Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), Chicago, has expanded its Advocacy Council with the addition of Memphis, Tennessee-based Signet Inc. The Advocacy Council (previously known as the Distributor Advocacy Council) is comprised of industry advocates who are leading the way for brand safety through the responsible sourcing of promotional products. ADvocates recognize QCA as the standard by…
Read MorePresident Trump announced yesterday that the U.S. will increase tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion in Chinese imports, effective Friday. During trade talks at the end of 2018, Trump promised that the current 10 percent tariffs could increase if the sides couldn’t reach a deal by March 1. That deadline was extended once, but with the sides still unable to come to terms, it appears the long-threatened 25 percent rate will now go into effect…
Read MoreFor a long time, themed kids’ fast food meals were dominated by the Happy Meal. It became a catch-all term for neatly packaged meals that kids liked. Other restaurants tried, but nothing had the longevity or brand awareness domination of the Happy Meal. Burger King is trying its best, though, to face off against the…
Read MoreOne of the biggest complaints people have about their cellphones is that, inevitably, the battery loses its ability to hold a charge. Avenir Telecom, a European telecommunications provider, tried to save us from that struggle by crowdfunding a new, Energizer-branded phone. The problem was the phone was comically, insufferably large…
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AIA Corporation, Neenah, Wisc., yesterday announced the passing of former CEO David Woods. The statement released yesterday by Matt Gresge, current CEO, reads: At AIA, we have heavy hearts as we learn about the loss of our colleague and friend, David Woods, who served as CEO of AIA from 2003-2016. David was one in a…
Read MoreNews reports confirmed this weekend that the woman killed in the shooting at Chabad of Poway, a synagogue based in Poway, Calif., was Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, a promotional products industry professional for Pro Specialties Group Inc. A story published yesterday in USA Today painted a picture of Gilbert-Kaye heroically defending the synagogue’s rabbi as he…
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Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, has released a statement following the news that multiple promotional products companies received subpoenas in an ongoing corruption case in Michigan, where union workers are accused of receiving illegal payments when spending money on promotional items. The statement, released today, reads: The promotional products industry has been a…
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Conference attendees go into these events expecting to learn more information on their field, size up the competition and maybe make a few key connections with peers. But there’s one aspect of conferences and trade shows that stands out more than all of this. We’re talking, of course, about promotional giveaways. There’s a reason that…
Read MoreFederal law enforcement agents are investigating whether members of the United Auto Workers union received illegal payments after purchasing promotional products for the union. The Detroit News reported that about 10 promo distributors have received subpoenas so far to produce documents, and the process could lead to more criminal charges. There have already been eight…
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HanesBrands’ commitment to be an international leader in energy management and eco-friendly business operations has earned the company its 10th consecutive U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Energy Star Sustained Excellence/Partner of the Year award for continued success in energy conservation, carbon emissions reduction and environmental sustainability. Hanes was recognized by the EPA for its 2018 environmental…
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