Author: xstamperusa

There are times in our lives when we feel optimistic. We go on vacation or do other things that may not be necessary but make us feel alive. Then there are times when things don’t seem quite as rosy… take the situation we are navigating today. After the past 2+ years, we are now staring down a sizable rise in inflation. So it’s understandable that we now look for ways to save a bit here and cut a bit there. But it is also good to remember that the cheapest solution isn’t always the least expensive.

All of us have, at times, looked for the most cost-effective way to solve a need or task. But, this can often lead to additional costs, whether it be purchasing a lower grade tool that is not up to the task or maybe something that wasn’t exactly what you were looking for, but the price was right. This can lead to aggravation and wasted time at best (redoing a task). Too often, we end up buying a better quality product to replace the one we originally purchased.

So the next time you’re out bargain hunting, remember that no matter the economic environment, quality is always quality and must be included in the equation. Once quality and the life of the product are considered, along with the purchase price, the actual value can truly be determined.

Oh, and by the way, there are a few products that will last a lifetime. Once purchased, these items will be replaced or repaired free of charge forever. Click HERE for an example.

In late December, we bid farewell to our friend, Terry Minato, as he rode off into the sunset of retirement. Terry had been with Shachihata USA for well over twenty years! During that time, he wore many hats, including General Manager of our New Jersey factory, CEO, and most recently, Vice President.

He was a diligent worker, a teacher, and a leader. However, Terry will be best remembered around the office for his kindness. Terry is the best of us. He was well-thought of inside the walls of Shachihata and outside. He was known by suppliers and customers alike as a thoughtful and considerate person.

We held a going-away dinner party in Terry’s honor and everyone had a great time. Bob, our CEO, gave a moving going-away speech. Terry was gracious as always. And the food was terrific. We left happy and full bellies!

Now, we’d like to introduce Terry’s replacement, “Slim” Yamada. Slim’s been with Shachihata for many years, as well. Most recently, he was in charge of our Malaysia factory. Slim has big shoes to fill, but he’s up to the task. Over the past month, he’s hit the ground running and is helping to chart a new direction for us. We’re thrilled to have him on board.

We’ll wrap up this post, saying thank you to Terry-san once was again and good luck with the next steps in your life. You will be missed! Now we leave you with an image of the quintessential Terry, laughing and enjoying life!

Although nine other countries in the world have thanksgiving celebrations, the U.S. holiday is unique in the aspect that along with being a day of giving thanks, it is also tied to the earliest period of our country. It is not only a national holiday but a prominent moment in American history, that is still taught in schools.  

Since 1621, Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving, but it did not become an official US holiday until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln made the last Thursday of November the day the country celebrates the event. This date has remained the same ever since, except in 1940 and 1941, when President Franklin Roosevelt attempted to move the celebration to the third Thursday of the month for commercial reasons. This change was not received well and was short-lived.

The question of where the first Thanksgiving celebration was held in the United States has been a subject of debate, between New England and Virginia. In 1963, President John F. Kennedy attempted to find a compromise between the claims, by issuing a proclamation, “Over three centuries ago, our forefathers in Virginia and in Massachusetts, far from home in a lonely wilderness, set aside a time of thanksgiving. On the appointed day, they gave reverent thanks for their safety, for the health of their children, for the fertility of their fields, for the love which bound them together, and for the faith which united them with their God.”

So on this, the 400^th year of Thanksgiving celebrations in the U.S. let us all take a moment to be thankful. It can be easy sometimes to overlook how fortunate most of us are in the United States, especially with all that has gone on over the past couple of years. But, if you take a moment, I am sure we can all find many things to be thankful for, families, friends, pets, health, happiness… Whatever it may be, be sure to acknowledge the blessings and gifts that you and your family have.

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Shachihata LX-7001 Laser Engraving System comes equipped with features not found anywhere else including, enclosed optics and a clean-up mode designed to save you time in your shop. Check out this video to find out how it works. We also provide complimentary annual maintenance visits to preserve the quality of your products.