History & What We Do

Where It All Began

Staats is one of the oldest awards and recognition companies in the country, spanning into three centuries.  Staats was founded in 1898 by Mr. E. G. Staats, from Lacrosse, Wisconsin.  The company’s primary business was the manufacturing of braid and trim for band and fraternal uniforms, as well as making pennants.  The transition to award ribbons occurred around 1915-1920.  The original location was above what was for many years the VFW on the Southwest corner of the square in Mount Pleasant, Iowa.  In 1939, the company moved to the former Willowbank School on North Lincoln Street.  In the 1980’s, Staats expanded further into the awards industry by adding plaques, trophies, and similar products to its line.  Over the next decade, Staats continued to grow in the promotional market by adding advertising specialties and imprinted apparel.  

By the spring of 2000, Staats had outgrown the old schoolhouse and moved into a brand new facility in the Crossroads Industrial Park.  The new facility is set up to maximize efficiency and creates versatility to accommodate the changing needs of its clients.  It’s location in the Crossroads Industrial Park is its present home.

James Patten of Davenport, Iowa purchased Staats in 1965, and remains the present owner.  Since that time, Staats has become one of the premier award and recognition companies in the United States.  Staats supplies its products to county and state fairs, festivals, livestock shows, schools, corporations, and other organizations locally and across the entire United States, and even extending into the U.S. Virgin Islands. 

“History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside.” - John F. Kennedy

Innovation to Meet a Changing Market

The most recent generation at Staats has seen dramatic growth in the physical plant, the product and our capabilities.  Automated machinery and computers enable the company to keep abreast of a widely expanding market.  Today, Staats is a leader in the awards and recognition industry.  Patterned rosettes, banners, plaques, acrylics, advertising specialties, and imprinted apparel have long since replaced “pennants.”  The continued introduction of new concepts of awards and recognition products and processes, combined with dedicated, experienced employees, and a continued focus on quality, customer service, and efficiency allows us to help our customers Leave Their Mark on their customers, business partners, and communities. 

We at Staats have the privilege and opportunity to play a part in some of the greatest moments of the lives of our clients and their associates.  As we move into the next generation of Staats, we are able to use our vast experience and apply it toward a prosperous future. In all that we do at Staats, we are sure to Leave Our Mark.