Bloomberg In-plant Honored by Navy SEALs Foundation

Joe Lara presents the paddle to Leanne Trent, Colleen Seiler, and Sari Farhi, of Bloomberg Ink.

Bloomberg Ink (B-INK), the in-plant for Bloomberg L.P., was recently saluted for its expertise by The Honor Foundation (THF), a transition institute created exclusively for Navy SEALs and the U.S. Special Operations community. The in-plant provided not only expert advice but it professionally printed and bound a journal for the foundation to present to service members as a way to inspire them to write about their thoughts and experiences.

To thank Bloomberg Ink, Joe Lara, senior director of programs, presented the in-plant with a plaque in the shape of a paddle, which was designed by a Navy SEAL and includes brass casings from rounds shot by Navy SEALs. The paddle, long used by the military as a symbol of teamwork, was assembled by Navy Gold Star children (children who have lost their fathers in war). The plaque engraved on the paddle says:

"We are grateful for the amazing team at Bloomberg for joining us in our infinite mission to serve the military special operations community with honor for life! The printing of WAYPOINT is significant. This journal will be in the hands of elite service members who will challenged to dive deep into themselves and get clear on their next mission."

The WAYPOINT journal printed by Bloomberg Ink for The Honor Foundation.

The Honor Foundation was put in touch with the Dayton, N.J.-based in-plant after it attended a military event at Bloomberg earlier this year.

The foundation wanted to produce a book that looked exclusive and would inspire members to journal. Bloomberg Ink reviewed the journal it had been printing at a local copy center and suggested new paper stock, binding, and a folded cover to protect and conceal the journal. The in-plant produced mockups and sent several paper swatches for the Honor Foundation to select from. Then B-INK printed the 200-page book on its HP Indigo 7900 and wire bound it on a Rhin-O-Tuff binder.

On Dec. 13, in-plant staff met with Lara in New York City where he thanked the team, explained more about the program, and presented them with the paddle. The Honor Foundation, he told them, provides Navy SEALs and the U.S. Special Operations community with a clear process for professional development and a diverse ecosystem of world class support and technology. Every step is dedicated to preparing these outstanding men and women to continue to realize their maximum potential during and after their service careers. The Honor Foundation, Lara said, considers Bloomberg a critical part of its team serving the Special Operations community during their transition.

For its part, the in-plant was pleased to have been able to assist, and is proud to have received this award.

"I can't tell you what an honor it is to have received this amazing gift in appreciation for all the hard work the B-INK team did on this project," says John Cruser, global manager.