Blog

09.27.2022

With corporate events and in-person networking opportunities returning in full force, we’re seeing business cards make a major comeback this year. Business cards are a quick, convenient and cost-effective way to market yourself and build new connections with ease—and since they’re often a key part of making a good first impression, it’s important to create a design that’s both memorable and effective at getting your message across. WCD has divested of its print and signage divisions to Cober Solutions, offering expanded national capabilities. Find out more >> Let us show you how, starting with the basics: Information to include on your business cardsChoosing a shape, size and orientationDesign best practices for business cardsChoosing the right paper for your business cardsUnique finishes for business cardsGetting help designing your business cardsHow to print business cards in Calgary and Edmonton Information to include on your business cards First things first, let’s make sure you’re including all the basic information your new contacts will need to get in touch with you and that will help you to market yourself effectively. This could include: Your nameJob titleCompany name [and logo]Email address Phone number Physical address Social media handles Website URL or QR code Choosing a shape, size and orientation The size and shape of your business cards will impact the rest of the design, so this is an important first step. Standard business cards are typically rectangular with a landscape orientation (roughly 2 x 3.5” in size). However, if you want to go for a more distinct look, you can also opt for a rectangular shape with a portrait orientation, or for a square-shaped business card. Design best practices for business cards If you choose to design your own business cards, here are a few design best practices you should follow along the way. Information Hierarchy—Each piece of information on your card should be distinguishable, yet cohesive. Emphasize important details like your logo and name, then weave in secondary information like your contact details. White Space—If you add too many elements to a small item like a business card, it can easily become cluttered and difficult to read. Leaving a bit of white space will make the important details flow better and will be more impactful for readers. Proofread—Be like Santa… check your list twice! It’s easy to get caught up in the design elements and miss grammar and spelling errors in your business cards. Be sure to review your text several times, and ask a friend for a second set of eyes. Need help designing your business cards? Today, there are many options available for designing business cards ranging from DIY digital templates to completely custom professional design. Online tools like Canva are a great way to find free templates if you’re looking for a basic product. However, if you want an original design that aligns with your brand’s visual identity, professional designers are the way to go. Choosing the right paper for your business cards Because business cards are highly tactile, choosing a stock that feels texturally unique can work in your favour. If you’d like to stand out from competitors, you might try using an extra-thick stock that feels high-end and premium, or perhaps a recycled kraft paper that’s more organic in nature. Unique finishes for business cards Special finishes can help your business cards stand out and make a lasting impression on potential clients. A few unique print finishes include foil accents, embossing, or textural finishes like a matte overlay. Now, it might not make sense for a construction company to add luxurious gold foil to their cards—so whatever you choose, make sure it aligns with your brand. Print business cards in Calgary and Edmonton Before you can send your business cards to print, here are a few things you’ll need to do: Finalize your business card template Flow in contact information for your team membersProof read all your files Export a print-ready PDF with crop marks Create a list of print specifications Contact WCD for great prices and quality products! Ready to get started? Business card printing now available through Cober Solutions.

09.20.2022

WCD Achieves Certified Delivery Partner Status with M-Files WCD is proud to announce our designation as a Certified Delivery Partner with M-Files, a global information management software solutions provider. The M-Files Delivery Partner Certification Program grants designation to M-Files partners for having two or more certified employees. What This Means for WCD Customers As one of only four Certified Delivery Partners in Canada, WCD is well poised to provide organizations with strategic guidance and support for configuring, deploying and maintaining M-Files as their information management solution. Through strategic consultation and expert professional services, WCD helps organizations effectively manage the lifecycle and governance of their digital records and information. “More than anything, this designation shows customers that we’re skilled in handling sophisticated data and information ecosystems. By following reliable processes and methodologies, we enable our customers to fully leverage the tools and technologies they invest in—M-Files included.” — Mark Ellis, Sr. Digital Transformation Consultant About the Certified Delivery Partner Program The process of becoming a Certified Delivery Partner includes extensive training on M-Files technology solutions, followed by a problem-solving exercise that tests your ability to design, develop and implement those solutions in a real-world scenario. WCD’s Mark Ellis, Senior Digital Transformation Consultant and Chris Edwards, Solutions Architect, have both completed the training certification. “We’re very proud to have achieved Certified Delivery Partner status with M-Files,” says Ellis. “We’ve proven our ability to analyze and solve complex challenges that require a high degree of business acumen, process-thinking and technology expertise—and that’s exactly what we do for our clients when it comes to managing their information.” About M-Files M-Files is a global leader in information management. The M-Files metadata-driven document management platform enables knowledge workers to instantly find the right information in any context, automate business processes, and enforce information control. This provides businesses with a competitive advantage and substantial ROI as they deliver better customer experiences and higher-quality work with lower risk. For more information, visit www.m-files.com. About WCD As a leader in digital on-demand solutions for print and information, WCD stands behind creative, personalized and integrated services. We help you transform your business, empower your people and share your story. Our leading-edge technology, expansive network of resources and entrepreneurial spirit ensure consistent, quality results in every market we serve. A steadfast Canadian company based in Calgary, Alberta, we’ve made business personal for 70 years. Discover more ways to cultivate seamless connection— with customers, employees and information. To find out how, visit www.wcdconnect.com. What Can M-Files Do for Your Business? Unlike any other content management platform, M-Files overlays your current information architecture and searches for information based on what it is rather than where it's stored, simplifying access from a single location and eliminating the need for a costly data migration project. By breaking down silos between disparate systems and content repositories, M-Files helps accelerate your organization's journey to digital transformation. Does it sound like M-Files could work for you?

