SmithBucklin (http://www.smithbucklin.com/), an association management and professional services company, is giving its employees an Apple iPad 2 as a way to reward excellent staff performance, improve productivity and enhance the company’s social media capabilities, according to President/CEO Henry Givray.
SmithBucklin employees will receive a 32GB Apple iPad 2 with Wi-Fi capabilities. For a nominal fee, they can upgrade to a 64GB version or one that offers Wi-Fi and 3G service through Verizon or AT&T. Also, employees were given an US$50 Apple gift certificate that may be used to purchase iPad accessories such as the new Smart Cover, digital AV adapter, camera connection kit or keyboard.
The association management company employs more than 600 people, with offices in Chicago, Washington, D.C., St. Louis and St. Paul, Minn. All of the company’s offices and conference rooms are Wi-Fi accessible, providing employees with the ability to use the iPad 2 wherever they are working.
“Many associations were impacted by the recession and that certainly affected our company,” Givray says. “Now that our company is entering a new growth phase, we wanted to do something special for our employees to thank them for staying the course as well as help them continue to embrace social networking. The iPad 2 will make it even easier for our employees to access social media channels and new media. SmithBucklin already is a technology-savvy company and we are confident the iPad 2 will improve the ability of our employees to help client organizations engage current constituencies and attract new ones.”