August 26, 2025 - Hallmark Center Fixtures Operations (CFO) held a 65th Anniversary celebration on Thursday, August 21, 2025, at their facility in Center.
Center Fixture Operations processes fixtures and manufactures product displays for Hallmark to display their products in retail stores. There are two such facilities in the United States.
Facility staff and employees gathered in recognition of the anniversary and to commemorate the event.
Robby Dubea, Operations Manager, addressed all present including representatives of the City of Center.
“Welcome everyone, thank y’all everyone for showing up for Hallmark Center Fixtures Operations 65th Anniversary celebration today,” said Dubea. “Super proud to hit this milestone with all our great employees with all our great vendors, representatives from the city and chamber of commerce and key vendors.”
In a pre-recorded video message to Hallmark CFO Lisa Fry, Senior Vice-President of Merchandising, commended Hallmark CFO on the impressive results they’ve already delivered in 2025 and she looks forward to many more years of success together.
Mike Defoe, Supply Chain Director – Visual Merchandising, described his role as being a representative for the fixture plant to the company in Kansas City.
Defoe shared that Hallmark celebrated their 50th anniversary by starting in Center and that same year was its first year featuring the “Peanuts” characters on Hallmark cards. In 1960 Hallmark made four million cards.
“I know they had a record a couple weeks ago of 25 million in one week,” interjected Anita Noller, Hallmark Business Solutions Manager.
Defoe further commented on the growth of the company over the decades and the anniversary they are now celebrating. One of the features of the event was a slideshow through the years of the plant, those employed there and the changes in the community.
“That’s how it’s grown right, so 65 years is quite an accomplishment. Obviously, there’s a lot of places that don’t make it that long, a lot of us don’t make it that long, but it’s great to look back at history,” said Defoe.
Defoe commented that there isn’t a card shop or place Hallmark cards are sold that the workforce at Center Fixtures Operations doesn’t see their work which is the stage that features Hallmark’s products.
Noller commented that whenever she thinks of Center, and visiting Hallmark Center Fixtures Operations, it brings a smile to her face.
“It is because of you guys, what you guys bring, the pride,” said Noller. “You bring that day in and day out and you deliver.”
She further highlighted the committed and dedication the employees have to the company and the achievements they consistently make as a team.
“It is a true honor to get to represent this facility, it is a honor as well and a joy to come visit and be a part,” said Noller.
Representatives of the City of Center mayor David Chadwick and Chad Nehring were present for the celebration as well as Shelby County Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Chadwick.
Mayor Chadwick was appreciative for being included in the event and said it was wonderful to be a part of celebrating the 65th anniversary for Hallmark Center Fixtures Operations. He imparted a story about giving someone a birthday card and the importance of that tangible gift.
Mayor Chadwick explained that while growing up, he had a friend that lived a block away from Hallmark Center Fixtures Operations on Santa Fe Street and she was turning 99. He wasn’t going to be able to attend the birthday party and was encouraged to send a card. Mayor Chadwick received a phone call from his friend two days later.
“’David, I got your card, and it meant so much. Thank you for sending me my ‘Hallmark Card,’” said Chadwick. “It wasn’t a card, it was a ‘Hallmark Card,’ and let me tell you, you guys are recognized as that specialty. You can get many a card, you can get many a note, you can get many a text, you can get anything else, when you get a Hallmark Card it’s special those are the ones you keep in a box.”
Mayor Chadwick thanked the employees at Hallmark CFO and remarked on the wholesome and progressive work they produce.
“Thank you, congratulations on 65 years, and I want to be here for the next 65 years,” said Mayor Chadwick.
In a pre-recorded video message from Sara Beth Burton, Hallmark Greetings President, she said that what she is celebrating is what Hallmark CFO as a plant means to the Hallmark business.
“I see your work every time I go into a Gold Crown store and I’m just so grateful for the capabilities that you continue to deliver for our business, they matter, your work is so important to us,” said Burton. “I hope you have an awesome celebration today and here’s to 65 more years, cheers Center.”
