Study up on fabric innovations.

Promotional jackets that work on a mountaintop? Might not be so far out of reach. Aerogel, made by Northborough, Massachusetts-based Aspen Aerogels, is touted as “extreme insulation for extreme environments.” According to a case study which followed climbers on Mount Blanc, the fabric kept them insulated even in freezing temperatures. Thanks to a fabrication that is more than 90 percent air, Aerogel is “a highly effective insulator” with low thermal conductivity. Thought it has yet to break through to mainstream retailers, there could be some extreme marketing in your future.

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Help collegiate wear fly the friendly skies.

According to Joe Ebaugh, director of trademark licensing at the University of Maryland in College Park, Md., the school is always looking for areas of opportunity in which to place their products. In particular, “We’d love to be in more airport locations in Baltimore and Washington,” he said. And it’s no wonder. In such a high-traffic area, there’s arguably no better way to reach transient students, potential students and fans. For distributors, it could be a valuable foot in the door in a highly lucrative market. “We’re always looking for someone who has connections that can get us into those locations, Ebaugh affirmed.

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Hirsch International Corp. Signs Merger Agreement to be Acquired by Paul Gallagher

Hauppauge, New York-based Hirsch International Corp. announced recently that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement to be acquired by its president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer Paul Gallagher for $0.31 per share in cash. Gallagher beneficially owns approximately 13.7 percent of the company’s outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock.

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A Blitz That Has Don Draper Written All Over It (New York Times)

This article talks about alternate means of advertising being used to advertise the DVD release of Mad Men, a TV show about advertising. Got that so far? From magazine advertorials to retail partnerships, the marketing deluge for the popular AMC drama has been carefully manufactured in order to generate interest in the Mad Men brand as a whole as opposed to each individual season or episode. All that’s missing are a few promotional products. (The New York Times)

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Bella Brings Fashion to Life

Los Angeles-based Bella recently announced the company is launching an innovative 2010 video marketing campaign. Taking a modern approach towards its 2010 design concept and photo shoots by integrating high fashion, hip music and behind-the-scenes interaction, the three-minute film will be released September 15 on the company’s Web site as well as other social media outlets.

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