Keson Earns STAR Award from Construction Marketing Association for Product Package Design and Fab 40 Status from Conservation Group for Sustained Commitment to Environment


Aurora, Illinois-based tool manufacturer garners recognition for outstanding marketing and business operations activities with two separate awards

AURORA, IL - Keson Industries, a leading supplier and manufacturer of innovative, high-quality, measuring and marking tools, has received recognition from national and local peer groups. On November 8, Keson was named one of The Conservation Foundation's Fab 40, a designation for 40 organizations that have contributed to effective and on-the-ground conservation in the Illinois counties of DuPage, Kane, Kendall and Will. And on November 13, the company was recognized by the Construction Marketing Association (CMA) annual STAR(TM) Awards for excellence in marketing.

CMA STAR Award

Keson was the recipient of the 2012 STAR Award in the Packaging - Product Package Design category for its Long-Run Measuring Wheel package (model RRT12), designed by Kaleidoscope of Chicago. This particular package design clearly reflects how Keson's entire line-up of product packaging has been revamped, with an emphasis on quickly and clearly communicating the attractive, rugged and easy-to-use product contained within.

"The new package design, which is representative of the strength of the Keson brand with a clean look and clear on-pack communication, presents a high quality tool," said Gary Chiapetta, CEO, Kaleidoscope. "The product photography and overall package emanates quality and durability, which are key purchasing drivers for tool buyers."

In May 2011, Keson also won a Gold Packaging Award from the National Retail Hardware Association for its revamped product package designs.

"Keson was recognized as the winner for Product Package Design in the construction industry," said CMA Chairman Neil M. Brown. "The CMA STAR Awards showcase the very best in marketing, effectiveness and creative execution."

The CMA STAR awards recognize excellence in 16 marketing categories and 81 sub-categories including advertising, branding, website design, social media, brochures, catalogs, new product launches, packaging, photography, promotions, publicity, merchandising, trade shows, videos, employee communications and integrated marketing campaigns.

Fab 40 of Illinois Conservation

The Fab 40 announcement was made during the Conservation Foundation's 40th Anniversary Celebration and Recognition Dinner on November 8, 2012.

Stephen Van Arsdell, chairman and CEO of Deloitte & Touche, served as master of ceremonies for the event, and mentioned that Keson's contributions have included sustained financial support of the Conservation Foundation and strong supporter of the annual Earth Day Benefit Dinner. Van Arsdell also said that Keson Chairman Ron Nosek served two distinguished terms on its board of directors, and that Keson Industries has a long-standing commitment to recycling and sustainable business operations.

"Keson's corporate motto is to Make Your Mark, and we feel like our dedicated commitment to conservation in our community is a strong sign of this belief," said Ron Nosek, chairman, Keson Industries. "We value our relationship with The Conservation Foundation and are confident that it will continue to have a positive impact on Illinois in the years ahead."

Since the Conservation Foundation started, it has participated in the preservation of more than 32,000 acres in the northeastern Illinois region, while raising more than $700 million in open space funding for area parks and forest preserve districts, and developed 20 restoration and protection initiatives for local rivers and streams.

About Keson Industries

Keson Industries is a leading maker of measuring tools and devices. Since 1968, Keson has proudly served professionals in a wide array of industries, including construction, land surveying, paving, civil engineering, carpentry, roofing, irrigation, landscaping, traffic safety, athletic, appraisal/estimating, maintenance, golf course design, mining and blasting, and property insurance. Keson products are made for people who are passionate about their work and getting it done right. For more information, go to www.keson.com.

About The Conservation Foundation

The Conservation Foundation is a nonprofit land and watershed protection organization established in 1972. The Conservation Foundation partners with corporations, forest preserve districts, county and municipal governments and schools with over 500 volunteers to preserve open space, improve rivers and watersheds, and promote positive environmental activities in northeastern Illinois. A Board of Directors, made of business and corporate leaders, conservationists and concerned citizens, leads the foundation with more than sixty-five years of experience in land and watershed preservation, environmental education and advocacy.

Michelle Chorski, for Keson Industries

michellec@pwmginc.com

+1.630.517.4082

All Topics