About CCI

In 1975, Kay Dawson began the business that was to become Contemporary Communications, Inc. She was owner and sole employee of Wichita Word Processing. Kay did all the work herself, learning everything she could about word processing, programming, list management, and eventually mailing and the direct mail marketing industry. Under Kay's direction, CCI has grown to become one of the largest lettershops in the region. She has developed a full array of marketing services to meet every need of our direct mail clients.

Kay was determined to be the best in her industry, which she knew meant an investment in the latest technology and an educated, innovative workforce. In 2000, CCI moved to our biggest location yet, occupying 87,000 square feet. In 2004, CCI celebrated our 30th anniversary. That same year we also entered the offset printing market.

Like any service industry, direct mail companies have nothing to offer but customer service. In spite of all else, it is the ability to satisfy a customer that will make them…or break them. Of all the things Kay Dawson has learned in her years in the marketing industry, what's made CCI successful is the idea that great customer service is not a skill to be learned but an attitude that dictates actions.

Left to right, Row 1: Marc Palmateer, Kay Dawson, Shelby Hansard
Row2: Scott Hoopes, Mike Hoopes, Terry Brown

Kay Dawson, CEO

Kay was born and raised in the small town of Caldwell in southern Kansas. After high school, she majored in Music Education at Wichita State University. After teaching music for a while, she went to work at Cessna as a clerk typist. After Cessna's large layoff of 450 engineers, Kay was promoted to Technical Engineer. When Kay was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis but continued to work until her doctors said she could no longer handle the stress.

Even with her hobbies, staying at home did not agree with Kay. A friend wanted Kay to work for him on a part time basis making phone calls selling the services of Wichita Word Processing, Inc. A few days later, after losing a key employee, the owner decided to shut it down. Kay, however, did not want to go back to staying at home. The owner offered to sell her the business for $700. She was not sure if her health would stand up to running a business but she was determined. That was 1974.

Kay says the years of building this business have been a blessing, and, says Kay, "I so love my employees and feel that they have rewarded me time and time again. I love to come to work."

Terry Brown, Postal Manager

Terry has been with CCI since 1981. Terry was Production Manager since 1996, when increasingly complicated postal regulations and CCI's volume of mail placed Terry's knowledge of postal procedures and requirements in high demand. Terry has attended Kansas University and Barton County Community College. As Postal Manager, Terry's duties keeps CCI and our clients up to date with postal regulations. Terry works closely with the USPS and attends postal events, meetings and seminars.

Shelby Hansard, Sales & Marketing Manager

Shelby began at CCI in 1999 as a a machine operator. That same year Shelby was promoted to Account Manager and began scheduling projects and helping customers. In 2000, Shelby began his sales career. In the next four years, Shelby maintained a customer base of more than 30 satisfied customers, and initiated and closed sales. Since 2004, Shelby has been managing the sales and CSR staffs and his current duties include direct and indirect sales, and marketing CCI services.

Mike Hoopes, IT Manager

Mike began at CCI in 1988. Mike quickly moved from deliveries, to lettershop, to data processing. When CCI began offering digital lasering services, Mike was chosen to lead that department. He has trained in laser maintenance and installation. In 2006, Mike was promoted to IT Manager. His duties include maintaining, upgrading and installing current technology infrastructures and planning and developing future systems. Mike also handles security as well as facility maintenance. Mike was enrolled in the Computer Programming program at Wichita State University and has attended various seminars and classes related to IT.

Scott Hoopes, Operation Manager

Scott began at CCI as a programmer in 1998 performing data conversions for our Data Processing department. In 1999, as a full-time programmer, Scott developed several proprietary applications that saved time, increased data quality, and introduced new business opportunities. At this time, Scott also became webmaster maintaining CCI's web presence as well as designing web sites for our clients. In 2000, Scott was promoted to Operations Manager. His current duties include planning and controlling production operations in the lettershop, warehouse, and offset printing departments. Scott has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Fort Hays State University.

Marc Palmateer, Controller/HR Director

Prior to coming to CCI, Marc was an Accounting Manager, Controller, and Chief Financial Officer in the restaurant franchising and computer service industries. Marc graduated from Wichita State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting.