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So Many Types of Turkeys!
It’s almost time to make your Thanksgiving shopping list. When it comes to turkey, do you know what you’re buying?  Labels are supposed to help us make good choices about grocery purchases, but sometimes they lead to more confusion.  Here’s a quick glossary to terms that you might see on the packages of turkeys at a store near you.  That way you can focus on buying what you want.
Young
A “young” turkey is a turkey of either sex that is less than 8 months old at the time of slaughter.  Most turkeys reach market maturity at 4-5 months of age.
Hen vs. Tom
Turkeys weighing 8-16 pounds are usually female hens, while larger birds are male toms.  Since supermarket turkeys are normally slaughtered at a young age (less than 7 months old) both hens and toms are about the same in terms of taste, juiciness, and tenderness.
Natural
Natural turkeys may not contain artificial flavorings, coloring, or chemical preservatives. They must also be minimally processed, meaning they have only been handled as necessary to slaughter, clean, and make them ready for human consumption.
Free-Range
Free-range turkeys are produced by a growing number of regional farmers who promote their birds as a higher quality and more humane alternative to commercially raised and processed turkeys.  According to the USDA, turkeys must have access to the outdoors in order to be called free-range. Advocates of free-range birds say their diets are typically more varied, improving the flavor of the meat, and the better exercise improves the texture.
Organic
Organic turkeys are free-range birds that have not been treated with hormones or antibiotics, and were given pesticide-free feed.
Heritage
Heritage turkeys are unusual breeds that were once quite common in America, but fell out of favor as growers concentrated on the specially bred, big-breasted birds preferred by consumers.  Some varieties include Narragansett, American Bronze, Jersey Buff, and Bourbon Red.  They generally have less breast meat and a stronger flavor than conventional varieties.
Self-Basting
A self-basting turkey is injected with a solution to improve the flavor and juiciness of the meat. Some manufacturers treat only the breast meat, while others inject the entire bird. The label must say “basted” or “self-basted” and must list the amount and names of the ingredients used in the basting solution. (Remember, the net weight of the turkey includes the weight added by the solution.)
Fully-Cooked
True to its name, fully-cooked turkey is a whole turkey that has been pre-cooked and frozen by the processor.  After thawing, it can be reheated or served cold.
Fresh, Refrigerated, and Frozen
The term “fresh” may only be placed on raw poultry that has never been below 26°F.  Poultry held at 0°F or below must be labeled “frozen” or “previously frozen.”  So in the context of turkey, “fresh” has to do only with its temperature from the time it was processed until you bought it at the store.  It has nothing to do with how long it’s been sitting in the display case.
So. . .now that you know the terminology, the question is, which one tastes the best?  That is, of course, a matter of taste.  Tell us your opinion. . .which do you prefer and why?
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

gThankYou, LLC  is pleased to announce our partnership with the Greater Madison Chamber of Commerce.  We applaud the Chamber’s commitment to supporting business development and small businesses in the Madison area.
You can find gThankYou! on the Chamber’s online Business Directory.
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts.  gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

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The leaves on the trees are turning beautiful shades of gold and crimson, vegetable stands are bursting with pumpkins, gourds, and squash, and corn shocks are decorating farmhouse doors. There’s no doubt about it – fall is here, and with it comes anticipation of the holidays and our family favorite, Thanksgiving turkey dinner.
And if you’re like me, you’re already planning the menus for all the fabulous family get-togethers in the coming months!  As much as I’d like to dive right into Christmas cookies (a well-known weakness of mine), I am happy to contemplate Thanksgiving dinner for the next 6 weeks or so.
Where to start?  With the turkey of course. 
As a kid I remember accompanying my mother on Thanksgiving shopping trips of huge proportions – our cart would be piled high with bags of stuffing, jars of exotic pickles and olives for the relish tray, both fresh and jellied cranberries, at least ten pounds of potatoes, and a turkey the size of my little sister.
Of course back then, there was only one kind of turkey – frozen, wrapped in plastic and covered with yellow netting, from the supermarket. Complete with flimsy strings that were supposed to help lift the turkey from its roasting pan, and a pamphlet about thawing times, it was the only turkey in town.
Now we have options.  So many options!  Thanksgiving turkeys can be organic, free range, heritage, kosher, pre-basted, stuffed or unstuffed, deep-fried, brined or un-brined, roasted, smoked, barbecued . . .or made completely from tofu.
For more information on the best supermarket Thanksgiving turkey choices, you’ll want to check out Epicurious’s Thanksgiving Turkey Taste Test featuring six popular supermarket brands of whole turkey (Bell & Evans, https://murrayschicken.com?cat=turkey” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener noreferrer”> Murray’s , Plainville Farms, L’il Butterball, and Empire Kosher).
We also like The Food Channel’s Thanksgiving Recipes for easy to find and reliable recipes.
My toughest choice used to be whether to have pumpkin or rum cream pie for dessert.  Now we have a wonderful new array of new ingredients and great recipes to choose from!
What are your favorite Thanksgiving recipes?  Have you started planning too?  Do you look forward to trying a new recipe this year, or do you prefer family favorites?
Happy Thanksgiving Planning!
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand whole Turkey, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

As Entrepreneur article “Improve your Employees’ Job Satisfaction” explains, employees who are able to balance their home and work responsibilities are more engaged at work and have better job satisfaction.  And according to Gallup, engaged, happy workers are “more productive, more customer-focused, safer and more likely to withstand temptations to leave.”

