Thank you to all of our Architecture & Design Firm participants, sponsors, OfficeWorks employees, as well as the staff of the Boys and Girls Club for another successful Great Start Event.

Great Start 2011 finished with a bang at the Ball & Biscuit on Mass Ave.  We were honored this year to have our event begin with a message from Stefanie Krevda, Policy Director and Deputy Legislative Director for the office of Governor Mitch Daniels.  We were also joined by Lesa Dietrick from Ice Miller representing the Indiana Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs; Rick Whitten, The Executive Director of Boys and Girls Clubs; and a special appearance by “Blue” from the Indianapolis Colts who signed autographs and helped the boys and girls with their crafts. 

http://video.foxbusiness.com/v/1222438560001/herman-miller-ceo-on-office-furniture-industry/

Herman Miller’s Thrive Portfolio combines health-positive products with guidance on using them properly to give customers total ergonomic solutions.

 For more information click on the photo.

Building great futures for Boys and Girls

Children attending the Lilly Boys & Girls Club had the opportunity to learn about careers in the field of architecture and design.  The boys and girls were able to choose crafts they wished to create or build.  They learned about styles, colors, even budgeting.  In addition, there was face painting, balloon creations and a visit from Boomer of the Indiana Pacers.  The event enabled children to go home with a sense of accomplishment and insight as to what they can achieve in their future.

Great Start was inspired by the Mitch’s Kids Program, a partnership created between Governor Mitch Daniels and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Indianapolis.

Once certain criteria are met, you will be awarded the Green Business Seal, which you can use to promote your company’s commitment to the environment and improving your community.

If you are an Indy Chamber member, there are no additional costs to be a member of our award- winning Green Business Initiative. Let the Indianapolis Chamber help you green your business and promote your efforts. Learn more by visiting IndyGreenBusiness.com, or call 317.464.2220

Find out more about which Indianapolis businesses and organizations that have become Green Business Initiative leaders in our community.

April 2010

Herman Miller, Inc. is introducing a variety of new colors and bases for the Eames molded plastic chairs. The additional options expand the classic’s ability to suit multiple applications and also reinforce the company’s commitment to authentic, sustainable design.

Five new colors will complete a vivid spectrum of 10 choices available for both the armchair and side chair models. Aqua sky, java, wafer, greystone, and sparrow will join existing colors black, red, white, light blue, and lime green.

Two bases, including the stacking/ganging base and the 4-legged base, will join the existing wire base, rocker base, and the recently reintroduced dowel leg base.

“The introduction of these colors and bases is a response to the increasing popularity of these chairs. They serve a variety of residential and commercial applications, and the additional colors and bases will provide a broader range of options for our customers,” says product manager Gregg VanderKooi. “Since Herman Miller is the only licensed manufacturer of these chairs in North America, we believe it’s important to provide authentic choices to protect the integrity of these classic designs.”

The chair shells, once made of fiberglass-infused plastic, are produced in environmentally friendly polypropylene, a decision made by the company almost a decade ago to reinforce its commitment to sustainability. In addition, the chairs now are made in the United States to reduce their manufacturing carbon footprint.

The Eameses designed their molded plastic armchair in 1948 for entry in the International Competition for Low-Cost Furniture organized by the New York Museum of Modern Art.

Herman Miller introduced the armchair, along with a companion side chair in 1950, and they soon found broad acceptance in residential and institutional markets—becoming the first mass-produced plastic chairs. Herman Miller reintroduced the Eames molded plastic chairs in 2001 and then dramatically increased the offering in 2005 as part of its ‘Get Real’ campaign for authenticity.

Go to salesinfo@officeworks.net to request more information and pricing.

Three years ago, OfficeWorks established an Hispanic Scholarship at the IU School of Informatics. Hispanic students enrolled in the informatics program may earn up to $2500 for their tuition. This is just one of many diverse programs in which OfficeWorks participates.

Herman Miller has recognized OfficeWorks again in 2011 for its noteworthy performance and accomplishments in the government sector marketplace.   Karen Stratton, Vice President of Government Sales for Herman Miller stated, “Herman Miller dealers are the best in the marketplace and your dealership has just proven itself to be among the ‘best of the best’.  Thank you.”

Spring 2010

Purdue University recognizes OfficeWorks and Herman Miller for their contribution and donation to the Discovery and Learning Research Center.

Purdue recently dedicated its new Hall for Discovery and Learning Research. The hall, which was built at a cost of $25 million, was funded by gifts, the university’s capital reserve for buildings and $4 million from the state. The lead gifts for the facility and its centers are from: Alfred E. Mann Foundation for Biomedical Engineering; Burton D. Morgan Foundation; Susan Bulkeley Butler, a 1965 Purdue alumna who served on the board of trustees from 2006-2009; Herman Miller Inc.; Lilly Endowment Inc.; Sally and Ken Mason, respectively, former Purdue provost and current president of the University of Iowa, and an educator and textbook author who teaches biological sciences at the University of Iowa; and OfficeWorks. The dedication ceremony included guest speaker, Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan, the first American woman to walk in space.

Prior to the dedication ceremony, OfficeWorks and Herman Miller were invited by University President, France Cordova to attend a donor recognition luncheon. It is exciting for OfficeWorks to be part of a facility that houses some of Purdue University’s top research projects including ones that focus on improving learning in science fields, treating cancer and protecting communities from earthquakes.

Waste Reduction

• • Reuse packaging materials and ship using recycled or carrier provided eco-friendly boxes.
• • Use more electronic media sources to reduce the use of printed catalogs, materials and bulk mailings.
• • Make two-sided photo copies when possible.
• • Refurbish/reuse/donate existing furniture.

Recycling

• • Recycle paper, cardboard, wood pallets, glass and metal.

Energy Reduction

• • Use energy efficient light bulbs.
• • Use programmable thermostats.
• • Use timers to control warehouse and exterior lighting.
• • Coordinate truck deliveries for fuel conservation.
• • Turn off all desk accessories, i.e. computer monitors, fans, lamps, etc. when not in use.
• • Unplug digital camera or cell phone chargers when not in use.
• • Close/open blinds in work areas for best energy efficiency.

Emission Reduction

• • Refuel vehicles after 6:00 pm.
• • We encourage participation in presentations, training, etc., through teleconferencing or webinars to conserve travel.
• • Delivery drivers are asked to adhere to our “no idle” policy.
• • We encourage employees to carpool or bike to work by providing special parking and bike racks.

Partnerships

OfficeWorks has aligned itself with many vendor/suppliers who are committed to the environment through the manufacture of their products as well as the design of their facilities. As a certified Herman Miller dealer, we are particularly proud of the numerous awards they have received for their environmental stewardship.