I wanted to let folks know about a significant supporter of Solid Ground. For four years we have benefited from an extremely generous relationship with McCallum Print Group. By the end of this year we will have received about a half million dollars in free printing since the relationship began. McCallum has given us the power to completely upgrade the look, feel and usefulness of countless outreach and program materials, from our Groundviews newsletter to the Lettuce Link Growing Guide, RSVP surveys to direct mail fundraisers.

This whole thing started in 2006 when co-owner, Terry Storms, and his wife, Janet Dindia, long-time donors to the agency, stepped forward to ask how they could do more. What began as a handful of print pieces promoting our name change from Fremont Public Association to Solid Ground has blossomed into a deep and ongoing commitment to our work.

It’s great when a company partners with a nonprofit to meet tangible needs that help us carry out our mission. But what is exceptional here is the extended length of time of their support and the unwavering ability to take on more jobs for us.

And all this has happened despite the fact that the economy has been brutal on the print industry over the past few years.

Every Fall, as we get into budgeting processes here at Solid Ground, I nervously reconnect with Terry to see if McCallum is able to continue their support. And while I tend to think if this in terms of all they do for us, Terry’s response makes it clear that this is not a one-way relationship:

“As I have said in the past, it gives us great satisfaction to know that we have made a difference to Solid Ground. Everyone we have come in contact with from Solid Ground has been incredibly gracious and appreciative for our efforts. And yes, the economy has had a major impact on our industry, but as long as you’ll have us, we’re planning on continuing our relationship with Solid Ground.”

“As long as you’ll have us,” he said. I love that.

So, with a sigh of relief, I’m happy to let all friends of Solid Ground know that we can continue to look forward to the benefit of top-notch printing and service from Terry and all the good people at McCallum. While we work most closely with Terry and his assistant, Jean Williams, we know that there is equal commitment from the receptionists, press operators, delivery folks and everyone else there. Many of them have become volunteers or donors. A few have likely come to our programs for assistance. All are our family.