Retention Boosts the Bottom Line
Gallup Research shows that greater employee retention is a direct boost to your bottom line.  The Center for American Progress (CAP) reports that replacing an employee with an annual salary lower than $75,000 costs you 20% of that person’s salary.   It’s why attracting the right talent in the first place is important.
CAP produced a report in conjunction with the Center for WorkLife Law (CWL), “The Three Faces of Work-Family Conflict: the Poor, the Professionals, and the Missing Middle”, which addresses the importance of work-life balance for employee retention and other business advantages.  Not to mention the benefit to your employees.
An Alarming Statistic
The report cites an alarming statistic.  The study of manual, customer service, clerical, cashiers, and sales positions shows employee turnover was 20 percent in a single month, or 240 percent turnover a year.
As the report says, “That’s no way to run a business.”  It’s why helping employees achieve work-life balance makes good business sense.
Who Needs Work-Life Balance?
Everybody needs work-life balance. Who finds it easy to get?  Surprisingly, hardly anyone according to researchers.  The CAP/CWL report by Joan Williams and Heather Boushey says that while the wealthiest 1% of the U.S. population is able to achieve it, the rest of us find it very difficult.
The answer to the question: Why can’t most Americans find work-life balance is really three questions, says New York Times writer Lisa Belkin in her “Three Faces of Work-Life Conflict” article about the CAP/CWL report. This, she writes, is why discussion of the subject to date often seems to ignore the needs of most Americans.
The Three Faces of Work-Family Conflict
Aside from the wealthiest 1%, the CAP/CWL report divides U.S. families into three groups affected differently by the need for work-life balance.

• Professionals:  Families with a median annual income of $148,000. This group’s median annual income has increased at a rate of 7% over the past 30 years. They’re the most likely to work up to 70 hours a week and get work conditions that enable them to do so.

• The Poor:  Families with a median annual income of $19,000 and top incomes under $35,000. This group’s median income has decreased 29% in the last 30 years when adjusted for inflation. The families often have jobs with inconsistent or unpredictable hours and get few employer benefits to help balance work and home life. Being late often means being fired. There are some government subsidies to assist with things such as childcare, but they’re sporadic and inadequate.

•  The Missing Middle:  Families with a median annual income of $64,000, ranging from $35,000 to $110,000.  Their median income, in inflation-adjusted dollars, has fallen 13% in the last 30 years.  Neither rich nor poor—not as “vocal and visible” as the professionals or as “desperate as the poor,” as Belkin writes—their problems with work-life balance get the least attention and they receive the fewest favorable work policies or subsidies.

All Have the Same Core Concerns but Require Different Solutions
The report goes on to say, these groups all want the same things: to care for their families and spend time with them, and to keep their jobs.  Because the groups have different specific needs however, they tend to believe the attention and help goes to everyone but them.  This creates animosity between the groups—sort of a divide and conquer effect.
The Solution?

According to the report, we must:

• Recognize that no group has more claim on the challenge of work-life balance than any other; and,

• Government and corporate attention should increase in four critical areas—the authors’ suggested missing keys to widespread work-life balance:

1. Workplace flexibility (“When Work Works,  A Workplace Flexibility: A Guide for Companies“)
2. Short-term and extended time off for family issues
3. Dependent care —childcare, elder care and care for ill family members
4. Elimination of workplace discrimination for those with family responsibilities.

