Hallmark Cards Inc. has launched a new business-to-business marketing services unit called Hallmark Business Connections that provides creative services and turnkey marketing programs, including personalization, printing and fulfillment services. Its focus is on helping businesses manage their customer and employee relationships in the areas of employee recognition, health and wellness, customer relationship marketing and sales programs. The new division brings what had been three separate business-to-business units under one umbrella. This will enable Hallmark to provide creative support across all the programs being offered to BTB customers, whereas previously creative services were only available for a few programs. In addition, it enables Hallmark to integrate its BTB marketing services so as to be able to develop more well-rounded programs for customers. “In the same way that Hallmark is helping consumers connect, we help businesses connect by bringing that personal touch into the business world,” said Doris Hammeke, VP, client services, at Hallmark.  As the economy shows some initial signs of improvement, businesses “are moving forward knowing they have to continue with key communication efforts so they don’t lose customers,” she continued. This includes thank you notes for doing business with a company. Hallmark does all the personalization for the mailing programs using its own custom-designed presses and proprietary software that enables it to personalize and integrate a card, insert and envelope inline. Often, individual pieces are printed with handwritten digitized fonts. The jobs vary in size from several hundred thousand pieces down to a few hundred or less for small businesses. Hallmark has its own printing subsidiaries and also works with certified vendors.