David Hawes, of Minnetonka, Minn. was named Certified Advertising Specialist (CAS), an official recognition of professional excellence in the promotional products industry, awarded by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). Hawes, an independent sales representative with Lewiston, Maine-based Geiger, was one of 14 Geiger associates and sales representatives to earn the CAS designation. Hawes completed and passed a two-hour exam administered by PPAI which earned him the designation. The exam represents the culmination of dozens of hours spent attending specialized promotional products industry trainings and seminars. CAS professionals are well-versed in all advertising and marketing media available in the promotional products industry. This
Read MoreCompany: PPAI
Plan B Releases First Annual Industry Report
Jupiter, Florida-based Plan B Associates, a group of executives formed from leadership positions within the promotional products industry, released its first annual Industry Observer report. The report presents a business outlook for 2009 and is available to everyone involved in the promotional products field. Senior partner Stuart Putnam stated, “While this is a rather gloomy look, it is nevertheless a realistic look at what is happening in the world. By looking at the economic situation in an objective way, industry practitioners can make informed choices about how they approach business in 2009.” Observations in the report are based upon interviews with industry suppliers and
Read MorePromo Marketing Partners with Promotions East
Robert Schwarz, CAS, president of the Montvale, New Jersey-based Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York Inc. (SAAGNY) announced the association’s board of directors has entered into an agreement to have Philadelphia-based Promo Marketing conduct the sales and marketing program for the Promotions East, the Association’s premier trade show conducted in Atlantic City, N.J. each June. “After an extensive search, Promo Marketing was selected to conduct the sales and marketing programs for Promotions East, the largest industry trade show in the East,” Schwarz stated. “We are very excited to have an industry publisher and service provider working with us to market and sell the
Read MoreTop Ten Reasons Why Promotional Products Distributors Fail
About the Author: Kay Kotan is a published author and the founder of Independence, Missouri-based You Unlimited. She knows of many promotional products distributors (PPDs) who were not able to make it in the industry. Here are her top ten reasons why promotional products distributors fail: 10. They don’t surround themselves with the right kind of people. PPDs traditionally start out in a spare bedroom of their home—alone. Soon they have questions, but no one to turn to for answers. From day one, find a mentor to steer you along the path. Even if it costs you, it is well worth it. It will
Read MoreSee You In Chicago
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
Corvest Cuts Ribbon On New Facility
Largo, Florida-based Corvest, a top 20 promotional products supplier and parent company of Adva-Lite, It’s All Greek To Me and Toppers, commemorated the official completion of its multitiered expansion. The project, which brought the company’s three lines together under one roof, was celebrated with a grand opening event at its new facility. More than 100 distributors attended the June 20 event. Samuel F. Rossa, Corvest president and CEO, kicked off the ceremony by introducing the company’s leadership team, welcoming guests and speaking about the company’s capabilities. “Our new facility has allowed us to offer our customers a number of new features,” Rossa said.
Read MoreDrug Industry Bans Most Promotional Products
On July 10, the Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced it will implement a revised PhRMA Code on Interactions with health-care professionals on Jan. 1, 2009. The updated code, which includes tightened regulations on consulting fees, complimentary meals and assurances of adequate representative training, also mandates a change that will have major ramifications on the promotional product industry. Item 10 in the revised report entitled, “Prohibition of Non-Educational and Practice Related Items,” explicitly states that it is prohibited to provide, “items for healthcare professional’s use that do not advance the disease or treatment education…” This provision would eliminate the dissemination
Read MorePPAI and SAAGNY Split on Promotions East
In a joint statement today, Robert Schwarz, CAS, president of the Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), based in Montvale, N.J., and Stanley Breckenridge, MAS, chair of the Irving, Texas-based Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) announced the two companies have mutually agreed to terminate their collaborative management agreement for the annual June SAAGNY Promotions East trade show in Atlantic City, N.J. Schwarz said, “Our boards entered into an agreement in 2005 for PPAI to provide a major part of the management services required to produce Promotions East. Our goal has been met and PPAI provided a high level of service for our
Read MorePPAI Reaches Out To Member Companies Affected By Recent Floods
Many communities and businesses in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and neighboring states have been devastated by recent summer storms and flooding. As flood waters recede in some towns, and continue to rise in others along the Mississippi, additional communities are expected to struggle with transportation, flood damage and communication challenges. The Irving, Texas-based Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), announced it is reaching out to member companies affected by these floods in the form of the Promotional Products Business Recovery Plan. The purpose of the recovery plan is to take care of immediate needs by determining which companies have been affected and what they need
Read MoreA Caring Industry
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