Your Thoughts?
Do you think these are the missing keys to workplace balance?  How do you achieve work-life balance at your company?  Let us know what you think!
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts.  gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates  from gThankYou! Employee Gifts were launched today as the company’s newest Employee Gift.  gThankYou! Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates are available for purchase immediately at the gThankYou! website or by telephone (888-484-1658).
“gThankYou! Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates are the thoughtful, healthy employee gift alternative” says Chief ThankYou! Officer, Rick Kiley.  “Companies are looking for ways to reward employees for making healthier choices.  Companies that invest in workplace health programs see less sick-days, increased productivity and lower health care costs as detailed by Industry Week.”
Interested in learning more about how your company rates as a Well Workplace?   Look into the Wellness Council of America (WELCOA) for a whole range of free resources from sample interviews to case studies to incentive campaign ideas.
gThankYou! Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates can be redeemed for any Brands of fruits and vegetables, fresh, frozen or deli prepared, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.  That means recipients choose what they want, when they want it at the store they choose.
gThankYou! Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates are perfect on their own as a thoughtful and healthy gift choice.  Combine them with other gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude, such as our popular Turkey or Ham Gift Certificates, add Pie and Ice Cream Gift Certificates and give a custom gift certificate gift of an entire holiday meal!
gThankYou! Enclosure Cards are  free with purchase of any variety of gThankYou! Gift Certificates.  gThankYou! Enclosure Cards can be customized with a Company’s personal message and logo.  Cards are available for all seasons and a variety of occasions.  Choose from Autumn Thanksgiving Enclosure Cards, Winter and Holiday Enclosure Cards, Spring and Summer Enclosure Cards, and many more!
Nearly all gThankYou! Gift Certificate orders ship the day they are received.
Show your gratitude today with gThankYou! Fruits & Vegetables Gift Certificates!
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts.  gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

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Pizza Gift Certificates from gThankYou! Employee Gifts were launched today as the company’s newest Employee Gift.  gThankYou! Pizza Gift Certificates are available for purchase immediately at the gThankYou! website or by telephone (888-484-1658).
“Pizza is a natural Employee Gift”, says Company Chief ThankYou! Officer, Rick Kiley.  “Everyone loves Pizza and it’s now easy to find great tasting frozen pizza at your local grocery store.  Pizza is fun to receive and fun to give!  With gThankYou Gift Certificates, employers can celebrate successes by creating an at-home pizza party for the whole company”.

gThankYou! Pizza Gift Certificates are most often used to reward work-groups and teams for a job well done, to throw an office party, or to thank all employees for their contributions to your business.
gThankYou! Pizza Gift Certificates can be redeemed for any Brand Pizza, fresh, frozen or in-store deli, at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.  That means recipients choose what they want, whether it’s a traditional favorite such as Digiorno, an organic variety such as Amy’s Kitchen, a gourmet pizza like California Pizza Kitchen, or a pizza pie from your local grocery store deli, when they want it.
gThankYou! Enclosure Cards are  free with purchase of any variety of gThankYou! Gift Certificates.  gThankYou! Enclosure Cards can be customized with a Company’s personal message and logo.  Cards are available for all seasons and a variety of occasions.  Choose from Autumn Thanksgiving Enclosure Cards, Winter and Holiday Enclosure Cards, Spring and Summer Enclosure Cards, and many more!
Nearly all gThankYou! Gift Certificate orders ship the day they are received.
Show your gratitude today with gThankYou! Pizza Gift Certificates!
About gThankYou, LLC
gThankYou! Turkey Gift Certificates are one of America’s favorite employee gifts.  gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo, and ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.  Follow the company blog “Celebrating Work” at www.gthankyou.com/blog/.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

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They say all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy. And do you really want Jack the dullard working for you?
Wouldn’t you rather have Jack the well-rounded employee, engaged in his work because he has time and energy for a fulfilling family life and outside interests aside from work?
At gThankYou!, we think so.  October is National Work and Family Month, as designated in 1993 U.S. Senate Resolution 210, so now is a great time to help employees balance their work lives and home lives.  David J. Thompson, a noted author and speaker on work-life balance, cites a survey showing 70% of CEOs think they couldn’t remain competitive if they didn’t help employees do so.
Employees’ lives are more complex, hurried and filled with responsibilities than ever today, and you, as an employer, can help ease the burden.
As Thompson says, “Examine what you expect from your employees and what you can offer to help them balance work and personal lives. Consider adopting policies and programs that promote the life side of the equation. A little sensitivity and effort on your part can significantly help with morale and company commitment.”  Here are 25 ways you can improve employees’ work-life balance starting today!
25 Ways to Improve Employees’ Work-Life Balance
Flexible work options

• Flex-time and job sharing
• Telecommuting
• Part-time schedules

Manageable workloads

• Make deadlines realistic
• Use employees’ skills wisely
• Review and improve processes regularly
• Provide needed tools and supplies
• Minimize interruptions

Time savers

• Childcare
• Concierge services
• Shopping services
• On-site laundry/dry cleaning pickup/delivery
• On-site community supported agriculture programs

Quality-of-life-improving education

• Wellness programs
• Financial planning
• Professional development programs

Family-friendly benefits

• Tax-free flexible spending accounts
• Long-term care insurance
• Paid sick leave
• Paid and unpaid disability leave

Gratitude

• Show your employees you value them by offering timely, practical recognition.
• Holiday gifts they can use.
• Everyday gifts to reward peak performance.

