HISTORY OF 1ST START
1st Start began in September 2005, to provide students with special needs a real work experience while attending Eau Claire Memorial High School.
1st Start specializes in the design and manufacturing of personalized products such as coffee mugs, mouse pads, ornaments, coasters, bookmarks, dog tags, magnets as well as many other items.
1st Start uses a process called sublimation, in which designs are printed onto transfer paper with artanium ink. When the design is attached to the product and heated, the ink turns into a gas and goes into the pores of the specially coated products. When cooled, the design becomes a part of the product.
Students are involved in all aspects of the company, including marketing, designing, printing, pressing, cleaning, packaging, and shipping. Students also write invoices, receipts, and calculate costs within the business.
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