08.30.2022

Happy Pride Week! Calgary’s Pride Parade + Festival is in full swing, taking place from August 26 – September 5, 2022. In celebration and reflection, we’re looking back on the progress we’ve made to support the LGBTQA+ community and improve diversity, equity and inclusion at WCD this year. WCD’s Progress Toward Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in 2022 1) Partnership with Pride in Business This year, we partnered with Pride in Business as their official Print & Signage Sponsor. Working to create connections within the LGBTQA+ community of professionals and entrepreneurs, Pride in Business is on a mission to enhance visibility, support and commerce in the community. Through our partnership, we’ve played a humble role in the success of several Pride in Business events, including Pride in Art, an event that showcased the work of several local LGBTQA+ artists, and the upcoming 10-Year Anniversary Rooftop Bash, taking place on August 31, 2022. Pride in Art 2022 We’re proud to support Pride in Business, and we look forward to our continued partnership. 2) WCD Diversity Council & Internal Awareness Last year, we recognized a need to create space for open discussion around diversity and inclusion in our workplace. In response, we established WCD’s first ever Diversity Council—an internal group of leaders committed to creating dialogue and taking actionable steps to ensure everyone feels empowered to be their most authentic selves at work. As an organization, we’re proud of the diversity that makes our culture uniquely ours. We also recognize that the work is never done, which is why our team is committed to continually improving our DEI initiatives. To start, we’re launching our 2022 employee survey with an added emphasis on collecting feedback and valuable insights from staff on areas we can improve DEI in the workplace. What Pride Week Means for WCD’s Candace Ogden Last year, we celebrated Pride by interviewing WCD’s Rob Steed, VP of Partnerships & Client Engagement. This year, we asked Candace Ogden, Customer Service Representative to share a bit about what Pride means to her as a member of the LGBTQA+ community. Read last year's interview with Rob Steed > What does Pride mean to you? "For my family, Pride means being at one with who we are inside and out and accepting love as love. We teach our children that if we open our hearts to others, we will learn acceptance through doing so." How do you celebrate Pride week with your family? "Our family attends community events during Pride week which really helps to teach the youngest members in our family about diversity. But we don’t just celebrate Pride during this week. We are a family that celebrates who we are all throughout the year." How do you show your support for diversity and inclusion at work all year round? "In any social setting, including at work, the one thing I have learned on my journey is that being open and fully comfortable with who I am is a great way to stimulate inclusion anywhere. Not only do I show complete confidence in myself, I also make a genuine effort to show interest in others and learn about what makes them unique." We teach our children that if we open our hearts to others, we will learn acceptance through doing so. What is your advice to businesses who want to be better allies to the LGBTQA+ community? "My advice to businesses is to not only show the support visually, but to take a solid stance in advocating on behalf of the LGBTQA+ community. It is such a multifaceted community that often there is a lack of understanding for one another, even amongst those of us who are members of this community. Take time to listen and to try to understand others, and when there is a lack of understanding, find and provide resources to those who may be struggling with who they are." How You Can Celebrate Pride Week Feeling the spirit of Pride? Visit Calgary Pride's Community Events Calendar to discover the many inclusive and interactive events happening around the city this week.