About Us
gThankYou, LLC  (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, WI and produces America’s favorite meaningful, affordable and convenient employee gifts.  gThankYou!® Certificates of Gratitude™ are one way savvy companies demonstrate commitment to valued employees and customers. The company is best known for its Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey or Ham Gift Certificates and Grocery Gift Cards.   Other Favorites include our Ice Cream and Pie Gift Certificates.

The last post talked about the importance of recognizing and thanking your employees, and the value of education as a reward.  It’s clearly an investment that benefits both your employees and your organization.
Here are the top reasons to school your employees:

1.     They feel valued

As Beryl Companies CEO Paul Spiegelman explains in his Inc. com article Deliver Value to Your Employees—Your Most Important Stakeholders, “if you want employees to take a vested interest in the company’s future, you must take an interest in theirs—at work and at home.”  When employers care enough to help employees develop professionally and personally, the employees feel valued.  Valued employees are happier and more productive.

2.     An educated employee is a confident employee

Without proper training, employees can’t fully use their skills and abilities and may become frustrated. With mentoring and education they can confidently serve clients, complete high-quality work, and contribute creative ideas. That makes any employee happy.

3.    The work seems more meaningful

The more employees understand about how one workgroup interrelates with other departments, the more they understand their impact on the organization and the value of their work.

4.     It’s fun!

A creative instructor can incorporate games and team-building activities into educational sessions, making even the driest-seeming topic lively and engaging.  You can offer rewards to celebrate successes (ice cream, anyone?).  We spend a lot of time at work; employees want and need to have a little fun.

5.     Education assistance is a popular perk as it can be expensive

Offering tuition reimbursement helps employees prepare themselves for future opportunities, whether it’s a promotion in your organization or a career move.

After all, as business consultant Rick Kilton, President of RWK Enterprises, Inc.,  points out:
“Here’s a familiar question:  ‘What if I train them and they leave?’
There are two answers:
‘What if you don’t train them?  They will leave.’
Or worse:  ‘What if you don’t train them?  And they stay?’”
Education is the best investment you can make in your employees. And they’ll thank you for it.
About Us
gThankYou, LLC  (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, WI and produces America’s favorite meaningful, affordable and convenient employee gifts.  gThankYou!® Certificates of Gratitude™ are one way savvy companies demonstrate commitment to valued employees and customers. The company is best known for its Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey or Ham Gift Certificates and Grocery Gift Cards.   Other Favorites include our Ice Cream and Pie Gift Certificates.

You say tomato, I say delicious!
Here at gThankYou!, we think some treats are to be enjoyed only in late summer: sipping lemonade as you listen to chirping crickets on a hot, starry night; homemade ice-cream dripping down the side of a waffle cone and onto your fingers; buying sweet corn from a farmer out of the back of a pick-up truck; and the glorious perfection of vine ripened tomatoes!
Although they are available all year-long, the waxy, dull tomato of January is no match for the real, locally-grown heirloom varieties, with their irregular shapes, and variegated colors.  From bright yellow cherry tomatoes the size of gum balls, to enormous red orbs the size of softballs, the time to enjoy tomatoes is right now– they are undeniably at their peak!
For the best produce, look in your grocery store for signs that say “locally grown.”  Buying from nearby farmers is great for the environment, your local economy, and your palate!
Celebrate the tomato by:

• Chopping them up with onions, cilantro, fresh jalapeno peppers and a squirt of lime juice for fresh salsa!

• Alternating slices with fresh mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with chopped fresh basil, and drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar and make your own Caprese Salad!

• Cutting off the top, and stuffing with your favorite chicken or tuna salad recipe.  Simply remove the seeds, hollow out the center, and let the tomato drain on a paper towel before filling.

Seize the day! Seize a tomato – and enjoy!
What’s your favorite summer tomato recipe?
About Us
gThankYou, LLC  (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, WI and produces America’s favorite meaningful, affordable and convenient employee gifts.  gThankYou!® Certificates of Gratitude™ are one way savvy companies demonstrate commitment to valued employees and customers. The company is best known for its Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Turkey or Ham Gift Certificates and Grocery Gift Cards.   Other Favorites include our Ice Cream and Pie Gift Certificates.

