CR&A Custom Banner specializes in large format digital printing. The company also specializes in helping the community and for the past four years, it has supplied banner printing for the Lane Kemper Softball Classic, which raises money for the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund.
CR&A President Carmen Rad said, “[Firefighters] always step up and take care of us, so we try to step up and take care of them.”
One of the charity’s flagship annual fundraisers, the Lane Kemper Softball Classic offers a chance for firefighters to get together for a day of healthy competition and camaraderie. LAFD Engineer and tournament organizer Bill Bringas said, “I met Carmen five years ago when I started running the Lane Kemper Tournament. I went to her business looking to make some banners and she volunteered to donate not only the banners, but make a banner for the ones that were donating.” Since that first meeting, CR&A has provided banners featuring sponsoring companies and other information, which the tournament organizers can offer as a gesture of thanks to contributors.
Organizing and putting on an event like the softball tournament is a challenge and making sure all the sponsors are recognized on banners takes a lot of work. But, Rad is no stranger to hard work. She started CR&A in her garage and the business is now housed in a 2,400-square-foot facility and employs 31 people.
Operating for over 20 years, the team at CR&A offers an array of interactive ideas, precise execution, and creative innovation. A certified minority- and woman-owned company, it won The National Association of Business Owners Rising Star Award in 2009 as well as the City of Los Angeles and Small Business Association Green Firm of the Year and the Latina Business Chamber of Commerce Latina Manufacturer of the Year.
CR&A works with clients from all industries, helping companies take advantage of the latest digital print technology. The services span the entire genre of large format digital printing options including banners, billboards, window graphics, floor graphics, vehicle wraps, building wraps, posters and an in-house creative design services team.
Rad happily lends her creative and professional talents to the Lane Kemper Softball Classic. She sees it as a way to share her success. “We’re very active in the community and we want to support the community,” she said. For more information on CR&A Custom, visit cracustom.com.
By David Vienna
Learn more about Our Supporters