This Spring, a group of Smith-Dahmer researchers, project coordinators and techies teamed up to develop a set of new tools to address some of our clients’ recurring challenges:

Smith-Dahmer Associates is proud to announce an addition to our website: an original series of short essays delving into the consumer psyche in a style that is both whimsical and extremely relatable. 

And they say nice guys never win. . . This March Ann Dahmer and Joan Smith received an award recognizing the values (click here to see SDA’s operating values) on which they founded Smith-Dahmer Associates.

Michigan’s Chamber of Commerce along with the economic development organization, Cornerstone Alliance presented Ann Dahmer and Joan Smith with an award honoring the tenets of celebrated businessman and philanthropist, Merlin Hanson.

Clearly, the presents and decorations are peripheral when it comes to a happy holidays, but let’s face it: a few toys and some turkey can go a long way in making the season bright.

While a dismal economy forced families across the country to scale back holiday festivities, Smith-Dahmer Associates was happy to help several families celebrate as they had in better times. Each office purchased gifts and groceries for local families in need.

According to SDA associate, Sally Geldhof,

“Grueling;” “incredible;” “inspiring.” These are a few of the words Smith-Dahmer Associates used to describe their recent week teaming with Whirlpool on their annual Building Blocks Habitat for Humanity project.

According to Smith-Dahmer Associate, Valerie Crosby, “It was such an incredible experience . . . it took us out of our element and pushed us all beyond what we’re used to doing – individually and as a team.”

Continuing efforts to build stronger communities, Smith-Dahmer Associates has ramped up its support of the Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor. Last month SDA joined Whirlpool Corporation in sponsoring a record-breaking golf tournament/fundraiser.

Joan explains, “This year we’ve decided to focus our giving. The Boys and Girls Club of Benton Harbor serves some of the most vulnerable kids by providing positive experiences and relationships when they need it most. We’re really happy to support a cause like this.”

In their book, Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton call for a Strengths Revolution, in which organizations shift their energy away from battling weaknesses and instead focus on strengths. It’s a scenario where an employee’s biggest area for growth isn’t their greatest weakness; it’s their greatest talent. This is an idea that has always made sense to us at Smith-Dahmer. Our office is like a variety show and we pride ourselves on an incredibly diverse mix of skills and talents.