Here at gThankYou! in lovely Madison, Wisconsin, we think there’s no more enjoyable and tasty way to beat July’s summer heat than with a cool, creamy treat. And there’s no better time to do it, either. July is National Ice Cream Month, a designation launched in 1984 by the late former President Ronald Reagan, who was famous for more than his style of populace politics and love of Jelly Beans.
According to the International Dairy Food Association, more than 90 percent of people in the U.S. enjoy ice cream: The industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales and provides jobs for thousands. About 9 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream.  Wow.
So, what are the hottest ice cream flavor trends this year? It might not come as a surprise, but flavor-wise, vanilla continues to reign as the top choice among U.S. ice cream eaters, topping sales in both grocery stores and restaurants, says the IDFA .  Why?  This flavor is the most versatile, mixing well with toppings, drinks and bakery desserts.
In order, America’s top five favorite ice cream flavors currently are:

1. Vanilla
2. Chocolate
3. Cookie ‘n cream
4. Strawberry
5. Chocolate chip mint

Surprised?  Not us.  Data in the NPD Group’s National Eating Trends In-Home Database says the most popular ice cream flavors are: Vanilla (27.8 percent), chocolate (14.3 percent) and strawberry (3.3 percent).
But this doesn’t stop creative ice cream makers from coming up with all sorts of new concoctions every year. For some, the more strange the flavor, the better. (Maple Bacon Sundae cone anyone?)
So what’s your favorite ice cream flavor, is it weird or not-so-strange? And, tell us what you think about these new less than traditional flavors below.  Happy licking everyone!
[polldaddy poll=”5234595″] About Us
gThankYou, LLC is based in Madison, WI and produces America’s favorite meaningful, affordable and convenient employee gifts.  gThankYou!® Certificates of Gratitude™ are one way savvy companies demonstrate commitment to valued employees and customers. The company is best known for its Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, and Grocery Gift Cards.   Other Favorites include our Ice Cream and Pie Gift Certificates.

An early-season heat wave here has us throwing just about everything we wanted to cook on our grill this past week. Groceries I never imagined would grill up nice and tasty have become some of my family’s new favorites. Many of them come from the produce department.
Grilling vegetables intensifies and can change the very character of their flavor profile. We used a lot of plentiful and in-season veggies stocking grocers’ shelves now. According to the folks at Cooks Illustrated, grilling vegetables has become more common. They’re a quick and easy dish, not to mention very tasty:
“In general, vegetables should be cut to expose the maximum surface area to the grill, which helps them cook quickly and thoroughly. Smaller vegetables, such as cherry tomatoes and button mushrooms, need to be skewered to keep them from falling through the grill, as do slices of some larger vegetables like onions.”
Great vegetables to grill include zucchini and summer squash, endive and radicchio, onions, bell peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms, fennel, asparagus, eggplant, beets – the list is almost endless.
Corn is also fantastic! Soak it in the husk (pull out the silks prior to soaking) for several hours and pop the ears right on the hot coals, turning frequently to steam the corn and intensify the flavor. Add a small lump of herbed butter inside the husk prior to grilling for a real treat.
Testers at Cooks Illustrated recommend using thin metal skewers to evenly, but bamboo skewers will work just as well if you soak them in water prior to use. Another method we like: heavy aluminum foil or an aluminum pie tin. If using aluminum foil, make it into a tray, folding up the sides. A pie tin works well if you poke small holes in the bottom. Place the foil or pie tin on top of your grill grate, and let the heat, turning often.
Regardless of your method – skewer, foil or pie tin – brush your veggies with olive oil or flavored oil prior to grilling.
Have a great time experimenting with grilled vegetables. Use them as a side dish or add them to pasta or sandwiches. Here are a few recipes to get you started:

• Cajun Spiced Corn from AllRecipes.com
• Grilled Asparagus with Gorgonzola Butter from the Grilled Asparagus Recipes blog

Please share your favorite grilled veggie concoctions with us here and happy summer eating to all!

For food safety, a good meat thermometer is an essential kitchen tool. It’s just as important to know how to use it properly. This is the topic of much confusion and consternation. Fret not! We’ll clear it up with a common sense tips on where to insert the meat thermometer in your Holiday Ham.
Tip # 1: Always use a meat thermometer when baking ham. This applies regardless whether you’re baking a partially cooked or fully cooked ham. It will tell precisely when your ham is done avoiding over-cooked, dry hams or undercooked meat – which can cause food-borne illness.
You can’t guess at ham doneness by eyeballing or using general per-pound oven cooking times. Ovens vary too greatly, as to peoples’ eyeball (more…)

At gThankYou, we’re  in the fortunate position to learn and share information about how corporate gifts – to employees, customers or friends — impact business. Study after study as well as documented experiences shared by firms we serve reveals that corporate leaders practicing workplace gratitude gain a lot of what we like to call Thanks Equity. It can be measured in engaged employees, loyal customers and a healthier bottom line.
As another year comes to a close, it’s fitting to look back and share the best information we’ve found in the past year plus, a best practices of corporate gifting of sorts.

1. Gaining worker buy in by offering an office picnic.
2. Making Thanks easy by lowering the transaction cost.
3. Recognition helps gain competitive advantage.
4. Giving builds customer loyalty.
5. Gratitude is the best recruitment and retention tool.

