Milwaukee, WI -- Tailored Solutions, Inc., developer of Label Traxx job management software for flexographic printers, unveiled their newest vehicle for informing customers, and potential buyers of latest product developments. Tailored Solutions, along with their associative partner 4D, hosted its first in a series of web-enabled technology seminars. Participants took part in an interactive, real time presentation of Label Traxx, highlighting its newly revamped suite of accounting tools: Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, and General Ledger. Tom Gilmore, Label Traxx application developer and Certified Public Accountant, conducted the seminar, which attracted flexo businesses throughout North America. "Having completed a few ‘webinars,’ I've got to say that this is a great way to get things done. When our customers have a chance to interact with each other with in a manner such as this, and brainstorm about how to make our products better, the result is ideas that simplify the product and improve efficiencies," said Gilmore. Flexo customers that took part in the sessions found a great deal of value in the use of the web-conferencing technology. "I have told my employees that I consider Tailored Solutions to be a partner, not a vendor," said Betty Byers, an owner of Datamark Graphics in Asheboro, NC. "Now they can hear (Tailored Solutions employees) and speak to (them) with a personal connection. Not only is the subject matter of the presentation important, but the "closeness" obtained during such an event is priceless." Datamark Graphics, a customer with Tailored Solutions for over 4 years, relies on Label Traxx for all of its job management procedures, having recently invested in the Label Traxx Accounting package, with plans to implement the full integrated system. "(Label Traxx) has literally changed our company and our lives. It's helped us structure pricing so that it's fluid, profitable, and consistently competitive. It's helped us organize our prospects and customers. It's allowed us to increase sales without adding new personnel. And it's introduced us to some of the greatest people in the business. It's not easy to switch a company and train everyone on new software, but it's worth it. My budget is tight ... but (the) software is priceless." Tailored Solutions has more "webinars" scheduled in the upcoming months, each showcasing various modules of the Label Traxx product. For more information on Label Traxx, 4D, or to participate in an upcoming Label Traxx web seminar, visit the Tailored Solutions' web site at www.tailored.com or call 414-774-9997.
Buddy is doing fine, but when this was taken, about a month ago, he had suffered a seizure so I took him to the Vet's for some tests. They all came back fine and he has not had one since...knock on wood. Poor guy has had a rough year, medically.
As children grow, they learn, imagine, and build connections within their communities. There are many ways to support what children are already learning while inspiring them to share the stories that foster understanding and creativity.
Unstructured arts activities, where children are encouraged to create without specific end goals, are a great way to support children and build connections between family members. Painting is one such activity that the whole family can engage in and that supports literacy and math skills, at all stages of development.
Large paper (Rives BFK paper is great because it holds up to heavy layers of paint and water without tearing. The results of painting are better with quality papers)
Tape edges of sturdy paper to table, floor, or other hard surface for painting. If you want to keep a space free of paint it is a good idea to put down a plastic table cloth or similar covering on to the surface first.
Set out paints, water, brushes. If desired, try setting out something that inspires your family; this could be plants, toy animals, sea shells, or anything else that might get the gears of a story rolling.
Get painting! For some, reading a story together before beginning to paint is a good way to get creative muscles moving. Stories that are about letters, counting, or themes that are important to your family may inspire thoughts that connect to later painting and storytelling.
Be flexible! Expect that some children will make very representational paintings and others will be more drawn to abstraction in their painting. There is no right answer, and also no wrong answers. Celebrate the uniqueness of each child and painting.
Even if your child is at a place in their development where they are more interested in mixing all the colors than in creating representational objects, let them. Mixing is a great way to learn the chemistry of colors, gain motor skills, and get ideas rolling. While adults may not always know what is happening in a child’s mind, we can bet there are many more ideas than the child will share with us.
For older children the act of painting may be relaxing or provide a way for them the share what is important to them. Listen, ask open ended questions, and try to let them guide the way. Paint on individual papers or work together on larger pieces.
For more fun and shared learning, make up painting games, or work together to tell stories. Final pieces can be matted and framed. For more abstract or collaborative paintings, try moving a mat over the dried painted paper until you find a section you like; trace around the mat board and then cut out the section to frame. Papers can also be turned into cards, bookmarks, or book covers.
The adventures are boundless; just keep an open mind and watch for the stories, letters, and numbers that occur naturally as children express themselves and connect to what they are learning in their lives.
Jess Graff is an artist, writer, and educator who is currently the Residency Manager at Portland Children’s Museum.