2004

Dec. 20, 2004
GSSI Announces Plan to Launch a Premium and Promotional Goods Catalog

At a news conference at its Mission Viejo headquarters GSSI announced plans today to launch a Premium and Promotional Goods Catalog in 2005. In partnership with noted web developer Lehua Designs, GSSI’s working title for the catalog is “Global Discoveries”. Global Discoveries will be an on-line catalog where buyers will be able to find some of the most unique and cutting edge products available anywhere in the world.

“The idea really comes from a number of our clients who have asked us to source some really bizarre stuff”, said Bradford Rhoades, GSSI’s Director of Purchasing. “We’ve used our network of people in order to find, or in some cases, custom make everything from ice buckets to baseballs. It occurred to us that companies all want to be different. That the every day product fails to make them stand apart from their competition and that the by product of our sourcing missions yields global products that we can offer for sale at incredible prices”.

“We have gathered those products together and negotiated deals with a number of manufacturers in order to present this catalog to the purchasing public”, Rhoades continued.” Our goal is not only to provide the best products but also the hard-to-find items so no matter what you are looking for, be it promotional items, corporate gifts, point of sale or purchase displays or just something unprecedented, GSSI will give you an interesting choice”.

“There will be a retail feel to Global Discoveries but we intend that it should be for bulk purchases. We are exploring a variety of approaches and payment options that are consistent with our structure and history as a Sourcing company. GSSI intends to stock some items but as most will be custom ordered with logo or other brand identification, we are limited in our ability to inventory product”, said Jim Letzel, GSSI’s President. “However, we believe that the development of this catalog is consistent with our role as a “Solutions Provider” and expect that some of the cutting edge deals will be our entry to new corporate accounts.”

Vendors who are interested in having their products placed into GSSI’s premium catalog, please contact Brad Rhoades at brhoades@myglobalsourcing.com.

For Companies who are interested in placing future orders or would like some more information on what hot new products will be offered, they should also contact Brad Rhoades at brhoades@myglobalsourcing.com.

GSSI is a leading sales, sourcing, and solutions firm who have successfully helped clients find the right fit the world over. For more information on GSSI contact us a sales@myglobalsourcing.com.

December 17, 2004
GSSI Announces Relocation

Effective today, GSSI is moving its headquarters operation to new quarters. Although the Company address and all phone numbers remain the same the move is necessitated by growth in our business as well as a decision to centralize support operations in Mission Viejo, CA. “We were fortunate,” said Bradford Rhoades, Director of Purchasing, “ that space opened up at our current location permitting us the opportunity to account for our expanding space requirements without the need to change any of our contact information”. The move, GSSI’s second relocation in 2 years, will double existing space and will house the Accounting, Customer Service, Marketing and Purchasing groups.

“I am very pleased that we were able to work this out”, said Jim Letzel, GSSI’s President. “We urgently needed to centralize all of the support functions under one roof and that was impossible under the previous situation. Our plan is to locate our Sourcing Group closer to our primary supplier base in Asia and allow them to better coordinate activities with Accounting and Purchasing. GSSI’s long term goal is to build up our Marketing team and involve them more directly with our supplier network in order to take advantage of these companies’ unique capabilities. It makes sense to us to locate all in a place that permits direct conversation for a longer period of time than practicable from the Midwest and East Coast.”

GSSI represents manufacturing operations the world over and manages relationships in Printing, Packaging, Premium Goods, and Supply Chain business for clients on 3 continents.

Nov. 1, 2004
GSSI completes shipment of over 7 million calendars for Magnet Street

GSSI recently completes production and shipping of 7,000,000 tear off calendars for a leading US direct marketing company, Magnet Street. "The partnership spans three years and this client has enjoyed a 100% increase in volume each year.  With over 20 different versions, Magnet Street has effectively realized the advantages of allowing GSSI to source this product in Asia from both a cost and convenience standpoint," said Ken Merkle, Vice President of Commercial Print.

"The large sheet fed platform in China allows us to print several versions at one time on several presses, allowing GSSI to provide an even dispersion of each version for each shipment, which was integral to the customer's marketing plans", Merkle reported.

Sept. 25, 2004
GSSI To Print Instrument Catalog

GSSI signs major international catalog contract to produce over a quarter of a million catalogs for a leading scientific instrumentation company. "We are extremely pleased to be chosen to manage the printing of this catalog.  It is the first time the client has printed overseas and given the complex nature of its distribution.  We are honored that they have confidence we will get the job done” said Jim Letzel, GSSI’s President.  The catalog will be shipped to over 100 countries and contains over 50 different versions.

