Union, Illinois-based Bag Makers Inc. announced the expansion of its collection of eco-friendly bags. Addressing the growing trend toward more environmentally conscious products, the collection is anchored by a fashion tote constructed of 100 percent recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make water bottles. The tote is a woven material of 220D and is 100 percent recyclable. Also added to the collection are six new sizes of paper shoppers that are made from 100 percent recycled paper as well as one new size in the plastic die-cut handle series. The die-cut handle bag contains up to 40 percent recycled content and
Read MoreArthur Blank & Co. Appoints New President and Vice Presidents
Boston-based Arthur Blank & Company announced former owners and long-time executives Stuart and Eric Blank would be transitioning from their respective roles of president and executive vice president to join the corporate team of parent company American Banknote (ABnote), where they will focus on strategic planning and corporate development. As a result, the following organizational changes were made: Keith Goldstein was promoted to the position of president and chief operating officer of Arthur Blank. Goldstein has been with the company for more than 10 years, has broad management experience and is also a licensed CPA. Goldstein has held a variety of leadership positions within
Read MoreFeel Good Stories: Snugz Charity Webcast Live, Hub Pen Honored
Salt Lake City-based SnugZ USA announced on November 18 it will sponsor a worldwide telethon/webcast to help bring in funds for the production of more inspirational bracelets for the Pay It Forward Foundation. The live broadcast of the “Pay It Forward” webcast can be found on November 18 until midnight CST at http://www.tinyurl.com/PIFbracelets. To make a donation directly the Pay It Forward Foundation cause, visit www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=666147. For more information on the Pay It Forward Foundation, visit www.payitforwardfoundation.org Hub Penned Top Supplier By Kaeser & Blair Quincy, Massachusetts-based Hub Pen Co. announced Kaeser & Blair, a top 20 distributor
Read MoreMWV Announces Plans to Close Grover, North Carolina, Packaging Plant
Richmond, Virginia-based MeadWestvaco Corporation announced in an effort to streamline costs and improve operational efficiencies, it will discontinue operations at its MWV Beverage Media Packaging plant in Grover, North Carolina. The facility produces packaging for the media and entertainment industry. Some production at this facility will transfer to other MWV Packaging plants, and the company’s capacity to supply these products will not be affected. Closure of the Grover facility, expected by early 2009, will maximize the company’s operations and resources, enabling MWV to more efficiently serve its media customers around the world. “The decision to close the Grover facility was a difficult but necessary
Read MoreGreater China Grows Staff to Improve Client Relationships
Bellvue, Washington-based Greater China Industries recently announced staff promotions and new company hires. Mel Cutter was promoted to assistant sales manager. Cutter has a long sales history with Greater China, offering a wealth of knowledge regarding trade with Chinaand the promotional products industry. Cutter possesses more than 12 years sales experience with Greater China and has sold the most custom promotional products of any salesperson in the company. In addition, Chris Ritchie was promoted to business development manager. Since Ritchie started working for Greater China two years ago, he has developed more than 25 valuable clients single-handedly and become a top producer in
Read MoreGolf Plus Offers Callaway Line
Golf Plus announced it is a Callaway-authorized supplier of Callaway and Top-Flite logoed golf balls as well as the complete line of Callaway, Odyssey and Top-Flite clubs, golf bags and putters. Golf Plus, a Cleveland-based promotional products supplier, will soon be celebrating its 15th year servicing only promotional products distributors. About Golf Plus: Golf Plus’ philosophy has been to offer factory-direct shipments, believing that golf manufacturers develop decorating techniques that best complement their coatings, fabrics and finishes and cause the least harm to the environment. For more information on Golf Plus, visit www.golfplusinc.com
Read MoreLeed’s To Introduce Checkpoint-Friendly Computer Bags
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, the second-largest supplier within the promotional products industry, is launching four “CheckMate”—checkpoint-friendly—computer bags on December 29. Tested with the manager of transportation security at Dulles Airport to comply with 2008 TSA guidelines, the butterfly design of the bags provides for an unobstructed X-ray view of laptop computers when the bags are properly packed. This design will allow travelers to leave their computers in the designated laptop-only compartments, rather than remove them, as they pass through airport security to streamline checkpoint processing. “CheckMate bags were created to offer the promotional products industry access to the
Read MoreFacilis Group Launches New Web Site
Saint Louis-based Facilis Group, an alliance-driven provider of Web-based business solutions to the promotional products industry, announced it has launched a new Web site. Facilis Group encompasses a national organization under its industry-leading @ease system of Web-based I.T. and management solutions for promotional services companies. The new Web site is geared towards educating promotional product distributors about the company’s business model, so they can quickly understand the benefits. Facilis Group provides distributors, typically in the $2 to $8 million dollar sales range, with an end-to-end business model consisting, in part, of sales tools, extensive reporting and order processing. About Facilis Group: Facilis Group is
Read MoreBetter by the Dozen for iPROMOTEu in October
Wayland, Massachusetts-based iPROMOTEu announced 12 promotional products distributors affiliated with the company in October. Presently, 416 distributors from 43 states (plus Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia) are affiliated with iPROMOTEu. The following individuals are among the industry distributors and salespeople that affiliated with iPROMOTEu in October: Ben Adler of Top of the Line Promotions LLC in Oak Park, Mich.; Traci Bacchetti of Hold That Thought Productions Inc. in Orangevale, Calif.; Janice Baldwin of Ad Zone in Panama City Beach, Fla.; Kevin Casci of Matrix Promotional Marketing in Alamo, Calif.; Lori Drake of Ozark Advertising Specialties in Laurie, Mo.; Kenneth Greenfield of
Read MoreLeed’s Goes Aluminum
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, announced it is launching its initial offering for a 2009 line of aluminum drinkware. On November 17, three aluminum bottles, each with a different cap style, will debut on Leed’s Web site and be available to order. The bottles will come in four colors and more styles will be introduced in 2009. A cost-effective and lightweight alternative to stainless steel drinkware, aluminum bottles have rapidly become a popular retail trend. “Aluminum bottles are appealing to consumers for a variety of reasons,” explained Dan Roos, category manager for drinkware at Leed’s. “Aluminum keeps your beverage cool longer
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