A BRIEF HISTORY OF

Geiger, the nation's largest privately held promotional products distributor, is one of the best known and most respected companies in the industry. Geiger is family-owned and family-oriented, yet forward thinking.

Geiger began in 1878, when Andrew and Jacob Geiger took over their father's two-room print shop in Newark, New Jersey. Little did they know then that they were laying the foundation for a company that would become legendary for its customer service and quality products.

The second generation of Geiger brothers, Frank, Charles, and George, took over the business in the early 1900s, and added the manufacturing of planning diaries and ad specialties from outside suppliers to their line of greeting cards and fans.

Continuing in the Geiger tradition, Frank's two sons, Raymond and Francis, became involved in the family business in the 1930s. While working for the company, they created a separate department to coordinate all correspondence and business with outside suppliers. In addition, in 1934, Ray acquired the world famous Farmers' Almanac , which has benefited the company enormously. (Ray was the longest running almanac editor in history, having edited 60 consecutive issues!)

In order to meet the growing needs of the expanding company, Ray and Frank moved the company to Lewistown, Maine, in 1955. Since then the Geiger facility has been expanded three times to accommodate new state-of-the-art equipment and allow for increased production.

Today, the fourth consecutive generation of Geiger brothers manages the company, which is a claim that less than one percent of all family-owned businesses can make. Gene Geiger serves as CEO and President, and Peter Geiger serves as Executive Vice President of Special Markets and as editor of the Farmers' Almanac. Under their guidance, the company has experienced unprecedented growth over the last decade, and has earned such honors as the Margaret Chase Smith Level I and Level II Awards (Maine's Total Quality recognition based on Malcolm Baldridge Award criteria).

But the Geigers themselves are only part of the story. The company employs more than 500 associates in Lewiston, operates a number of division offices nationwide, and has a sales force of more than 500 independent professionals extending across the country. And while Geiger still produces calendars, planners, and the Farmers' Almanac, the company constantly augments its operations, with state-of-the-art manufacturing processes in its production facility and the latest technology tools that supports its sales force.

As Geiger continues to expand and diversify, the company will embrace new technologies and progressive ideas, yet remain dedicated to its traditional values and family-oriented approach to business.