New cards address Mom’s role as CEO of the home, family
Contact: Megan Ferington or Frank Cirillo, 216.252.4938
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Cleveland, Ohio (April 2007) – Running a family is a lot like running a business. There are bills to pay, resources to manage, schedules to make and deadlines to meet, and at times, it can be high-pressure and high-stress to get it all done in a day. And regardless of whether her daily commute is down the stairs or down the street, moms are increasingly viewed as the CEO at home thanks to their ability to make daily life run smoothly. Many of this year’s Mother’s Day cards from American Greetings recognize the great example moms provide for their children and celebrate the amazing patience and sacrifice they exhibit for their family.
The image of Nancy Pelosi surrounded by her children after being sworn in as the first female Speaker of the House is just one of the many examples of the growing influence of today’s moms in nearly every sector. Moms are using their power and experience for the betterment of their family and the world, from advocating social issues to participating in community affairs to taking the lead on nutrition and wellness in the home. Not to mention, moms have tremendous buying power and are a much sought-after audience for marketers, who affectionately refer to these multitasking, tech-savvy women as “Alpha Moms.” Political pollsters are already predicting the Mom contingency to play a huge role in the 2008 presidential election as well.
“Moms are extending themselves more and more everyday around the home, their communities and their professional circles, but even with their growing influence, more than 80 percent of all mothers -- regardless of their age -- feel that being a mom is the most important job they have,” said Heather Bentley, Mother’s Day Program Manager for American Greetings. “Many of our Mother’s Day cards this year not only thank Mom for her role as a parent, but also express admiration for her individual accomplishments as a woman.”
One card from an appreciative older son or daughter spells it all out in a conversational way: “If you’ve ever wondered where `being a mom’ fits in among your many accomplishments, I want you to know, that to me, it’s your greatest success of all! You’ve been everything to me – the guide who made sure my life got started right, the friend I love being around, and the one who’s believed in me no matter what. I owe you so much on Mother’s Day, and I hope you feel very proud of being a mom – and know that I love you and I’m proud of you, too.”
Other cards from American Greetings convey Mom’s influence with intricate graphics and a few short lines of praise. One such card features a large metallic bronze cut-out of the letter “W”, along with a list of words: “wonderful,” “wise” and “wow.” When the “W” is flipped up, the inside message reads: “When it comes to motherhood, some people are natural overachievers. Happy Mother’s Day.”
Another selection features whimsical graphic illustrations of Mom in her many roles as “chief financial officer,” “household manager,” “personal shopper,” “entertainment coordinator” and “life coach” and says: “Happy Mother’s Day, to the one who does it all.”
A card with the elegant look of satin fabric displays the word “Mom” on the front, and is accented by tiny faux gems. Inside, the card reads: “You always made me feel like being my Mom was the best job in the world. Thanks. Happy Mother’s Day.”
“Mother’s Day is all about expressing appreciation and recognition for the hard work and dedication it takes to be a mom,” Bentley said. “Whether you’re someone who likes to pour out your deepest emotions, you prefer expressing your love in a more formal way, or are known for being the `outrageous one’ in the family, this year’s cards provide a very tangible way to thank Mom for her many roles as a parent, mentor and friend.”
American Greetings Mother’s Day cards can be found at participating drug chains, grocery stores and super centers nationwide, as well as in American Greetings and Carlton Cards retail stores. Visit www.americangreetings.com/retailers for store locations.
About American Greetings Corporation
American Greetings Corporation (NYSE: AM) is one of the world's largest manufacturers of social expression products. Along with greeting cards, its product lines include gift wrap, party goods, stationery, calendars, ornaments and electronic greetings. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, American Greetings generates annual net sales of approximately $1.8 billion. For more information on the Company, visit http://corporate.americangreetings.com.