCA. This Professional Award is given to women who have made outstanding contributions and/or achievements within their career that impacts the Indianapolis community, exhibits outstanding leadership in her endeavors, serves as an excellent role model for woman of all ages, and reflects and supports the mission of the YWCA. Bev received this award, along with others such as Casey Irsay Foyt, Venita Moore, and Ann D. Murtlow, on June 16th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom. We would like to thank you, Bev and all the other ladies who either received an award or are out there making a difference, for all that you do to help the Indianapolis community. It is quite the accomplishment to run and maintain a successful business all on its own, but to do it and still care for and assist those around you is an even greater achievement. You all deserve to be recognized. THANK YOU!
Golf Outing Season Has Started!!
Topic: Promotions
Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Golf outing season has officially started!! We can help you run an efficient and fun tournament. Check out our Golf Outing E-guide... it's easy to use and even has a helpful checklist to help you set up a successful event. For the complete pdf file of our planning guide... check out our facebook page or email me at stephen.hopkins@bright-ideas.org and let me know you would like a copy.
2nd Chance Carnival
Topic:Community
Written By:Stephen Hopkins
Nine year old Jack Meyer, from Orchard Schools, was hoping to raise money for the HO2PE Greater Hopes and Expectations oganization. This organization assists individuals with jobs, housing, and building relationships as they re-enter the community after being released from prison. With a little help from Bev Middaugh, owner of Bright Ideas, he surpassed his goal of $20 and raised $1,150! Way to go Jack! All of us here at BI love to see people making a positive impact on society, and to do it at such a young age is all the more admirable. Thanks Jack!
The support that Heartland Truly Moving Pictures(HTMP) shows to indepenedent film makers has made a huge impact in society, and this is why we continue to support them! In a recent email received by Bev Middaugh, our CEO, HTMP informed us about a producer by the name of Kurt Kuenne. After winning a $10,ooo prize for his short film Validation, Kurt used his money to fund a documentary he was working on. This documentary, Dear Zachary: A letter to a son about his father, made such an impact that a law was passed to help protect Canada's children. You will always have our support HTMP. Thank you for all that you do, and thank you Kurt for all the hard work!
To read more about Kurt Kuenne and see some of his work please visit Truly Moving Pictures.
Give us a Chance, to Beat Breast Cancer
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins
Join us, Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, in giving all of those who are affected by breast cancer a chance to beat it! The Catherine Peachey Fund heads a fundraiser called Give us a Chance! To Beat Breast Cancer! This fundraiser makes it easy to donate by asking you to send them any amount of draw game or scratch-off hoosier lottery tickets. The money that is won will be used for breast cancer research and other programs in Indiana. You may not have a lot of money to donate, but one of your tickets could be the big winner! This is a great fundraiser, and benefits Indiana in a lot of different ways. Not only do your winnings help fight breast cancer, but the purchase of your tickets will help organizations such as the State Teachers' Retirement Fund, the Build Indiana Fund, and others! So help us give them a chance!
Happy Holidays!
Character Council
Topic: Community
Written By: Meredith Beck
November 16, 2010
Bev & Meredith attended the first annual Character Council Visions Dinner on Monday night, a fundraiser for the Character Council of Indiana. Nearly 300 others were in attendance including the Mayor, Greg Ballard; the M.C, Richard Mourdock, Treasurer, State of Indiana; and the Keynote speaker, Barry Collier, Athletic Director, Butler University.
What a great event! There was a silent auction, testimonials of people who have been helped with the council, great food, great atmosphere and good conversation. Richard Mourdock was funny and energetic, and kept us engaged all night.Mayor Ballard spoke briefly on the good that is happening in Indiana and Barry Collier was funny and on topic with his message about the emphasis on character that is part of the Butler Way.We were really glad to be a part of such a wonderful event for an organization that is truly making a difference one person at a time.
Check out the Character Council’s Website for more information on them at: www.charactercouncil.org . Look for information on their free breakfast under the Events tab and join in on learning about the month’s character quality.
LOOKING FOR A GREAT WAY TO SAY, THANK YOU?
Topic: Promotions
Written by: Stephen Hopkins
Are you looking for a great way to say, Thank you? Then you need to check out our November specials!! Here are are just a few of them!
Feel free to give us a call, and we'll help you get exactly what you are looking for.
Heartland Film Festival 2010
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins
October 11, 2010
Its that time of year, again. It is time to enjoy the beautiful collection of independent films and special events put on by the Heartland Film Festival. Every October, this film festival screens independent films from all around the world, that celebrate the positive side of life. This 10-day event runs from October 14-23. You can get your tickets here or through the website by clicking the image. Tickets can be purchased for $7 online or $8 at the theater. Don't miss out on this collection of truly inspiring independent films!
MUM SALE TO BENEFIT INDIANA WOMEN IN NEED (IWIN)
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins
SATURDAY, SEPT 17, 2011
It’s time again for the gorgeous blooming mums that we sell at Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple to support IWIN.
IWIN directly assists women who are in treatment for breast cancer with grants that can be used to simply make life a little easier, by paying for child care, transportation to treatments, groceries….whatever helps the individual.
