Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line announced, in keeping with its Eco-Responsible initiative, the company’s 2009 annual catalog has been printed on paper awarded the European Eco-Label, the EU Flower—denoting the paper was produced according to the highest environmental standards, and all ink used in printing is soy-based. The strict criterion of the European Eco-Label controls the entire production process including the use of natural resources, chemicals, energy and emissions. The company also announced it has added many new Eco-Responsible products to its line for 2009. “Because of the positive and successful response to our Eco-Responsible initiative, we plan to continue enhancing our educational Eco-Responsible
Read MoreArtistic Toy Launches Giving and Awareness Program
Allentown, Pennsylvania-based Artistic Toy announced it will donate tens of thousands of stuffed animal plush toys to community organizations over the next 30 days. This act of philanthropy was inspired by the need to promote the U.S. Government’s new standards on toy safety and restore public confidence in the international supply chain.
To learn more about this campaign, visit www.artistictoysmfg.com/globalgiving.html
HPPA Awards Lifetime Membership to DeGreeff
Dave DeGreeff, of Flagship Promotional Services, Houston, was presented the Houston Promotional Products Association’s (HPPA) most prestigious award, Honorary Life Member. The award recognizes a member who has made significant contributions to HPPA.
During his 25 years
Attitude Adjustment
Our attitudes control our lives. Attitudes are a secret power working 24 hours a day, for good or bad. It is of paramount importance that we know how to harness and control this great force. « Irving Berlin, composer and lyricist (1888 – 1989)
Brace yourselves. It is going to happen. Things are going to get better. While I am well aware of the doom and gloom constantly being
reported on both network and cable news—that 2009 is just going to continue the economic slide—I have decided to toss the fear aside and take a different approach to the new year. This is
Boy, Are My Arms Tired
Just got back from ASI Orlando and I’m grudgingly accepting that it is indeed still winter. The show was great, and unlike last year (when global warming played a nasty little trick on us and made it 40 degrees), the weather was just gorgeous.
It was a nice way to ease back into the traveling whirlwind that is January and February—my feet are now primed and ready for PPAI next week, that’s for sure. I’m still a little foggy from the lack of weekend (you can’t have everything, I guess), so I’m a little short on repartee. I hope you understand.
Instead, let
NSBA Calls on Congress to Include Small Business in Economic Stimulus
The National Small Business Association (NSBA) is calling on lawmakers to include key small-business provisions in any economic stimulus bill. Small-business economic outlook is at an all-time low, according to a recent NSBA survey which will be released next week as part of NSBA’s 2008 Year-End Economic Report. “Small business is the key to economic recovery, creating 93.5 percent of all net new jobs in the last 20 years. Yet throughout the economic slowdown and recession, small business continues to be hit with increasing difficulty accessing capital, wildly volatile credit card rates and terms, and plummeting numbers of loans made in the SBA 7(a)
Read MoreBodek and Rhodes Introduces Sam Gerber as VP of Business Development
Bodek and Rhodes, Philadelphia, recently introduced Sam Gerber as the new vice president of business development. Gerber, a well-known apparel industry veteran, joins the family-run business in this newly created position to help lead and expand the company’s customer service and sales. “Sam is an industry pro and I’m very glad to have him join our family,” said Mike Rhodes, president. “He’s got such a diverse background and in-depth industry knowledge, it really gives him a keen eye for all the aspects of our business and I have no doubt he is going to be a huge asset to Bodek and Rhodes.” Gerber’s experience
Read MoreSweda Extends New 24-hour Service Until January 31
In its continuing effort to offer distributors a huge boost for the new year, City of Industry, California-based Sweda Company LLC announced an extension of its new 24-hour service at no additional charge for its entire product line—over 800 items in 18 categories now through Jan. 31. In addition, Sweda also has put on special 40 of its most popular items which qualify for the 24-hour service at discounts up to 20 percent off end-quantity pricing now until March 31, 2009. All orders subject to terms and are while supplies last. “We’re excited to help distributors start the new year off strong,” said company
Read MoreNoteworthy Offers Oxo-Biodegradable Plastic at No Additional Charge
Effective immediately, Amsterdam, New York-based Noteworthy is offering oxo-biodegradable plastic as an option on all plastic bag styles at no additional charge. Noteworthy became the first promotional products supplier to offer biodegradable plastic bags made from cornstarch in the 1980s. At that time, the inferior quality of cornstarch-based biodegradable plastics limited their appeal. However, oxo-biodegradable plastics are a major leap forward. According to Anthony Constantino, vice president of operations at Noteworthy, “After a thorough review we came to the conclusion that oxo-biodegradable plastic is superior in every respect to other forms of degradable plastic.” Oxo-biodegradable plastic is often referred to as “degradable” plastic, since
Read MoreIn Stepp Marketing Promotes Jolly to Vice President
President Jeff Stepp of In Stepp Marketing, Lawrenceville, Ga., has announced the promotion of Nancy Jolly to the newly created position of vice president of sales. In Stepp Marketing is a leading independent manufacturers’ representative and marketing firm for supplier companies to the promotional products industry. Stepp announced Jolly’s promotion to industry sources from the company’s home office in Lawrenceville, Georgia, stating, “Throughout her stellar 18-year career in the promotional products industry, Nancy has continuously advanced to positions of leadership and authority, earning Rep of the Year Awards from key supplier accounts on multiple occasions.” Stepp added, “In addition to her continuing to
Read MoreHub Pen Receives Top Customer Service Award
The New England Promotional Products Association has recognized Hub Pen, Braintree, Mass., with its 2008 Best Customer Service award. The award was presented on December 4, 2008 to Michael Fleming of Hub Pen during NEPPA’s annual holiday extravaganza aboard the cruise ship Boston Odyssey. “It was a great evening,” said Fleming. “Our customer service group works so hard all year. It was an opportunity for them to receive some well-deserved applause.” Hub Pen Company was founded in 1954 in Boston by Frank Fleming, taking its name from the famous Oliver Wendell Holmes quote describing Boston as the “hub of the universe.” Today, Hub
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