Jenise Wade wouldn’t go so far as to say Hawk Business Specialty is a barometer of Iola’s economic health, but if recent trends continue, Wade thinks the community’s business environment is definitely improving.
Wade, who has worked at Hawk Business Specialty since 1995 — the last eight years as owner — announced the addition last week of Jessie Rios to her staff.
Rios joined Hawk Dec. 12 as an account executive, where she handles sales and graphic design services.
“It is looking up,” Wade said. “When the economy slowed, the first thing that got cut was funding for advertising. People couldn’t afford to put their company names on knickknacks when they were laying people off.
That trend has since reversed, enough that Hawk was able to add the staff member to keep up with demand.
“We do a lot of work with forms, like checks and invoices, which was able to keep us going,” Wade said.
Rios, of Yates Center, is no stranger to Iolans. She has 15 years’ experience in sales, including a stint at the U.S. Cellular outlet in Iola.
“I’m happy to be back in the community,” Rios said. “It will be nice seeing some familiar faces.”
Advertising, of course, is Hawk Business Specialty’s forte, with more than 500,000 vendors available to put business names on anything from pens and caps to banners and novelty items.
“If you can put your name on it, we can get it for you,” Wade said.
Wade and Rios also are eager to work with schools, churches and other civic organizations.
Hawk Business Specialty is open from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can be reached at 365-5628 or toll-free at (800) 728-4295. They can also be reached via e-mail at info@hawkbusiness.net.
