Power By PaperPKG @2020
Delivering the “Showbiz” Impact: The Story Behind Ivy Tech Foundation’s Branded Packaging
In higher education, fundraising is often crucial to help institutions move forward and reduce barriers to student success. It is a massive undertaking that requires flawless execution.
Ashley Spurgeon, executive assistant to the president of the Ivy Tech Foundation, knows this well. Ivy Tech Community College is a massive community college system with more than 40 locations—meaning countless people and organizations rely on it to help fuel the local workforce.
“We work directly with a board of directors, and we are privately funded,” Spurgeon said. “So we have to secure all of our funding to support the college via grants or individual donors. Then we, in turn, transfer that funding to the college to provide scholarships and help with books.”
To say the least, the foundation stays busy. One crucial aspect of Spurgeon’s role that keeps her engaged is sending out high-end gift packages to donors and board members—which is how she came to partner with PaperPkg (paperpkg.com).
The Need for Premium, Flexible Packaging Solutions
To create a polished presentation for these critical donor gifts, the foundation required custom display mailer boxes that could elevate the overall unboxing experience while heavily protecting the high-value items inside. Spurgeon’s first experience with PaperPkg came through a highly demanding project.
“We needed specialized packaging for awards we give out to distinguished alumni—we call them an Ivy Oscar,” she said. “Finding a factory that could manufacture a premium custom box large enough to securely fit the heavy Ivy Oscar award was a challenge, but PaperPkg delivered the exact dimensions and structural strength we needed.”
The custom boxes are also used annually for sending executive-level gifts to the foundation’s board members.
“Recently, we did a high-end charcuterie board and a book, shipped in our custom mailers. We also sent a set of marble and wooden coasters that were branded,” she said. “The structural integrity of the boxes ensured everything arrived in mint condition.”
Better Marketing & Brand Recognition with Custom Print
Using custom-printed boxes from PaperPkg has become a powerful marketing tool for the foundation, Spurgeon explained.
“The box it comes in is the most important part because it really showcases our branding,” she said. “It’s not just the board member who sees it—it’s everyone who interacts with that box along the shipping route. The better the packaging, the easier it is for someone to recognize our impact.”
Making a strong first impression is everything when handling donor relations.
“We always say we’re trying to attract donors, get attention, and help people recognize the impact we’re making. Adding that extra custom-branded touch brings so much more perceived value to the overall experience than a plain white box,” Spurgeon added.
She also utilizes these premium boxes internally. By ordering extra custom batches from PaperPkg, she sends beautifully curated welcome packages to new, remote employees to make them feel instantly connected to the team.
Why Growing Brands and Organizations Choose PaperPkg
Spurgeon explored other packaging suppliers in the past, but the customer experience and production quality didn’t compare. She highlighted several key reasons why PaperPkg stands out as their trusted manufacturing partner:
- Exceptional Customer Support: “The team at PaperPkg is incredibly quick to respond to any technical email or custom spec inquiry, providing solutions within minutes.”
- Seamless File Alignment: By working directly with PaperPkg’s downloadable templates and artwork guidelines, the team could confidently prepare their graphic files for flawless high-definition printing.
- Rapid Production Turnaround: “The manufacturing and shipping are incredibly fast. I can lock in an order and have the boxes ready to pack and send out in a very short window,” she noted.
Pro-Tips for Your Next Custom Packaging Order
Like many who manage custom packaging procurement, Spurgeon has learned a few key lessons along the way that she shares with other businesses:
“Always double-measure. Measure both the box and what you’re putting inside carefully. We always order slightly larger boxes to keep items from shifting, allowing us to include eco-friendly crinkle paper filler and a thank-you card right on top.”
She also recommends doing a quick “test open” when your production samples arrive. “Our custom boxes open smoothly like a book. Closing it and reopening it just shows how polished and professional the presentation is.”
Overall, working with a dedicated factory-direct partner has transformed the foundation’s presentation strategy. “I’ve just never worked with a packaging company that’s been this seamless and reliable,” Spurgeon said.
Ready to elevate your organization’s marketing and presentation? Contact PaperPkg (paperpkg.com) today to design your own custom mailer boxes, gift boxes, and branded packaging solutions.