IWIN is a volunteer organization so all funds raised go directly to the women… This year the flowers are sponsored, meaning all funds raised will be granted!
Thank you for the great support that we always receive from all our friends!
CEO honored at Speaking of Women's Health Event
Topic: Community Written By: Stephen Hopkins and Stephanie Ryan
Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple has been involved with the Speaking of Women's Health program since its inception and will continue to stay involved. This year we supported the cause by donating the reversible totes featured on WFYI.
We are proud to announce that our CEO Bev Middaugh was recognized for over a decade of commitment to the program. Bev started Bright Ideas in 1983 operating from her living room and has developed the business to include 28 employees, offices, a warehouse, and one of the largest showrooms in the midwest! As we continue to grow, we will continue to give back and support our local community. For Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple, friendship and the community are company hallmarks.
"Be Strong. Be Healthy. Be in Charge."
Topic: Community Written By: Alexandra Gagnier and Stephanie Ryan
On Friday, September 10, 2010, WFYI Indianapolis will be hosting the 2010 Speaking of Women's Health Conference at the Convention Center downtown. As a woman-owned business, Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple could not be more excited to be a continued sponsor of this event for the passed 10 years. At the conference, attendees will be able to listen to national speakers (including the morning keynote Kathleen Passanisi), attend breakout sessions, and receive free health screenings, lunch, and giveaways. With breakout session topics ranging from dietary needs and stress management to cosmetic procedures and addictions, it is a great opportunity to become educated on how these things affect the health and wellness of women specifically.
Tickets sell out every year so get yours now! They are $40.00 each or you can reserve a table for 10 with priority seating for $500.00. Tickets can be purchased by calling 317-715-2009 or online here.
Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple encourages every woman to attend this event. Your Bright Ideas contact is able to answer questions about the conference.
Heartland Premiere of Flipped
Topic: Community Written By: Alex Gagnier and Stephanie Ryan
25 days before the national release... before Hollywood... before New York... you can catch the new Rob Reiner romantic comedy Flipped right here in Indianapolis. Heartland Truly Moving Pictures will be presenting the premiere of the movie on August 2 at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, complete with a Q&A session with writer, producer, and director Rob Reiner and a dessert reception immediately following the showing. You can learn more about the event here.
Tickets are only $25 and can be purchased by calling the box office at 317-639-4300 or 800-366-8457 if you are outside the central Indy area. They are also available online here.
Heartland has been around since 1991 and is dedicated to recognizing movies with a message; they support filmmakers of those movies that have an impact on us, evoke emotions, or make us view the world differently. Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple has been a long-time supporter of their mission and is proud to announce this very special event.
IUPUI Scholarship Presentation
Topic: Community Written By: Stephanie Ryan
On June 23, Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple presented at $2000.00 scholarship to the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI for their continued support of Bright Ideas. President Matt Middaugh and intern Stephanie Ryan sat down with the Dean of IU School of Liberal Arts Bill Blomquist, Associate Dean of Student Affairs Rick Ward, and Associate Director of Development and External Affairs Gen Slater to present the scholarship and discuss future opportunities between Bright Ideas and IUPUI. Bright Ideas in Broad Ripple is very happy to be able to support higher education on a local campus.
The scholarship will be given out to a Liberal Arts student at the annual Celebration of Scholarship reception in the spring and awarded for use during the 2011-2012 school year. The scholarship will be granted on need-based qualifications.
Compliance
Topic: Industry Written By: Matt Middaugh
New Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) regulations require that all products be tested for over 700 chemicals to help ensure consumer safety. This includes both imported and domestically manufactured products. The far-reaching regulations affect all manufacturers, regardless of volume, size, or location. Even "mom and pop" manufacturers are included. Bright Ideas continues to work with top manufacturing partners to ensure compliance with the regulations. This area is especially important where direct importing is involved - we'll continue to work with only the best manufacturers to ensure our client's brand is protected. For more information, click here.
Go Red for Women
Topic: Community Written By: Bev Middaugh
Bright Ideas made a huge splash at the Go Red for Women Luncheon held this past February in Indianapolis. The luncheon raised awareness for heart disease among women and a heart healthy lifestyle. Bright Ideas donated 900 beautiful red Lamis tote bags - all with the subtle "Go Red for Women" logo. With 25 ladies here at Bright Ideas, we were happy to support this important effort.
Inventory
Topic: Industry Written By: Matt Middaugh
Product Inventory remains one of our bigger industry challenges for 2010. We all agree last year had its ups and downs - one of the hangover effects is that our factories did not know what to expect for 2010 in terms of product volume. After years of expanding inventory, styles, and colors, many factories held back purchases. They needed to go through existing inventory before bringing in new merchandise. We are checking inventory levels on orders before order placement - where an item is out of stock, we're finding alternative colors or products. Even with this level of diligence, stock may be exhausted when the actual order is placed... Fortunately, we still have thousands of items available and are finding great replacements. We are also seeing factories re-stocking quickly now that some "comfort level" has been reached in terms of overall economic growth.
