The backstory: Inheriting a tangle of vendors and expectations
It all began with a steep learning curve. The proxy process was fragmented across multiple service providers—printers, transfer agents, designers, and solicitors —all tied to legacy contracts. Internally, no one owned the full picture. In her first year, she had one goal: get it done. By her second year, she had ideas for improvements. But proxy innovation wasn’t a priority for leadership—the annual report took center stage. She pushed where she could, but support was limited. Then, an issue with a service provider handling filing and printing gave her the green light to seek a better solution.
The turning point: A fresh approach
That’s when she engaged Toppan Merrill. Instead of presenting a cookie-cutter approach, the Toppan Merrill team—Carolyn Rohn, Mike Spelman, and Karen Fischer—delivered a consultative experience. They started with a full diagnostic:
- Invoice review: Every invoice tied to the proxy—from printers to postage—was audited to uncover duplicative spend and unnecessary fees.
- Cost reallocation: Identified savings were redirected to fund enhanced design and strategic advisory services.
- Design modernization: With support from leadership finally in reach, the team reimagined the proxy layout and storytelling to better reflect the value of the Board of Directors.
The outcome: A proxy with purpose and impact
The results spoke for themselves. Internally, the proxy was praised for its clarity, sophistication, and strategic tone. Externally, shareholders were given a document that actually communicated the Board’s value, rather than burying it in boilerplate.
“Switching to Toppan Merrill has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. The entire team could not be more pleased with the way the proxy turned out this year.”
— Deputy General Counsel
The proxy wasn’t just a win—it was a turning point. Leadership saw what was possible. Now, Toppan Merrill is working with the company to apply the same clarity, design quality, and process efficiency to the upcoming Annual Report.
