The Denver Post had a story in their Sunday edition on Denver-area businesses having a hard time getting Democratic National Convention contracts including L&M Pressworks, a Denver print shop. The the article quotes L&M Pressworks Account Executive Charlotte Kulcsar on the companies attempts to get DNC business:
As soon as Charlotte Kulscar heard the Democratic National Committee named Denver its 2008 convention site, she began researching how to get a piece of the estimated $160 million economic impact for her print shop. She thought she had a good shot. L&M Pressworks already does printing for the city, the state and the Downtown Denver Partnership. She filled out the application for the DNC Vendor Directory and was sure to include the shop's status as female- owned and green-certified.
But the company has run into a dead-end everywhere:
"Since this convention is so green, we thought that was going to be the best way to go, but we haven't gotten anything out of it," Kulscar said about her Denver shop, which is Forest Stewardship Council-approved, uses soy-based inks and ensures its paper mills replant the trees they use. "We've run into a dead-end everywhere."You would think the party of environmentalism would support a FSC-certified, woman owned business. Update As many have pointed out in the comments other factors play into getting these contracts: organized labor and political affiliation being at the top of the list.
Discussion
By Jerry on Jul 14, 2008
Hypocrites. The dead end is you are not a union shop. The DNC will not do business with you unless you are union.
By Dave Young on Jul 14, 2008
Surely there is no surprise here!
Even amongst the lot of politicians out there, this group (DNC) is among the most cynically self serving you'll see - and not likely to improve given the support from people looking for a free lunch.
By robert on Jul 15, 2008
I'm not surprised. We jumped through all of the same hoops here in St. Paul for the RNC, and didn't win any business.
You're one of many print shops in Denver.... It was a bidding process and you lost. Surely, this happens every day at every print shop in the country.... why does this one deserve a special write-up about getting "stiffed?"
By John on Jul 15, 2008
Of course for the food for the convention they want the majority being supplied from local farms in Colorado, and by the way no fried food (maybe they think this will keep Bill Clinton away). But printing you bet they want union shops, they already aren't happy that the Pepsi Center is a non-union facility and they were raising a fuss about this until they were told to cool it. Maybe this is why Obama is going to receive the nomination at Mile High stadium; it's a good union facility versus Pepsi Center where workers have a choice.
By Alex on Jul 15, 2008
The last shop I worked at was very successful at getting DNC work.
Requires a union shop.
By Brian on Jul 16, 2008
Now wait a minute... “We’ve run into a dead-end everywhere" doesn't exactly describe the reason for being rejected as a vendor.
Being "green" or "ran by a woman" aren't likely to show up on a list of requirements.
Maybe if Mrs. Kulscar had been more clear about the reasons for her shop's rejection, I might be sympathetic. As this article presents her arguements, it just sounds like whining.
The DNC, like the RNC or any other organization for that matter, has a right to specify whatever criteria they deem necessary, rational or otherwise. If you, as a prospective supplier are denied based on those criteria, that's business.
Does Mrs. Kulscar or any of the other rejected suppliers have a sign in their lobby stating they "reserve the right to refuse service to anyone?" At least the DNC has a reason.
By Lenny on Jul 16, 2008
Competition is competition. I'm not really sure why a "woman owned business" deserves special treatment. Because they are the DNC? Equal Rights...not special consideration. Maybe she needs to look at the strengths and weaknesses in her company vs. the competition, and then she will have a better answer as to why she got "stiffed".
By Dr Joe Webb on Jul 16, 2008
Many print business owners are politically active locally and nationally. Many times their party contributions are of printed materials. There may already be big donors involved in this regard.
Perhaps a record of donating printed goods to earlier campaigns might have assisted in getting more attention as those office-seekers and officials are reminded of past support.
It's rare in my experience where printers have been happy with their political print for pay. Payment histories are spotty, if at all.
By nidal on Jul 16, 2008
I am sure you are not the only print shop in town. Being Green and a woman is not an automatic qualification to get the business. Complaining to the Media does not make it any better. Business Rules:
1- Offer good Service
2- Offer a Good Product
3- Offer Low price
4- Build a relationship
5- Be Nice and Smile :)
I hope you learned from you mistakes
By Paul Edwards on Jul 16, 2008
WOW!!
All of these post really lay it on the line and tell it like it is.
Very refreshing to read this instead of a lot of excuses and entitlements.
By stew on Jul 16, 2008
our printing company is politically active both locally and nationally, and we are a union print shop, which is why we get political work. on the other hand we do not complain because alot of cities now require that you are a minority printer to do business with them, as do most casino's. we all have our niche' so go after the business that fits your niche'
Discussion
Join the discussion Sign In or Become a Member, doing so is simple and free