Honoring Ongoing Achievement with Perpetual Plaques
Perpetual plaques are designed to record repeated achievements over time. Whether recognizing employee of the month winners, annual donors or champion teams, these plaques serve as living records of excellence. In Chicago, many organizations rely on perpetual plaques to foster friendly competition and celebrate ongoing contributions. The key to a successful perpetual plaque program is selecting a provider that offers high‑quality materials, flexible layouts and timely engraving of new nameplates. This article profiles the leading suppliers in Chicago, offers a buyer’s guide and explores trends in perpetual plaque design.
Top Providers of Perpetual Plaques in Chicago
Viking Awards – Custom Layouts and Local Service
📍 10405 W Cermak Rd, Westchester, IL 60154
Viking Awards specializes in creating perpetual plaques that blend form and function. Clients can choose from walnut, cherrywood or metal‑trimmed boards with varying numbers of nameplates. Viking’s design team collaborates with clients to determine the header text, plate sizes and layout. Thanks to in‑house production, they can add new plates quickly and maintain consistent engraving. Because Viking is local, customers can drop off their plaques to have new names added, ensuring the plaque remains up‑to‑date. Their ability to handle large orders and provide personalized guidance makes them the top provider for perpetual plaques.
Chicago Award Source – Solid Walnut Perpetual Plaques
The P1696 Perpetual Plaque at Chicago Award Source features a solid American walnut board with 12 rectangular plates. The product description notes that these plaques provide an everlasting memento for organizations and teams and are available in various finishes and sizes designed to recognize many recipients over time. Chicago Award Source is known for its fast turnaround and local production. Customers can visit the showroom, select plaque styles and arrange for additional nameplates as needed. Their ability to engrave new plates quickly makes them a convenient choice for ongoing recognition programs.
All American Trophy & Engraving – Friendly Guidance and Flexibility
As highlighted in the Viking Awards blog, All American Trophy & Engraving offers perpetual plaques suitable for employee of the month programs or annual recognition. The company is praised for its friendly customer service and helpfulness in laying out long lists of names and accomplishments. They provide a range of plaque sizes and plate configurations, and their family‑run approach ensures personal attention.
Chicago Trophy & Awards International (AwardsCo) – Local Manufacturing Since 1958
Chicago Trophy & Awards International manufactures plaques and awards locally and has been serving the city since 1958. They offer perpetual plaques with customizable plate numbers and can handle rush orders. Their mix of tradition and capability makes them a reliable choice for businesses and schools.
Trophies Are Us – Affordable Options for Small Budgets
Trophies Are Us offers classic perpetual plaques with metal nameplates on wood boards. They don’t charge per letter for engraving, which helps keep costs down, especially when adding new names frequently. For small organizations and sports leagues on a budget, this family‑owned shop provides personalized service and quick turnaround.
Buying Guide: Creating an Effective Perpetual Plaque Program
- Choose Quality Materials – Select durable wood such as walnut or cherry for the backing. Solid wood plaques, like the P1696 from Chicago Award Source, lend a premium look and stand up to years of handling.
- Determine Plate Layout – Decide how many names you need to display now and in the future. Standard plaques come with 12 to 36 plates, but you can order custom configurations. Consider spacing to ensure names are readable. Providers like Viking Awards and Chicago Award Source can design custom layouts.
- Plan for Updates – Establish a process for adding names. Local providers allow you to drop off the plaque for engraving. If ordering online, ensure the supplier can engrave and ship new plates quickly. Ask whether they keep your engraving template on file for consistency.
- Engraving Method – Deep‑etched engraving on metal plates creates a refined look. Laser engraving is precise and consistent. Confirm that the provider offers the style you prefer and that they can match existing plates.
- Budget for Additions – Perpetual plaques involve ongoing costs. Chicago Award Source, for example, charges a fixed price for the plaque and an additional fee for each new nameplate. Ask for a schedule of future engraving costs.
- Design Aesthetics – Align the plaque’s design with your brand or environment. Consider adding a logo or mission statement on the header plate. Mixed materials like acrylic or glass accents can modernize the look.
- Location and Accessibility – If you value in‑person service, choose a local provider. Viking Awards, Chicago Award Source and All American Trophy & Engraving all offer showrooms or shops in the Chicago area. National suppliers provide broader selection but may require shipping for updates.
Trends & Insights: Perpetual Plaques Today
Digital Tracking and Hybrid Displays
Some organizations are integrating digital elements into perpetual recognition. QR codes on the plaque can link to online lists or photos of winners. Digital display boards combined with physical plaques allow for dynamic updates while preserving tradition.
Sustainable Materials and Custom Shapes
As with other awards, eco‑friendly materials are gaining attention. Reclaimed wood and bamboo offer sustainable alternatives to traditional hardwoods. Custom shapes beyond the standard rectangle are becoming more common, reflecting corporate branding or organizational themes.
Dynamic Layouts and Interchangeable Plates
To accommodate indefinite growth, some plaques use interchangeable plate systems where plates can be rearranged or replaced as needed. Magnetic or slide‑in plates make it easy to update names without returning the entire plaque to the engraver.
Storytelling and Branding
Organizations are adding mission statements, mottos or thematic graphics to the header plate. This transforms the plaque from a simple list of names into a storytelling piece that communicates values and heritage.
Conclusion: Selecting a Perpetual Plaque Provider in Chicago
Perpetual plaques foster a culture of continuous recognition by keeping achievements visible. To create a plaque that endures and grows with your program, partner with a provider that offers quality materials, flexible layouts and responsive service. Viking Awards excels at custom designs and local support, while Chicago Award Source provides solid American walnut plaques and multiple finishes. All American Trophy & Engraving offers friendly guidance and options for employee of the month programs. Chicago Trophy & Awards International brings decades of local manufacturing, and Trophies Are Us delivers affordable plaques with unlimited engraving.
When commissioning a perpetual plaque, consider plate layout, engraving method, update process and aesthetics. Plan ahead for future engravings, and choose a supplier who will maintain your plaque with care. By investing in a well‑designed perpetual plaque, you celebrate achievements year after year and build a lasting legacy of recognition. Reach out to Viking Awards or another trusted Chicago provider to begin crafting a plaque that will inspire and honor recipients for generations.