08.08.2022

Pekarsky & Co. Establishes Itself as a Leading Executive Search Firm with Brand Identity and Marketing Materials Please note, this project was completed in 2018. As Western Canada’s go-to executive search and leadership advisory firm, Pekarsky & Co. is proud to help some of Canada’s leading companies place top-tier talent—and all with a personalized, people-first approach. Challenge When a previous partner retired, the firm (then called Pekarsky & Stein) needed to be renamed to reflect the recent change. In addition to a brand overhaul, Owner Adam Pekarsky needed to find a way to communicate the change effectively, and reposition the company as a unique leader in its space. They listened, they came prepared, and they responded succinctly to the exact directions provided to them in our brief." —Adam Pekarsky, Owner Solution Working in lockstep with the client, WCD Creative developed a naming and brand identity strategy that would help Pekarsky & Co. establish itself as a leading executive search firm and increase brand awareness within its target market. With the new logo and visual identity, WCD Creative aimed to reflect the organization’s values and create a look that would stand out in the corporate marketplace. The ampersand in the logo was designed with intention to serve as a key graphic element in brand materials. Website & Business Cards Brochure Results Today, Pekarsky & Co. is a recognizable brand name in the executive search space. WCD Creative brought the brand to life through various materials including their website, business cards, brochures, office signage, and promotional materials—establishing a strong brand presence that continues to reflect the professionalism and caliber of the team. The iconic ampersand has become a recognizable part of the Pekarsky & Co. brand (eventually becoming the official name of the company’s well-subscribed newsletter, “The Ampersand”). Their eye-catching look continues to evolve across materials and mediums, attracting clients and talent from coast to coast. Brochure Insides Signage & Promotional Materials Ready to breathe life into your brand? At WCD Creative, we consider ourselves an extension of your marketing team, partnering with you to design holistic branding solutions that solve your unique business challenges. From professional marketing materials to comprehensive campaigns, our award-winning creative will drive ROI and give you a competitive edge.

08.08.2022

Golden Acre Home & Garden Improves Sales and Maintains Market Share with Eye-Catching Integrated Marketing Campaign As Calgary’s largest gardening destination, Golden Acre Home & Garden has been inspiring generations of gardeners since 1967. Launched originally as a tree nursery, the company has since "transformed into a gardener's mecca, carrying almost 40,000 plants and gardening products." Challenge With a nearby competitor closing up shop and liquidating inventory at a deep discount, Golden Acre was challenged to maintain market share and hit sales targets during their busiest season. To increase brand awareness and encourage new and existing customers to visit the store, they needed help to develop and deploy a creative and unified brand and marketing strategy. Direct Mail Piece Solution Working closely with Golden Acre’s leadership, WCD Creative developed an integrated marketing plan aimed at increasing the store’s brand awareness to remain competitive and achieve sales targets. The eye-catching and creative Ready. Set. Grow. campaign was designed and delivered by WCD Creative across channels including direct mail, radio, out-of-home advertising (OOH), in-store signage, and on promotional materials. Out-of-Home Advertising (OOH) Results With beautiful designs and targeted execution, Golden Acre’s campaign successfully increased brand awareness and captured the attention of new and existing customers. The garden centre was able to maintain market share and hit their sales targets, resulting in a positive ROI on the campaign. Working with WCD’s extended services, Golden Acre also saved on the print and signage elements of their campaign. With a new and exciting look to get behind, employees at Golden Acre became engaged and enthusiastic about the brand. Today, they remain a must-visit destination for Calgary’s local gardening community. Gift Cards, In-Store Signage, Buttons Inspired to bring your brand to life? At WCD Creative, we consider ourselves an extension of your team, partnering with you to design holistic branding solutions that solve your unique business challenges. From professional marketing materials to comprehensive campaigns, our award-winning creative will drive ROI and give you a competitive edge.

08.05.2022

Alberta Motor Association Improves Member Onboarding Experience with Help from WCD Creative The Alberta Motor Vehicle Association (AMA) is a member-based organization and leading advocate for traffic safety, crime prevention, and travel and consumer protection in Alberta. With over 980,000 members across the province, the organization provides critical services like roadside assistance, vehicle insurance, driver training, registration services and more. The Challenge With a goal to improve their member onboarding experience, AMA needed to find a way to engage new members, show the value of their membership awards program, and showcase members’ resulting savings in an interactive and personalized way. Solution Working closely with AMA’s marketing team, WCD Creative developed a self-serve online tool for new members to create their very own personalized handbook. After selecting custom cover images and identifying the savings they are interested in, members are shown a personalized chart that shows the return on investment of their membership. With various automated touchpoints built into the campaign, AMA can ensure members complete their online handbook and realize savings. Personalized Brochure Results After launching the program, AMA immediately saw an increase in member engagement. Email workflows built into the campaign generated open rates of more than 70%, and AMA gained valuable insight into data on member preferences so they could begin personalizing partner offers. With an increase in the number of member emails captured at the first step of the onboarding process, AMA drastically increased awareness of the savings and value included in their memberships. As an added benefit of working with WCD’s extended Print Solutions, AMA also reduced their costs for the print-related components of this multi-touch campaign. Landing Page & Personalized Brochure Campaign Landing Page Discover WCD Creative At WCD Creative, we consider ourselves an extension of your team, partnering with you to design holistic branding solutions that solve your unique business challenges. From professional marketing materials to comprehensive campaigns, our award-winning creative will drive ROI and give you a competitive edge.

