Distributor The Vernon Company (UPIC: Vernon) recognized BIC Graphic (UPIC: BIC) and Cap America (UPIC: CAPAMRCA) with its 2014 Supplier of the Year Award during the company’s annual national sales meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

The Supplier of the Year Award is given annually to industry suppliers that provide the best overall service to The Vernon Company and its customers. The award is based on important quality considerations, including presale quotations, sample policies and procedures, prompt service on inquiries, on-time order shipments, customer service responsiveness and marketing support programs.

“The ratings were so high for both BIC Graphic and Cap America that we realized we would need to recognize two suppliers for everything they’ve done for Vernon,” says Vicki Palm, supplier relations manager.  “Both have been tremendous partners.”

“BIC Graphic is the kind of success story we like to see,” she adds. “A few years ago, our business with BIC Graphic was headed in the wrong direction. However, we addressed some specific issues with them, and from that point forward, the entire team at BIC Graphic has worked hard to overcome them. From the top down, they’ve given every effort to support Vernon and endeavored to get our business going back in the right direction with positive growth.”

Dustin Wicks, national account manager for BIC Graphic, says, “As a longtime Vernon partner, it was a great honor to receive the award for Supplier of the Year, and it reflects the commitment we have as an organization to become a stronger supplier through the many facets of our business relationship with Vernon. Our focus at BIC Graphic is to increase the ease of doing business by providing proactive, creative concepts and developing clear levels of communication to enhance the customer experience. While we continue to set our collective goals higher, we have made great strides to better understand the Vernon way of business and further our partnership with the team members in the corporate office as well as the salespeople throughout the country.”

Regarding Cap America, Palm says, “They are extremely service-oriented and always receive exceptional ratings for their customer service. We receive more positive feedback from our home office staff about Cap America than any other supplier. They are experts at virtual samples and creating concepts, and they give our account executives more than what they ask for. Really, Cap America earned this award for everything they do for Vernon, not just this past year, but every year.”

On being recognized, Bruce Watson, president and COO at Cap America, says, “Receiving the Vernon Supplier of the Year award holds special meaning for Cap America and our employees.  We have had a long standing relationship with Vernon and to receive this distinguished award from one of the top distributors in our industry is an honor that makes us extremely proud.”