Now Showing Envelopes

The crumbling U.S. economy has forced everyone to work hard, multi-task and find new ways to stay relevant.

Envelopes are no exception. They can no longer get by as the mere carriers for bills, medical reports and bank deposits. To stay fresh, they must take on other jobs.

Experts agreed that envelopes will forever be paperwork holders, but also have to become instrumental to marketing a business or program.

Banks and credit unions have taken advantage of this idea for years. In terms of envelopes, these institutions have promoted creative expression.

“It’s a free advertising tool,” said Terry Pennington, vice president of Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis, who also is in charge of its Trade Envelopes facilities in Carol Stream, Ill. and Tullahoma, Tenn., Block Graphics and Calibrated.

“These aren’t just drive-in envelopes, they are ways for banks and credit unions to market their car loans and mortgage programs. You’re taking the message away with you and it’s there to remind you,” he said.

Pennington explained that envelopes are used to portray a company’s image. Due to the importance of branding and first impressions, envelopes have become more colorful and offer more features than they did just a few years ago.

“Our printing and converting capabilities have allowed us to keep up with this trend by offering more features and four-color envelopes with bleeds,” Pennington commented.

To help customers take advantage of this, Trade Envelopes recently unveiled its new Financial Products artwork brochure containing designs and images that clients can take and show to their customers.

“It’s an excellent sales tool for our customers,” Pennington noted.

The banking industry also has been a great market for JBM Envelope Company, located in Lebanon, Ohio.

JBM’s best products, in particular, are drive-in envelopes, said company president Marcus Sheanshang.