More innovative corporate leaders are recognizing the value of Thanks Equity. You probably won’t find it on any P&L, but it does mean a lot to an organization’s health. Please share with us your stories of how workplace gifting helps your company.

gThankYou (www.gthankyou.com) has made it simpler to customize your Employee Gift Program. A new batch of Holiday Enclosure Cards has been added to help tailor your year-end gift of Thanks. From heartfelt to fun, each card has a new, brilliant holiday image and message certain to make your gift special.
“Year end is a key time for companies to recognize achievement. We continue to add new gift cards to our selection to make it easier for leaders to customize their Thanks to each employee,” says gThankYou President Rick Kiley. “We’ll even imprint your corporate logo and name, and the name of your recipient onto each card.”
Choose from among these new designs:

• Festive Ornaments
• Starry Night
• Christmas Pets
• And more!

Adding enclosure cards to your order of Turkey, Ham, Grocery or Dessert Gift Certificates is simple. Just pick your card design, send us an optional message and logo and we’ll include a card for each Gift Certificate you order. We offer customization at no extra charge.
gThankYou Gift Certificates come with your choice of new seasonal, Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham, Grocery or Pie Gift Certificates online in a variety of denominations. They’re easy to order as well as simple and quick to distribute to employees who can then redeem them at nearly any grocery store for the Turkey, Ham, Ice Cream or Groceries of their choice. Learn more at www.gThankYou.com or by calling 888-484-1658.
About gThankYou.com
A popular choice for employee gifts and rewards, gThankYou® Gift Certificates help companies celebrate success! gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Find out more about gThankYou on the company’s website. Plus, read more about how Thanks can boost your company at the gThankYou.com blog (https://www.gthankyou.com/blog/). Contact: Rick Kiley, President, gThankYou, LLC, info@gthankyou.com, 888-484-1658.

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Corporate America’s Top Employee Gift source gThankYou! has added new Pie Gift Certificates to its popular line of workplace gifts. Theses new gift certificates increase the array of delicious and thoughtful employee Gift Certificates and give employers more convenient and meaningful ways to recognize employee achievement and customer success.“Everyone loves pie,” says gThankYou President Rick Kiley. “Ours comes in every flavor imaginable without the inconvenience of lugging and storing, serving and slicing.”
Employers choose the perfect gThankYou Pie Certificate dollar amount for their reward and recognition program to celebrate sweet success. Denominations range from $5 to $10. Recipients can redeem gThankYou Gift Certificates at virtually any supermarkets for the pie or similar dessert they choose.
gThankYou Pie Gift Certificates can also be used to purchase cake, cheesecake or a similar treat.  Nearly all supermarkets and mass merchant grocers honor gThankYou Certificates.  Details are on the FAQ for Givers section of the gThankYou! website.
Personalize each Gift Card free of charge for employees or customers with one of the new Pie Enclosure cards, seen here, or any of the Company’s Enclosure Card options. New Pie Enclosure Cards feature an assortment of wedges arranged artfully on a plate, and a slice embellished with a creamy dollop. As a extra service, gThankYou prints your choice of free Enclosure Card with your company name and the name of the recipient; company logos can also be included.
Complete information regarding gThankYou! Pie Gift Certificates is on the gThankYou website.  Details include:

• Pie Gift Certificates main page;
• gThankYou! Information for Supermarkets and Grocery Stores;
• gThankYou! Free Enclosure Cards.

Famous for its popular Turkey, Ham, Grocery and Ice Cream Certificates, gThankYou is the top choice gift for employees. gThankYou Gift Certificates are as convenient and easy for firms to give as they are meaningful, appreciated and simple for employees to redeem.
About gThankYou, LLC. gThankYou helps companies celebrate with employees, customers and friends with Gift Certificates that are simple to purchase, easy to distribute and convenient to redeem. gThankYou Gift Certificates create an ideal opportunity for workplace leaders to recognize successes. gThankYou, LLC is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Learn More about gThankYou on the company’s website. And find out how rewards can boost your company’s bottom line at Celebrating Work, the blog of gThankYou.

Contact: Rick Kiley, President, gThankYou, LLC, info@gthankyou.com, 888-484-1658.

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gThankYou!, America’s employee gift certificate leader, announces New Free Enclosure Card designs.
What’s better than a triple scoop cone on a hot summer day? A free enclosure card from gThankYou that says “Thanks for a job well done!”.  Corporate America’s favorite employee gift source is pleased to offer four new free enclosure cards this summer to help make workplace gift giving more personal and simple.

