Our Story
The decision was made. On the fourth of July weekend, 2006, Katie would launch a promotions company, done her way. Katie was at her family cottage in Friendship, Maine - the dark sky settled in for the night. She looked out the window, and there in the forest were two birch trees glowing in the moonlight. Birch Tree Promotions was born at that moment. Today, Birch Tree’s quaint Newburyport, MA office bustles with creative client conversations, ideation, and orders.
Our Company
Birch Tree is a women-owned boutique gift company. Every decision is made with your brand in mind. We carefully consider sustainability and impact on our planet. Birch Tree goes above and beyond to earn and retain your trust, because we respect our client and the recipient of the gift.
Birch Tree is a women-owned boutique gift company in quaint Newburyport, MA
Katie Basson, President & Founder
Katie has created a company that truly stands out from the crowd; one that partners with clients to produce meaningful gifts. Her high expectations for client service, and her keen eye in selecting smart products reflective of each client’s brand has attracted nationally known companies. Katie’s warm personality and tireless work ethic have built a company that leaves a lasting impression. She is passionate about her business and her life. Katie holds degrees in English and Psychology, including a Master of Arts from Simmons College.
Connie Wilder, Senior Advisor/Special Events Consultant
Connie brings savvy, shrewd business acumen, public relations and marketing expertise to Birch Tree. She serves as senior advisor to the company, emphasizing long-range planning, client/meeting consultations, and public relations. Connie is also an author - her first book, Above and Beyond Wellfleet: A memoir about welcoming life after loss, recounts how she recovered from the death of her husband. Her second book is underway.
Jeanne Ellen Monkiewicz, Office Manager
Jeanne Ellen ensures that the office runs smoothly by streamlining procedures to make things more efficient. A bright smile and a happy outlook make us all eager to work. Jeanne Ellen is instrumental to Birch Tree’s growth and success.
Molly Hoare, Accounting
Molly is our accounting expert and supplier of all good treats, big and small. Always a kind heart, Molly solves complex issues with extraordinary customer rapport. Molly understands the numbers and enables Birch Tree to run in the green.
Allissa Carroll, Project Manager
Allissa never takes her eyes off the ball when it comes to order production and fulfillment. She ensures everything gets to where it needs to go – on time. Allissa is essential to Birch Tree’s growth. Her favorite thing is trying to keep up with Katie and learning her secrets to success! Allissa truly enjoys being part of the Birch Tree family.
Emma Monkiewicz, Project Manager
Emma is a project manager who connects the dots and ensures things get to their final destination on time. Her swift adaptability makes her a versatile team player. Organizing is part of her DNA, so Emma enjoys the small details which allows Birch Tree to be on their game, always.
Nea (Dulcinea)
The birch tree office would not be complete without Nea, a jet-black feist mix, and she does indeed have a feisty disposition at times. She was adopted in 2018 through the Sweet Paws Rescue. She loves attention and frequently knocks our hands off the keyboard in search of a good tummy rub.
Ross (Rocinante)
Ross, our fawn colored dachshund/chihuahua mix whose fur is as soft as a chinchilla, was adopted in 2012 from the Northeast Animal Shelter. He was a pup living on the streets of Puerto Rico and he was saved through the Sato Project. Ross is happy to stand guard in the office to announce mail delivery and visitors.
Birch Tree is fortunate to have a design & marketing team of freelancers: 2 graphic designers, an “IT guy”, a web developer, and brand marketing. Together, we serve any of our clients needs.