06.15.2022

Our Customer Pick-Up Location is Moving WCD is currently undergoing exciting renovations at our Calgary headquarters. Effective Friday, July 8, our customer entrance for order pick-ups and drop-offs will move to a new entrance at the East end of our parking lot. Why? We're Renovating! Our main offices are currently undergoing renovations that will bring our Calgary production teams together under one roof. WCD's Signage operations, currently located across the street in Alyth Yard, will be moving into our main production facility. These renovations are a positive step forward for our company, enabling us to optimize the use of our current space and streamline operations so we can continue to serve our customers better. We can't wait to welcome you to our new space! Please excuse our appearance as we add the finishing touches. Questions or Concerns? For more information about our new customer pick-up entrance, contact your Account Executive or email us at info@wcdconnect.com.

06.15.2022

We’re Renovating! WCD is currently undergoing renovations at our Calgary head office to build a new and improved space for our Signage and large format services.  In Summer 2022, our entire Signage team will be moving into our newly renovated main production facility in Inglewood with better parking, ventilation, delivery access and enhanced capabilities. Moving our signage team into our head office is a step forward for WCD and an investment in this important area of our business. This transition will enable us to optimize the use of our space and streamline operations so we can serve our customers faster and more efficiently. With the market opening up and the demand for signage increasing, we couldn’t be more excited to create a modern and updated production operation for our team. Come visit our new customer pick-up area in September 2022! Book Your Signage Projects Today Please be advised that there may be brief interruptions to some signage projects as we move our equipment. We are taking every step to ensure there is limited disruption to customers during our move, including scheduling projects in advance and routing work to alternate WCD locations where possible. Official move dates to be announced. To schedule your signage project in advance, please contact your WCD Account Executive or email our Signage Coordinators at signageprojects@wcdconnect.com.

06.08.2022

Choose the right material to make your outdoor signage last When selecting materials for outdoor signs, it's critical that you take into consideration the many variables that are at play in comparison with indoor signage. Factors like weather, temperatures, wind, and ultimately the purpose of your signage will all impact the material you select. WCD has divested of its print and signage divisions to Cober Solutions, offering expanded national capabilities. Find out more >> To help guide you in your decision making, here are six of the most common materials used to create durable outdoor signs: 1) Coroplast A staple in the sign industry, coroplast is perfect for outdoor signs on a budget. Made of corrugated plastic, coroplast is both light-weight and weather resistant. Coroplast is best used for temporary outdoor signs including event signage, although the material can last up to 1-2 years outdoors depending on conditions. This product can be easily cleaned, is stain-proof, and will withstand elements like rain and snow. Key features of coroplast signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofAbility to add grommets for hangingCan be printed double-sided 2) Bubbl-X Bubbl-X is an ideal option for lightweight outdoor signs. This product is blue bin recyclable, making it an ideal option for businesses invested in their environmental footprint and sustainability. Bubbl-X is similar to coroplast in look and feel, but offers a smoother surface for printing, and instead of flutes, it has a core similar to heavy-duty bubble wrap. The result is a smooth, waterproof, light-weight sign that is slightly more durable than coroplast. Key features of Bubbl-X signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofRecyclableAbility to add grommets for hangingCan be printed double-sided 3) PVC Board PVC board is a white product that looks and acts similar to wood, but has a hard, smooth finish that is ideal for printing single or double sided. Stable for use indoors or out, PVC board can be cut, glued and screwed as if it were plywood. Key features of PVC board signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofCan be printed double-sided 4) DIBOND DIBOND is an aluminum composite material that has a solid polyethylene core sandwiched between thin gauge aluminum on either side. This product offers a lightweight, rigid and durable solution that is very suitable for long-term outdoor use. Key features of DIBOND signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofCan be printed double-sided 5) Aluminum Solid aluminum is an ideal substrate for signs that need to perform outdoors for several years, such as parking lot signs, pipeline markers and site access signs. Most road signs you'll see today are made of aluminum because of their ability to withstand heat, hail, and rain. And for those looking for a sustainable option, aluminum's recyclability makes it an ideal choice. Key features of aluminum signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofRecyclable 6) Crezone Crezone is an exterior grade plywood, specially treated and pre-painted white for use in outdoor signage. This product is ideal for use in cold temperatures because it is resistant to cracking and can easily be screwed to a backboard or bolted to sign posts. This product is often used for billboard advertisements, construction site signs, real estate signs, and a-frames. Key features of crezone signs include: Indoor or outdoor useWater proofCan be printed double-sided