Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, March 28, 1990 TAG: 9003280498
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: C-6 EDITION: EVENING
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: ATLANTA LENGTH: Medium
Any of 21 messages offered by the John H. Harland Co. can be printed on a banner in the middle of the check.
On abortion, people may opt for "Pro Choice" or "Pro Life." Those interested in the environment may proclaim "Stop Nuclear Power" or "Alternative Energy." Other messages include "Stop Child Abuse," "Attack AIDS" and "Seniors Have Style."
"It's been proven that they will pay for rainbows and puppies on checks. It's not that farfetched," said Harland spokesman Bruce Danielson.
The checks first were offered March 1 and sales have not been reported, he said.
Stu Alexander, spokesman for Deluxe Check Printers Inc., the nation's largest check printing company in St. Paul, Minn., said he believed consumers will not go for the concept.
"Affinity" checks, which allow people to state their loyalty to a school or organization, have not been big sellers, he said.
"While they seem like a good idea at the time, people tend to support their organizations in other ways," he said. "Someone who is gung ho on that will open their checkbook and write a check for that organization."
Harland also has a new line that supports the Windstar Foundation, an educational organization for environmental concerns founded by singer John Denver.
A marketing analyst said that could be an asset because the environment is a popular cause.
"People are putting their views on bumpers stickers. Why not on their checks?" said Charlie Elberson, vice president of Price-McNabb, an Asheville, N.C., marketing and communications firm.
But Elberson advised caution in selecting messages. "They would be wise to stay away from some issues, but most of these issues are pretty safe."
The other messages offered by Harland are "Save Our Earth," "World Freedom," "Protect Wildlife," "Adopt A Pet," "Shelter The Homeless," "Share A Hug," "Farmers Feed America," "Just Say No," "A Proud Vet," "Stop Crime," "Black Pride," "Shalom," "Orgulloso de ser Latino (Proud to be Hispanic)," and "Scientia est potestas (Knowledge is Power)."
by CNB