Marketing Connections Joins The Vernon Company

Hawaii-based distributor Marketing Connections has joined its operations with distributor The Vernon Company, headquartered in Newton, Iowa. Under terms of the agreement, principal/owner Mike Wells and his eight employees will continue to maintain the Marketing Connections corporate identity, while representing The Vernon Company. The Vernon Company will assume all administrative operations, including product research, order processing, invoicing and collections, as well as providing marketing support. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed.

Marketing Connections has been a leader in the promotional products industry for over 15 years in Hawaii and Guam.

"We were looking for a partner who would understand our unique and geographically-diverse client base, and who would have the financial position to support our long-term growth," said Wells. "We chose The Vernon Company based on the synergies between our two companies, particularly their flexibility and team approach to client services. They were able to offer one of the most financially stable environments for growth, while satisfying most of the concerns we had regarding our future in the industry. After visiting the corporate office, it was clear to our team why The Vernon Company has been named one of the industry's 'Best Places to Work.'"

"The addition of Mike Wells and the Marketing Connections team gives us a huge lift in this region," said Dave Regan, MAS, vice president of sales for The Vernon Company. "It is obvious they are seasoned professionals and know how to best serve this region. Vernon expects that our back office and marketing support, coupled with their regional experience, will be a winning combination. We look for big things to come here over the next few years."

The Vernon Company is a fourth-generation family business founded in 1902. It manufactures and markets targeted promotional advertising-based solutions to help businesses build their brand, establish a corporate identity and increase profits. The company has over 30,000 customers, served by 330 account executives and sales managers throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, and 190 administrative and production employees in its Newton, Iowa headquarters and two sign graphics manufacturing subsidiaries based in Missouri and New Jersey.