Sept. 1st, 2004
Solution II

GSSI and a medical technology firm, Endur ID Inc., have signed a joint product development agreement using Solution II and technology developed by Endur ID to introduce a new system of patient identification and security into the US healthcare industry. GSSI's patented Solution II material is now being used as the technical substrate for a new generation of security ID bracelets for hospital patients. These new bracelets, made from Solution II, can now carry far more individualized variable and proprietary patient information than ever before. Added to the typed information that's common with current bracelets; bar codes and even photos can now be imaged onto the Solution II bracelet. Scanners can then be used on patients to instantly recognize their identity, particular ailments, special needs, required medicines, doctor's treatment, etc.. "Part of the beauty of this technology, is that it doesn't cost the hospitals extra money to print these bracelets. Solution II's special coating allows the hospitals to use their existing laser printers (monochrome or color) to digitally image the bracelets. Also, the strength of Solution II assures them that the patient cannot tear or lose their bracelet. Hospital administration is happy and the doctors are happy. Beyond that, however, security is a very important issue for the health care industry and doing a better job with the identification of patients is critical to their overall strategy," says Tom Vendetti, VP Business Development for GSSI.

August 2004
Easton Press Picks GSSI for First Ever Overseas Printing

In the coming weeks GSSI will begin work on the first title ever awarded to a printer outside of the US for MBI, Inc. also known as the Easton Press. Easton is the premiere publisher of signed first editions and collectible books in the world today but had never manufactured overseas. “GSSI was successful in securing a book after a long and difficult qualifications process that put both us and our supplier to the test,” reports Thomas Vendetti, Vice President of Business Development for GSSI. “The Easton people set a high standard and we could not be more pleased for the opportunity to participate with them as a supplier”.

“The fine, leather bound editions are known to serious collectors as the epitome of quality as well as durability. People buy Easton books for their private home libraries. These books are built to last for generations so the construction requires the best materials and the finest craftsmanship. To be selected as the very first supplier offshore is a major accomplishment and one that everyone at GSSI should be very proud to cite,”said Jim Letzel, President.

July 2004
GSSI awarded the 2005-2006 International catalog for Chicago based Cole Parmer.

GSSI has received a Letter of Intent to manage the printing of Cole-Parmer’s International Product Catalog based on the successful completion of a test run to be produced in Asia later this month. Cole-Parmer has never before printed this catalog overseas but has noticed a tremendous growth in their International operations in the past 5 years that warranted exploration. Under the direction of Ms. Marti Briggs, Cole-Parmer began a qualification process that has resulted in significant savings

“GSSI is pleased to have played a part in this process. Cole-Parmer is a prestigious company with aggressive growth plans that we hope to be a part of for a long time,” said Jim Letzel, President of GSSI. “As a division of Fisher Scientific and a leader in their industry, Cole Parmer’s many and varied needs blend nicely with our diverse global supplier base”.

July 2004
GSSI Announces the Addition of Promotional Goods Suppliers

As part of our ongoing campaign to add to our network of suppliers, GSSI announces the addition of 3 new suppliers of “promotional goods”. “We had a need generated by our sales force to locate suppliers who could manufacture POS, POP as well as For Sale Promotional Goods”, said Brad Rhoades, Director of Purchasing. "This was a new area for us so we wanted to be diligent in selecting only the best and most capable suppliers who fit our criteria”.

To be selected a GSSI Supplier a company must have export/import experience. Maintain spotless factories, employ no child or criminal labor, and pass our on-site inspection. “We reject far more applicant suppliers than we select. There is a finite amount of work and we don't believe in stockpiling vendors just for the sake of adding names. If companies work with us they know we will deliver business to them,” Rhoades said.

June 2004
GSSI was just awarded the print contract for the 2005, 2006 and 2007 Chrysler/Jeep International Showroom Catalogs.

For many years, Daimler Chrysler printed all their annual catalogs for the worldwide marketplace at a centralized European location.

After researching the costs associated with this long-time practice, Daimler Chrysler, asked GSSI to source their catalog production regionally. Through our vast network of suppliers, GSSI was able to identify and contract several high quality printers who fit the requirements of the client and were located in the very markets that Daimler Chrysler wanted to reach.

The first phase of the program involves Japanese and Australian printers producing catalogs for the Asian marketplace. The key to this move, according to the client, was to save money without sacrificing the extreme high quality that Daimler Chrysler customers have grown to expect.

May 2004
GSSI Selected to Produce “Grey Goose” Vodka Holiday Promotion.

Grey Goose vodka entrusts GSSI with holiday tins and display cases for their new flavored vodka line: Origanal, L’Orange, La Vanille, Le Citron. The people who own and distribute Grey Goose, “the best tasting vodka in the world”, wanted to explore a new level of cost savings without sacrificing the high quality standard that their customers are accustomed to. They decided to produce this marketing/promotional item in Asia, but had little knowledge as to where to begin. GSSI was the answer to their dilemma. GSSI, by utilizing our vast network of printers and manufacturers in China, qualified several companies who fit the requirements put forth by the Grey Goose people. The suppliers were whittled down to one, who could best accommodate the price, specs and service required by the client. After traveling to China to witness the press proof, the client was happy to receive 40 containers delivered to France, filled with beautiful holiday tins for each flavor and 4 color display cases. The best part: They saved close to 30% on the cost of manufacture (including freight) vs. having them produced domestically.

