Archive for June 5, 2019

PCI Communications

When so many businesses come and go but you have figured out what it takes to successfully run a company for 45 years, people want to know what the magic formula is. How did you ride the ebb and flow of declining economies and still come out strong? What did it take to build your customer base, solidifying relationships that would flourish for decades? And, in this digital age, how did you transform your business plan along the way to remain relevant? These are all questions the folks at PCI Communications are happy to tackle. A family-owned publishing company in Ellenton, PCI strives to make each and every customer feel like one of their own, and their business model continues to thrive today.

Customer testimonials are an effective way to communicate a client’s satisfaction with a product or service. At PCI Communications, they take pride in knowing many of their clients have been with them since the beginning and relish in the numerous shining commendations from people they have worked with. Some of their professional relationships span nearly 50 years; quite novel by today’s standards. Weighing heavily upon providing outstanding service, PCI balances this remarkable level of service with an incredible product. Their high-quality directories are found throughout 200 communities in Florida. Residents enjoy the convenience of both online directories and beautiful, easy-to-read printed versions to keep in the home. In addition to their exposure in hundreds of communities throughout the state, PCI also prints the local monthly magazine, Next Gen, and prints all of the materials for the Early Learning Coalition of Manatee County.

With a full press in the back of the shop, PCI shares the printing processes with local students through a program called Project Teach. They have a heart for non-profits and this level of care for the community coupled with a stellar product, has earned them the 2016 Manatee Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year. Their dedicated staff is ready to exceed your expectations and dazzle you with some of the most eye-catching printed materials available. They understand the absolute necessity of having an A-rated directory and with 45 years’ experience their product and services are honed to near-perfection.

Over the years, PCI Communications has seen the benefits of being involved with IBE Barter Exchange Program. Through mutually beneficial trades, they have been able to gain new clientele and to provide them with quality directories and other printed materials. Though not a retail center, and primarily in the directories business, they welcome residential and professional clientele and have done many specialized projects for IBE members. They have an ongoing relationship with Veteran Air Heating & Air Conditioning and have used Snider Painting and Brock 360 Pest Solutions for maintenance around the office.

In keeping with their superior level of customer service, PCI Communications also feels strongly about loyalty to their employees and making sure they feel appreciated for the hard work they do on behalf of clientele. IBE has been vital in assisting with employee-appreciation programs. The employees just love receiving restaurant QR certificates as recognition for a job well done. Many holiday parties and gifts have been paid for via IBE and for a company that has maintained a great bottom line for 45 years, savings like these have been a huge part of their success.

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Advanced Computer Systems

Being vulnerable to computer hackers and identity theft is akin to keeping your shop’s doors closed all week long—you won’t make any money and will likely be out of business soon. You have to have a shield of armor to provide anti-virus security and guard your personal information stored on your electronic device like a knight protects a vital seaport. As a merchant or business owner of any sort, the quickest way to get a bad reputation that is hard to shake is by not securing your clients’ information. You do not want to be the business known for credit card theft so having systems in place to make you more secure than your competitor is a must. At Advanced Computer Systems, they have a 37-year track record of proven technical and computer system design. They understand hackers and viruses and the ins-and-outs of backup and recovery systems so that you can take a breath and let the experts handle the stressful technical aspects of your business.

Why Advanced Computer Systems? Not many businesses have a history of computer care dating back to Apple II computers, but ACS does. They have become leaders in networking, help desk, and custom software by staying ahead of the technology curve. They have seen the world become digitalized and have been there every step of the way assisting business owners with fax, voicemail, email, and then software and hardware issues. They specialize in a small-office atmosphere between five and 20 employees and are a one-stop shop for all customized office computer systems. Advanced Computer Systems understands that every task we do involves computer and the internet, and it is vital to have an IT company as your advocate and gatekeeper, making sure all of your systems that contain sensitive client information are perpetually secure.

As one of the earliest members of the IBE family, Advanced Computer Systems is quick to extol the virtues and success stories attributed with bartering. Owner Mark Sticht explains it this way, “Bartering has been a way to get extra business we would not have otherwise had. Another added bonus is that it frees up capital for other ventures like traveling or business expansion.” With 25 years’ experience in bartering, Mark encourages any merchant who is on the fence about bartering to check into the IBE Barter Exchange. In his opinion, you should join a barter system within your regional operating area. And per his experience, IBE is the strongest barter system available.

One of Mark Sticht’s greatest IBE stories is how he funded his entire wedding, from the invitations to the ring, flowers, venue, limo and the honeymoon—the whole event was put on via IBE bartering. And over at the office, he is hard-pressed to think of something NOT paid for with IBE. Throughout the years he credits IBE for covering the costs of printing, CPA services, attorney consultations, plumbers, and employee recognition and office parties. Much like Advanced Computer Systems, IBE is an all-inclusive source for everything your office needs. Great partnerships begin at IBE and from there, success is imminent.

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