Eat Your Heart Out

FOOD SEEMS TO be a favorite topic in circles of every kind. It is discussed in boardrooms across the country and in bedrooms late at night. After reporting to work following a fun-filled weekend, one of the fondest memories is usually the dining experiences one had, or wished to have. It is precisely for these reasons edibles are stand-out promotional products. What better way to get people talking about one’s brand, products or services than by serving up irresistible food items? Distributors who take heed will have more than their fair share of the profits available with edible promotions. “Everyone loves food and candy,” observed

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Crystal D Selected Winner for 2008 PPAI Supplier Achievement Awards

Crystal D, St. Paul, Minn., was recently selected as a winner in two categories for the 2008 Promotional Products Association International Supplier Achievement Awards. The categories are “Etching-Engraving” and “Two or More Distinct Processes to Produce a Specific Visual Effect”. Crystal D submitted its crystal Columbus Award for the “Etching-Engraving” category. The item was front- and reverse-etched to create a unique visual effect. For the “Two or More Distinct Processes to Produce a Specific Visual Effect” category, a crystal NASCAR Car was submitted. The creation of the NASCAR piece included modeling the award after Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s car. It was etched with each individual

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Calibre International Purchases Alcraft

Calibre International, Irwindale, Calif., has purchased Alcraft, Pawtucket, R.I., one of the original suppliers in the industry. Calibre International will continue to operate Alcraft as a stand-alone company, but will broaden its product line. The terms of the agreement were not disclosed. Alcraft has been in the industry for more than 45 years. Company president, Michael Davis, called the acquisition “an excellent choice for both companies”. He said: “Today, suppliers need depth and breadth of product line in order to have the necessary market reach. It’s time for Alcraft to market on a larger stage and Calibre is the perfect venue to accomplish this.” Of the

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0507_Top 50 Overview

Should there be any reservations about the topic, the promotional products business is a thriving one. This assertion would be hard to dispute, given the impressive numbers the industry reported for 2006. According to an annual survey conducted for Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), total promotional product sales revenue in 2006 amounted to $18.8 billion, up 4.25 percent from 2005. This figure translates to an increase of $766 million in sales from the previous year. That’s a lot of promotional products! To put $18.8 billion into perspective, Promotional Marketing’s Top 50 Distributors brought in a total of $2.35 billion in promotional product sales

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Quikey Manufacturing’s Quikoin Receives Play on American Idol

The Quikoin coin holder from Quikey Manufacturing, Akron, Ohio, recently received national air time on the popular television talent show, American Idol.  American Idol ordered Quikoins and apparently handed them out to contestants. One contestant, Phil Stacy, was filmed holding his daughter, who was waving a Quikoin with the American Idol imprint visibly displayed. Quikey Manufacturing’s president Mike Burns, remarked: “This is not the first time the Quikoin has received awareness in the entertainment and film industry. Back in the 60’s, the coin purses were the promotional item of choice. Frank Sinatra was known to use one to keep his coins from jingling in

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30-year Industry Vet Named President of Webb Company

Webb Company, Rosemount, Minn., recently announced the appointment of industry veteran Keith H. Olivit as the company’s president. Of the appointment, Alan Webb, founder/CEO, stated: “Keith’s extensive knowledge of the industry and his expertise in developing and managing leading industry supplier companies makes him an exceptional candidate to lead our company.” “We are committed to focusing on the needs and wants of distributors,” Webb continued. “Keith’s experience will assist us with managing our overall product selection, shortening our production time and expanding our growth categories of candy and mint products, as well as health and beauty products.” Olivit’s career in the

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IPROMOTEU, DAVIES JOIN FORCES

iPROMOTEu, Wayland, Mass., and Ted Davies, “The Promotion Coach,” have entered into an agreement pursuant to which Davies will provide personal coaching and training to all iPROMOTEu distributor affiliates. Davies, who has worked in promotional product sales for 26 years, has been a regular speaker at industry events, including the PPAI Expo and ASI Shows. His coaching and training entity, The Promotion Coach, is PPAI-approved for CAS/MAS CEU credits. As stated in his company’s literature, Davies provides “a comprehensive [marketing, prospecting, and sales training] program offering easy-to-use, can’t-afford-to-skip materials for helping you tap your full earning potential.” iPROMOTEu, with a network of more

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