May 2004
GSSI names Jane Leipper as Controller

GSSI is pleased to announce the addition of Ms. Jane Leipper as Controller effective immediately. Ms. Leipper will be responsible for our banking relationships, payroll and commission management, supplier payments and invoice collections as well as all financial reports. Jane will work out of our Mission Viejo office

“We were extremely fortunate to be able to add someone of Jane's stature to the organization. She has had experience in all areas of finance, beginning with bookkeeping and extending to participating in complex acquisition arrangements," reports Jim Letzel, GSSI's President. "I look forward to working with Jane and building a sound financial group”.

Prior to joining GSSI Leipper was controller of Life Station, a California based maker of children's apparel.

April 2004
GSSI names Brad Rhoades as Director of Purchasing

As part of GSSI's continuous search to improve the quality of the organization, we are pleased to announce the hiring of Bradford Rhoades as Director of Purchasing. In this capacity Brad will be responsible for expanding our network of suppliers, building systems for purchase orders and invoicing and assisting in the support of our client's needs. Prior to joining GSSI, Brad spent nearly 5 years in Asia as a purchasing agent for a major textile manufacturer.

“Brad will work out of our Mission Viejo office and his Chinese language skills will be highly useful in communicating and negotiating mutually beneficial supplier relationships," said Jim Letzel, President of GSSI. "We fully expect that Brad will improve our deal flow, shorten our negotiation period and tighten the deals we create”.

“I believe that living in Asia has helped me understand what it takes to get things done," said Mr. Rhoades who has lived in South Korea and Taiwan as well as traveled extensively throughout China. " I will be employing my network of contacts to add to GSSI's roster of Country Managers so that we can offer our clients local coverage throughout Asia”.

Feburary 2004
GSSI has expanded their partnership with a major ski and motorcycle goggle manufacturer to begin supplying their goggle bags.

This opportunity allows GSSI to provide this customer a significant cost reduction and once again widens our range of product options available to our clients. This client continues to allow GSSI to review all of their packaging and complimentary products from a global production aspect. We currently supply all of their PVC packaging. If you are interested in reviewing how GSSI can supply any of your packaging needs or products, while providing a significant cost savings, please contact Ken Merkle VP Commercial Print at 972-208-2764.

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2003

December 2003
NASA Certifies Solution II for Space Flights.

GSSI are the exclusive distributors of Solution II laser polyester.

Used by NASA and certified for space flight. Because Solution II material is rugged, waterproof, dustproof and can withstand extreme temperatures, NASA uses it for the in-flight operation manuals during astronaut space walks. NASA also uses Solution II at the Johnson Space Center in Houston for training manuals used in their buoyancy tanks where astronauts prepare for weightlessness. Previously, NASA used laminated paper, printed plastic and other substrates. They found that these other substrates could not hold up to the extreme conditions of space and since Solution II was laser printable, it allowed NASA to print on base with their existing laser printers.

November 2003
GSSI moves headquarters to Mission Viejo, CA

GSSI has signed an agreement to locate its headquarters to Mission Viejo, CA. The agreement for 4 years allows GSSI to grow its business and expand its support services. “We needed to be able to build our client and supplier network service teams and place them under one roof,” said Ms. Erika West, Director of Client Services. “Moving out of the Newport Beach location afforded us the to house these operations conducive to dealing with our Asian suppliers”.

August 2003
GSSI secures partnership with major magnet and calendar supplier.

GSSI was again honored with sourcing small size calendars for a major magnet and calendar supplier. The partnership spans three years with this client who has effectively been able to double their business annually. Each year we have been called upon to make improvements on the product to ensure the integrity and durability and provide a product that exceeds their customer’s expectations. With a run count over six million copies, GSSI is integral in coordinating the printing and distribution. Please contact Ken Merkle VP Commercial Print at 972-208-2764 if you would like more definitive information on what we provide to this and other customers, that can lead to exciting opportunities for your business.

Febuary 2003
GSSI was awarded a term contract to source PVC packaging for a major ski and motorcycle manufacturer.

GSSI was able to provide a significant savings by utilizing a strategic packaging manufacturer/partner in Asia. GSSI is proud to enter in this partnership with a leading sport accessory company such as Scott USA and be able to provide distinctive value with regard to quality and cost. We have already begun to provide alternative variations to the current product to improve functionality and productivity. This is a prime example of how GSSI is committed to focusing on clients needs to enhance the way our customers do business.

If you would like to know more about the advantages of sourcing PVC with GSSI, please contact Ken Merkle, Vice President Commercial Print to learn how we can significantly reduce your costs and provide superior quality PVC to improve your bottom line.