Austin, Texas-based Boundless Network, a technology-enabled branded merchandise distributor, announced it has acquired Texas-based distributor Custom Solutions. According to Boundless Network CEO Jason Black, the acquisition is a win for both firms. “Custom Solutions has strong relationships with some of the country’s top brands. Now, as part of Boundless Network, Custom Solutions will be able to leverage our technology platform to expand market share and offer quantifiable value to clients who are looking to save money in this recessive economy,” said Black. Black believes Boundless’ unique value to customers is the reason top professionals have chosen to move to Boundless. “Our ability to help
Read MoreGilbertson Named Inside Sales Director at Molenaar
Kevin Gilbertson, a long time Wilmar, Minnesota-based Molenaar employee, has been named inside sales director at the M-I Lin in recognition of his growth in promotional product sales. Formerly the office and customer-service manager, in this newly created sales position, Kevin will work with key accounts supporting customer service, sales and the M-I multi-line representatives. For more information on M-I Line, visit www.miline.com
Read MoreGold Bond Introduces Frost Cutlery
Gold Bond Inc., based in Chattanooga, Tenn., announced the introduction of an extensive line of Frost Cutlery. Frost Cutlery, based in Ooltewah, Tennessee, is an importer of fine cutlery brands and a contractor for many domestic brands. Until now, the brand has been sold to major retailers, such as Ace Hardware, and direct to consumers. Gold Bond has the exclusive rights to offer these knives to the promotional products industry. “We’re proud to offer this new line to our customers,” said Mark Godsey, president, Gold Bond Inc. He went on to say that all Frost Cutlery products feature quality raw materials and are guaranteed for
Read MoreUSPS to Increase Pricing in January
Pricing for shipping services will change on Sunday, Jan. 18, the United States Postal Service announced following a vote by its Board of Governors. “The move to annual January price changes for shipping services products is consistent with industry-wide practice, and provides a clear picture of the competitive, affordable prices the Postal Service offers,” said Robert Bernstock, president, mailing and shipping services. Prices will change on Sunday, Jan. 18 for Express Mail, Priority Mail, Parcel Select, Parcel Return Service and some international shipping products. Overall, shipping services prices will increase an average of 5 percent. The new prices are available at www.usps.com/prices (click “New
Read MoreiPROMOTEu Taps Mingo as Business Development Specialist
Wayland, Massachusetts-based iPROMOTEu, announced it hired Troy Mingo as its business development specialist. Mingo has eight years of professional, hands-on experience recruiting within the promotional products industry. Adventures in Advertising, Goldman Promotions, The Vernon Company and Indoff are among the industry companies for whom Mingo previously had worked. As business development specialist, Mingo will focus his efforts on increasing the size of the iPROMOTEu network. “iPROMOTEu offers a unique model to this industry,” remarked Mingo. “iPROMOTEu provides important and high quality services to its affiliates at an exceptional value. The end result is that distributors who affiliate with iPROMOTEu will gain the
Read MoreProTowels Etc. Launches line of Throws and Tapestries
Pittsburgh-based ProTowels Etc. announced it is now offering custom throws and tapestries exclusively by Pro-Design. Three styles and nine sizes of custom afghans are now available to order. Thes custom throws are produced using 100 percent cotton and are made in the USA. Two and two-and-a-half layer throws can be produced in up to three colors. Tapestry throws can be produced in unlimited colors to offer clarity of design. “The demand to expand our holiday gift offerings made the partnership with Pro-Design a given in order to bring them to our customers just in time for the fourth quarter,” said Dana Zezzo vice president
Read MoreThe Not-pocalypse
NEWS OF THE country’s crumbling economy is nothing unexpected at this point. Few even blink at word that the Dow has bottomed out at zero, or that fallen autumn leaves are actually worth more than the dollar now. Instead, many have moved on to making practical, fully reasonable plans for survival, like hunkering down in fallout shelters or starting Mad Max-style motorcycle gangs. Before getting carried away hoarding food, bullets and Parker Brothers products (the only thing worse than an apocalypse is a boring apocalypse), some distributors will be pleased to know there is still economic life in the pre-apocalyptic world. Specifically, many financial
Read MoreAesop and the Kitchen
WHEN TRYING TO break new ground with kitchen and household promotions, distributors may be well-served to recall the classic children’s fable about the country mouse and the city mouse. To briefly summarize, the story features two mice each unable to tolerate the other’s habitat. The city mouse cannot bear the simplicity of the country mouse’s diet, and the country mouse is horrified by the constant dangers of the city. So, to apply the lessons of the fable, it’s important to consider end-users’ comfort zones and give them products they’ll actually like. Choose garden tools for the country mouse, a martini set for
Read MorePrime Line Further Expands its Eco-Responsible Program
Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line announced, because of the positive and successful response to their Eco-Responsible initiative, the company plans to continue enhancing this educational tool about the environmentally friendly qualities in its items. Prime Line also provides additional resources and information for that allows distributors to improve their own environmentally friendly practices. The company has added over a dozen new Eco-Responsible products to their line for 2009, which are also featured in their new 2009 annual catalog. Part of Prime Line’s Eco-Responsible program includes an “Eco-Promise” section, including the promise by Prime Line to continually improve and communicate its Eco-Responsible practices throughout the year.
Read MoreAndretti and Clayman Promotional Group Sign Exclusive Contract
Kansas City, Kansas-based Clayman Promotional Group announced IndyCar driver Marco Andretti and Clayman Promotional Group have signed a two-year exclusive contract to offer Marco Andretti branded merchandise on his official Web site. The merchandise program will allow Marco Andretti fans to purchase Marco Andretti branded articles such as t-shirts, hats, women’s apparel, drinkware, backpacks and even a Marco Andretti Sharpie with his signature on the pen. In conjunction with this agreement, Marco’s authentic race-worn fire suits and race helmets will be available for purchase. Gary Tribolet, national account executive with Clayman Promotional Group said, “Motorsports fans deserve product offerings that are cutting-edge and
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