ABOUT CUSHING
An annual tradition, Customer Service Week encourages teamwork, collaboration and brings the team together. See us celebrate!
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Consider us your merry band of creative problem solvers, print consultants and customer service experts.
Meet Us!
Since 1929, Cushing has supported the associations in the Chicagoland area.
See MoreFor over ninety years, businesses in Illinois and beyond have trusted us to exceed expectations. The River North area has been home for over fifteen years. About a half mile from the Loop, its convenient for customers throughout the city and state.
- Easy access to the brown line and public transportation
- Vibrant Neighborhood with shops, restaurants and close to the Chicago loop
- Convenient to interstate 90
Did you know we can assist you with graphic design? Our creative studio provides consultation and creative services.
Learn more about Sepia Studio and how we can help.
Cushing has persevered by choosing outstanding people and focusing on innovation. The goal is always to improve your customer experience. We have utilized three and a half generations of input to guide your print projects.
LIKE HISTORY OR STORIES ABOUT GREAT AMERICAN SMALL BUSINESSES? READ ON…
In 1929 (yes, the year of the Great Depression) Cushing opened as a blue print shop to serve growing architecture and engineering firms. An ex-driver of a delivery truck, our founder, F. John Cushing Sr. made every sales call himself, to rebuild the company (National Blueprint Co.) he purchased from his employer. Changing the name shortly after, Cushing and Company was branded with the colors orange and blue. This mimicked the University of Illinois, and later the Chicago Bears, who housed their offices above Cushing for two decades.
Coating diazo paper in the 1950’s for our own use, Cushing began converting photographic and drafting films in the 1960’s. Converting various Diazo media in blue, black and sepia tones, Cushing became a key player in the world of manufacturing and distribution. Jack Cushing Jr. uncovered a niche to expand:
Selling the paper and films to printing shops in the Midwest.
“Cushing did an incredible job with our conference event signage. Their team went the extra mile to make sure we had everything before our deadlines, the communication was superb and their team is friendly and knowledgeable! They are professionals who understand the client end goals and I would not hesitate recommending them to anyone planning an event.”
In the late 70’s, we expanded service offerings and placed the industry’s first manned, on-site printing center in Chicago. Shortly thereafter, Cushing was the first reprographic firm to add color copying services in downtown Chicago. This blazed a new trail in the commercial real estate and corporate printing communities. The next fifteen years included the addition of electronic (CAD plotting) services to meet industry demand. We moved from the Loop to River North and expanded color services to include wide format color display graphics. Vertical markets expanded to include retail point-of-purchase displays, trade show and event printing and commercial printing outside the AEC community.
Owners Cathie Cushing Duff and Joe Cushing represent Cushing in the larger community, volunteering, sharing experiences, knowledge and best practices. Both are active in a number of industry and community associations with an emphasis on Family Business Development, including: City of Hope, Canstruction, SMPS, ACE Mentor Program, DePaul’s Chicago Family Business Council, SOS Villages, March of Dimes, ReproMAX and the Chicago Printer’s Guild.
Additionally, we are certified nationally and with the City of Chicago as a Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE), led by our company president of twenty-five years, Cathleen Cushing Duff. Ownership diversity is an added benefit to using Cushing for projects or public entities. Through our certification, we’ll help you fulfill your vendor diversity goals.
“I should also mention the menu boards and the signage looks absolutely fantastic!”
