CPS/Keystone Announces New Rush Service and Sales Appointments

Kippie Helzel, MAS, vice president of sales for CPS/Keystone, Erie, Pa., announced the launch of its "Fast Lane" free 24-hour rush service.

"The key for CPS has been to add this rush service while maintaining our traditionally low prices," said Helzel. "The CPS team has worked to handle the new service with confidence and ease, maintaining our position as 'the value leader.'"

Helzel also announced several appointments to the CPS sales team. Christie Wright has been appointed Northeast regional sales manager, Betsy Shuster has joined the company as inside sales representative supporting the Northeast and Midwest territories, and Dawn Browne has become inside sales representative for key accounts and sales in seven states.

These appointments are part of a sales development strategy that began with the hiring of Bruce Schermerhorn as Midwest regional sales manager in September, 2013. Rebecca McLaughlin, sales and operations manager, will oversee the successful implementation of the "Fast Lane" service, as well as coordinate the strategic sales plan.

"CPS has benefited from the loyalty of thousands of distributors who recognize our low prices on the industry's most popular, proven promotional products," Helzel explained. "That said, we recognized the need for personal outreach and follow up, both in the field and from the home office. I am proud to say we are delivering that in key markets, while maintaining our famously low prices."

Wright comes to CPS with years of industry experience at Gemline, Lawrence, Mass., and Hub Pen Company, Braintree, Mass., with extensive work in inside sales, customer service and key national account management.

"Having worked with so many distributors, large and small, for years, inside sales and outside, I can truly say that I love working in a strong, hands-on way with distributors," Wright said. "What excited me so much about joining CPS was the fact that my closest distributor customers and friends all knew CPS, and were enthusiastic about me joining the company."