Designs include an Ice Cream Sundae (complete with chocolate sauce and acherry on top), a tempting Three-scoop Waffle Cone, a
Sizzling BBQ Grill and an a collage of Favorite Summertime Activities. All gThankYou Enclosure Cards are displayed on the company’s website.  Each design was developed by artist Amy Pierquet of Waterfront Graphic Design.
“There’s nothing more fun to eat than ice cream, and nothing that makes for a better celebration,” says gThankYou President Rick Kiley of the new card options sure to make anyone smile.  They’re the perfect compliment to our new Ice Cream Gift Certificates.
These cards make giving gThankYou Gift Certificates
more convenient and meaningful.  Add a custom message and  your company logo to personalize your gift, and make it more special.
A popular choice for employee recognition and reward programs, and end-of-quarter employee gifts, gThankYou Gift Certificates give employers the ease of selecting new Ice Cream, Turkey, Ham or Grocery Gift Cards in a variety of denominations. Employees have the convenience of deciding the type of Ice Cream, Turkey or Ham they want by redeeming gThankYou! Gift Certificates at any grocery store.
About gThankYou.com. gThankYou® Certificates of Gratitude™ are an ideal employee gift. Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates, Ice Cream Certificates and Grocery Gift Certificates are favorites because they are fun, meaningful, affordable and appreciated by all.
Convenience is the top reason companies choose gThankYou Gift Certificates.  gThankYou Certificates can be ordered quickly online or by telephone, are easy to distribute to employees, and can be redeemed at virtually any grocery stores for the ice cream, turkey, ham or groceries that employees choose.  gThankYou Gift Certificates create a perfect opportunity for workplace leaders to recognize success.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com ) is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Find out more about gThankYou on the company’s website. And read more about how Thanks can boost your company at the gThankYou Blog. Contact: Rick Kiley, President, gThankYou, LLC, info@gthankyou.com, 888-484-1658.
Certificates of Gratitude™ is a trademark and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

NEWS RELEASE:
Celebrate Success with New Ice Cream Certificates from gThankYou. Employee gift expert gThankYou has introduced Ice Cream Gift Certificates, a new and fun way for companies to engage employees and say “Thank You” for a job well done. Ice Cream Gift Certificates are the perfect, and tasty, addition of your company’s recognition and reward program.
I Scream, You Scream…
“There’s nothing more fun to eat than ice cream, and the season is upon us,” says Rick Kiley, president of gThankYou, Corporate America’s favorite employee gift source. “There’s nothing that makes for a better celebration with friends and the entire family.”
Fun Varieties
Choose gThankYou Ice Cream Certificates for a variety of celebrations:

• The Sundae –  good for one container of ice cream up to a $5 value
• The Double Scoop – redeemable for two containers of ice cream up to a $10 value
• The Triple Scoop — purchases three containers up to a $15 total value.
• The Ice Cream Social – up to a $20 value good for four containers of ice cream.
• The Extravaganza – up to a $25 value toward five containers of ice cream.
• The Ultimate Scoop – an ice cream lovers dream good for six containers at up to $30 value.

Plus, add $5 or $10 to your certificate for mix-ins and toppings like nuts, candies, whipped cream and sauce.
Each certificate is redeemable at any grocery store for any brand of ice cream, frozen novelty or similar frozen dessert in the appropriate denomination and container count. Employees can also choose the brand and type of toppings of their choice, if included in the certificate.
More Information
There’s a lot more information about gThankYou® Ice Cream Gift Certificates at the Company’s website, including:

• All about gThankYou Ice Cream Gift Certificates
• Information for Givers of gThankYou Ice Cream Gift Certificates
• Information about gThankYou Ice Cream Gift Certificates for Grocery Retailers
• Information about gThankYou Ice Cream Gift Certificates for Consumers
• How Ice Cream Gift Certificates Work

About gThankYou, LLC gThankYou helps companies celebrate with employees, offering Gift Certificates that are simple to purchase, easy to distribute and convenient to redeem for employees, customers and friends. gThankYou Gift Certificates create an ideal opportunity for workplace leaders to recognize successes. gThankYou, LLC is based in Madison, Wisconsin. Learn More about gThankYou on the company’s website. And find out how rewards can boost your company’s bottom line at Celebrating Work, the blog of gThankYou.
Already known for its popular Turkey Gift Certificates, Ham Gift Certificates and Grocery Gift Certificates, gThankYou is the top choice gift for employees; as convenient and easy for firms to give as it’s meaningful and appreciated and simple for employees to redeem.
Contact: Rick Kiley, President, gThankYou, LLC, info@gthankyou.com, 888-484-1658.

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We make egg salad once a year. Bet you guessed that it’s the week following the annual visit from that famous bunny, who leaves colorful, hard-cooked eggs all around our house — in the yard if the snow isn’t too deep.
Likewise, I have favorite recipes I pull out annually following the big Holiday Ham Dinner. I make ‘em once a year and they’ve become almost as much a tradition as what we do on Easter itself.
In my estimation, there are probably about 101 ways to use up a bone-in ham. Boneless, too – although I favor a ham bone to make a rich soup stock.

