Deborah Merkin
Recent Posts
Whole Foods, Sticking to Its Roots
It is great in today's business environment to see a large national brand sticking to its roots, what made it successful. Whole Foods is doing just that with its Local Producer Loan Program.
Unwrapping Holiday Appreciation: Gift Cards Are the Smartest Way to Reward Employees
As organizations head into the holiday season, the challenge is familiar but amplified: people still want to celebrate, but budgets are tighter, expectations are higher, and the margin for getting it wrong feels slimmer than ever.
Why Gift Cards are Great for Retailers Too
We know gift cards are an effective employee gift or reward and make a great addition to an incentive program for employers. In this space we rarely talk about how effective gift cards are in driving sales for retailers. First Data just released a new study which uncovered convincing evidence that gift cards provide major advantages to retailers too.
Say Thank You with Volunteer Appreciation Gifts During the Holidays!
Volunteers are a crucial part of the holiday season and it’s important not to forget about all that they do. Many take the time out of their own busy lives to give back to their communities, asking nothing in return. Here are a few simple, yet thoughtful volunteer appreciation gift ideas to thank those volunteers this season:
7 Modern Employee Rewards That Work in 2026
Employee rewards have evolved far beyond the old “Employee of the Month” plaque. Today’s workforce expects recognition that feels personal, flexible, and connected to their goals. According to a Gallup study, employees who receive frequent, meaningful recognition are 4x more likely to be engaged and 5x more likely to feel connected to company culture.







