Channel: Test Drive

Magna-Tel Inc. Grows Community Garden

Staff Writer

Cape Girardeau, Missouri-based Magna-Tel Inc. announced it has implemented several initiatives to help make its business location more environmentally friendly in 2008.
In May of this year, Magna-Tel and its employees started the Magna-Tel community garden. Magna-Tel provided dirt, seeds, plants and other necessary supplies. Magna-Tel employees donated their time tilling the land, planting, weeding, watering and picking. Magna-Tel hopes to add fruit trees near the garden later this year. To protect the plants from insects, a homemade organic insecticidal soap spray, which is 100 percent environmentally friendly, is used when needed.
In addition, Magna-Tel has an energy task force that continually works on

Read More

Selco Introduces True North Compass Collection

Staff Writer

The Selco Companies, based in Tulsa, Okla., announced the introduction of its True North Compass Collection. The collection contains a variety of wooden, boxed desk compasses that have proven popular for a variety of promotional programs. Mentioned programs include corporate training, mergers and acquisitions, travel incentives, and new product launches. The compasses come with imprinting and engraving options.
About the Selco Companies:
As a manufacturer and supplier of custom imprinted and die-struck medallion watches, clocks, compasses and high-tech products, Selco products are available internationally through promotional products distributors. The company was established in 1935.
For more information on The Selco Companies, visit www.selcocompanies.com

Read More

Fastbadge Comes Fighting Back

Staff Writer

Slidell, Louisiana-based Fastbadge announced it has reopened its doors after Hurricane Gustav forced mandatory closures and evacuations. While the company is still experiencing limited pick-up services from FedEx and the United Parcel Service, the company stressed the limitations would be short-lived and further that it is currently shipping some orders. Fastbadge thanks customers for showing further patience as the final few employees return to town and the company returns to a full workforce.
For more information on Fastbadge, visit www.fastbadge.com
Greater China Holds Steady
Greater China Industries, based in Bellvue, Wash., announced it will honor 2008 prices for distributors on the next price quote

Read More

More From Around The Industry

Staff Writer

Now for a little rundown of what else is going on in the promotional products industry …
Do we have a Brangelina sighting? Check out who loves the Rebagz eco-line.
An award for the award makers. See who was honored at Crystal D.
Someone is on the rise at Pioneer Balloon. Find out who scored the promotion.
TPS joins the IGC… Find out what this stands for.
Green packaging is real. Curtis Packaging becoms Ceres company.

Read More

Selco Site, Boxercraft Shorts and Emblem Sales Support

Staff Writer

Tulsa, Oklahoma-based Selco announced it has launched a new Web site as a direct link to its Abelle Promotional Time collection. This watch collection has a $15 to $50 sell price range. The site now includes a new, lower 25 piece minimum allowing mixing and matching of styles to reach the minimum.
Go to www.AbellePromotionalTime.com to visit Selco’s new Web site.
About The Selco Companies
The Selco Companies was established in 1935. A manufacturer and supplier of custom imprinted and die-struck medallion watches, clocks, compasses and high-tech products, The Selco Companies’ products are available internationally through promotional products distributors.
For more

Read More

How was Chicago?

Staff Writer

After catching a late-night flight back from Chicago, I can say it’s good to be home. It was a good trip in terms of meeting new people and finding exciting products that we will be showcasing in upcoming issues. While I’m not sure how the show traffic compares to last year (you tell me), there definitely were ample suppliers and distributors to talk to. Unfortunately, I won’t be in Long Beach next week but I hope everyone will stop by the booth and say hello to Anthony and Erin. It’s a good place to check out our end-buyer catalogs and if you haven’t

Read More

See You In Chicago

Staff Writer

With near 100 degree heat here in Philadelphia, it’s safe to say a short trip to the Windy City will be a nice break. As an editor, I always look forward to checking out what new products are out there as well as seeing some familiar faces. Hopefully I will get a chance to talk to many of you about some of the new and exciting things happening with PromoMarketing.com and get your feedback on what you need from us to run your business better. See you all there.
Other Industry News:
Top Brands Adds Lufkin Tape Measures
Oshkosh, Wisconsin-based Top Brands Inc. announced

Read More

SAAC Records, Second Locations and New Lapel Pins

Staff Writer

SAAC Long Beach Show Reports Record Pre-Registration
The SAAC Show, August 6-7, 2008, in Long Beach, Calif., reported a record number of distributor pre-registration—many attributed to response to the shows offer of a free $50 gas card given to distributors attending the show for both days. The SAAC Board of Directors realize high gas prices are affecting distributors, and want to help them out by subsidizing their fuel bill for the ride to Long Beach.
This year, The SAAC Show introduces an incentive pavilion on the show floor, where a group of leading incentive suppliers will teach distributors how to sell customer loyalty,

Read More

Time For Homegrown Goods?

Staff Writer

After seeing some news from Neely Manufacturing, I was wondering if a larger trend was going to start to emerge. Neely announced sales have tripled (see below) since making the switch to all domestic-made products. With gas and transportation prices skyrocketing, will it become more affordable to make products locally—which would cut shipping costs, development costs (and probably a hundred different costs that I don’t even know exist), while supporting local economies that in and of themselves are being weakened by the same high energy costs? I guess what I’m wondering is if it’s time to start thinking about becoming a homegrown society (again),

Read More

A Caring Industry

Staff Writer

As people have probably seen from both this week’s and last’s newsletter, there is no end to the compassion shown by the suppliers and distributors of this industry. With the two tragedies, the earthquake in China and the continuing flooding in the Midwest, came news of devastation that needs no elaboration. What also came was a true outpouring of support. Journalbooks, Norwood, PPAI amd Hub Pen are just a few of the companies and organizations providing support and relief efforts. I hope everyone will consider donating to help make their efforts a success. Below are links to articles from last week’s newsletter.
Journalbooks Aims

Read More