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
Read MoreEvans Names Sake As Vice President
Shelley Sake, MAS, has been promoted to the position of vice president of marketing for Evans Manufacturing. She has worked at Evans for over seven years, most recently as its director of sales and marketing. Shelley started in the industry with Pillowline (Advertising Unlimited/Norwood) in 1991 and has held such positions as account executive, sales service manager and marketing manager. Derek Sweem, president of Evans, stated, “Shelley has done an extraordinary job of helping Evans grow the business through the development of new products and by implementing successful sales and marketing strategies. Her focus on the customer, insights to current market trends, and
Read MoreGo The Distance
REMEMBER THE DAYS when workout clothes were workout clothes only? Everyone had a drawer-full: apparel that worked, literally and figuratively, only in the gym. Clothes that made one feel, frankly, a little out of place anywhere else.
Read MoreA Spoonful of Sugar
MARY POPPINS HERSELF would happily confess the number of times her umbrella was a lifesaver—helping her blow town right before being asked troubling questions like, “Why is the banister so well-dusted?” or “Why are my children spending time with vagrant chimney sweeps?”
Read MoreThe Right Instrument
WHEN AMAZON RELEASED Kindle, its wireless reading device, bibliophiles everywhere shuddered. It was just another instance of a new technology running up against a treasured pastime. As any book lover will attest, there’s just something irreplaceable about the look, feel, and yes, even smell of a bound volume.
Read MoreRed Alert
FIRES, FLOODS, HURRICANES—for more than a century, nothing has stopped the American Red Cross from assisting those in need around the country and the world. But, when an organization that prides itself on helping others needs a little help of its own, where does it turn? Luckily for the Red Cross of Gloucester County, N.J., Susan Freiberg, president of Turnersville, New Jersey-based Proforma ABF Direct, was on the case. With an army of tote bags from Mason, Ohio-based Vitronic Promotional Group, and some savvy fundraising skills, Freiberg not only raised awareness of the chapter’s financial situation but she helped them collect enough money to thwart impending closure. Here, she shares with Promo Marketing just how a well-placed promotional product saved the day.
Read MoreCleared for Takeoff
FLYING THE FRIENDLY skies can be downright unpleasant these days. And lately, there isn’t even a lousy mini-size bag of pretzels or peanuts for the trouble. But—hold onto those quart-size zip-lock bags—the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has recently taken measures to alleviate some airport aggravations.
Read MoreObama Picks Mills to Lead SBA
Red state, blue state or purple state, come January 20, a new administration will be taking office with a list of new political appointees in every single government agency. For businesses, this could mean changes in everything from minimum wage and tax rates to OSHA standards and trade agreements. One of the latest appointments is the head of the Small Business Association. From Change.gov: Karen G. Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration Karen G. Mills has been a principal in the private equity and venture capital industry since 1983 and has taken a leadership role in the growth of more than 20
Read MorePETCO Introduces Paw It Forward Promotion
San Diego-based PETCO announced will join the Pismo Beach, California-based Pay It Forward Foundation with its twist on the Pay It Forward inspirational bracelet, as it introduces the PAW It Forward bracelet in January 2009. The first wave of PAW it Forward bracelets will be sold for $1.00 each with proceeds going to the PETCO Foundation. The Foundation gives assistance to animal welfare groups across the country. Following the success of the first wave of PAW it Forward bracelets PETCO hopes to launch a nation-wide campaign later in 2009. The PAW It Forward campaign is intended to encourage pet adoption and pet rescue.
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