Favorite Leftover Ham Recipes

While I love a thick sliced ham sandwich any day – here are (more…)

This spring, it’s easier than ever to celebrate your company’s success with a fresh-picked gift from Corporate America’s favorite employee gift seller, gThankYou. A number of new spring card designs, each conveying appreciation for a job well done, are now available for easy distribution with Ham, Grocery or Turkey Gift Certificates from gThankYou.
“Workplace gifts have been shown to boost company success,” according to Rick Kiley, President of gThankYou. “To keep ROI high, it’s essential to engage employees. There’s no better way to do that than with a thoughtful, and useful gift.”
HR Managers and executives can add a personal touch to Employee Gift Certificates that recipients can redeem at any grocery store for a Ham, Groceries or Turkey of their choice. Choose cards that feature a cheerful Singing Bird, a Field of Flowers, Tulips, and a Lamb with Ewe. They make these employee gifts memorable and creates a reward program that gets results.

Convenience tops the list of reasons employers choose gThankYou Gift Certificates. Personalization – an added service used by most employers at no additional charge – includes a card design of your choice plus your company name and the recipient’s name printed on the Gift Card.
Order Ham Gift Certificates, Grocery or Turkey Gift Certificates easily online at www.gthankyou.com in $5 denominations from $10 to $30. Certificates are also simple to give, and are often distributed with payroll. Redeeming Certificates is easy, too. Employees can redeem Certificates at any grocery store for the Ham, Groceries or Turkey of their choice.
gThankYou Gift Certificates are the ideal workplace gift. They’re meaningful, affordable and appreciated by the entire family. They also offer the perfect opportunity for leaders to recognize workplace success. Most gThankYou customers give Company Gift Certificates to all employees in the company, division or workgroup at holiday times or the conclusion of a successful project, month or quarter. Learn more at www.gThankYou.com or by calling 888-484-1658.
About gThankYou, LLC

Turkey Gift Certificates and Turkey Or Ham Gift Certificates by gThankYou! are two of America’s favorite employee gifts and can be redeemed for any Brand (Turkey or Turkey Or Ham), at virtually any Grocery Store in the U.S.
gThankYou, LLC provides company leaders with a variety of easy, meaningful and affordable ways to recognize and reward employees, holiday time or anytime.  gThankYou! Certificates of Gratitude and our free Enclosure Cards are personalizable including incorporating your company logo. And, nearly all orders ship same day.
gThankYou, LLC (www.gthankyou.com) is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  Contact:  Rick Kiley, Chief ThankYou! Officer, gThankYou, LLC at info@gthankyou.com or 888-484-1658.
Follow the Company Blog –  “Celebrating Work”.
Join the Conversation @gThankYou
Watch our gThankYou! YouTube Video – “Learn More About Us”.
“G” logo and “Certificates of Gratitude” are trademarks and “gThankYou” is a registered trademark of gThankYou, LLC.

To the fortunate many who received gThankYou! Ham, Turkey or Grocery Gift Certificates recently, congratulations! Yours is a thoughtful and useful reward for a job well done!
To help you through the process of using your gThankYou certificate, I’ve created this handy primer designed to answer any questions. Since I, too, was the recent recipient of my first gThankYou Turkey Gift Certificate, I thought there no better way to help than to share my own experience
Told that my gThankYou Turkey Gift Certificate would cover $20 toward the purchase of any Turkey of my choice from any grocer, I went shopping. Here’s how it worked.
After settling on the exact Turkey I wanted – Kosher this year – I planned where to shop for the perfect size Turkey at a good price. I found the perfect bird at Trader Joe’s, a national specialty food retail chain that caters to the foodie crowd. The bird fit my criteria, and those spelled out on the certificate (it needed to cost at least $20).
Certificate in hand, I advanced toward the check-out. After I presented the certificate, my checker examined it and began reading the instructions. He was a first-timer too, having never seen a Certificate from gThankYou. A manager responded, and after he read the certificate instructions, completed my transaction.
After hardly the bat of an eye, I was done. It worked just like a coupon presented during the check out process. But this was better, because I was fulfilling a reward.
A few tips:

1. Pay attention to the specifics. Details on your certificate will tell you what the gift covers: Turkey, Ham or Groceries and for how much.
2. Certificates will have a good-through date. Use the certificate by this day to ensure you receive the full benefit of your gift.
3. Expect to wait a minute or two for verification from a store manager. Shopping during a slower time of day on a slower store traffic day will minimize your wait.
4. If you run into stores with questions, there’s a toll-free number on the certificate that managers or clerks can call on the spot.
5. Rest assured that the certificates are usable for any specified item at any store, even if they’ve never (as was my experience) processed a gThankYou certificate. It’s the real deal.

It was truly an unexpected thrill to receive a gThankYou Gift Certificate. I felt proud using it, and enjoyed serving the Turkey I purchased with it, which this year had more of a story. Share your experience getting and using gThankYou certificates, and serving the resulting meals.