Brandi Sawyer has been promoted to inside sales manager for promotional markets for Pioneer Balloon Company of Witchita, Kan.. Sawyer is a 16-year veteran of Pioneer. She started out in the company’s production plant and then served most recently as customer-support specialist. As inside sales manager, Sawyer will handle distributor relations; work regional, national and traveling shows; handle large-volume product quotes; and support Pioneer’s promotional markets field service force. “Brandi’s extensive experience at the plant level and in customer service give her a breadth of knowledge that will be valuable in the inside sales manager position. We are excited to have her on our
Read MoreOtto International Offers New Digital Printing Services
Otto International Inc., based in Ontario, Calif., announced its new direct to cap digital printing services and digital printing-friendly headwear. The new services enable customers to create beautifully printed, full-color designs on quality headwear. The new technique also allows for printing on hard-to-decorate areas such as the visor/bill of the cap, therefore an integrated design from crown to visor can be instantly created. For more information on Otto International, visit www.ottocap.com or call (800) 826-8903.
Read MoreRebagz Introduces Eco-chic Recycled Line (That Brangolina Loves)
Los Angeles-based Half the Sky Designs announced select handbags and accessories from its eco-friendly Rebagz line are available to order at discounted prices for use as premium promotions. The line is made from colorful recycled juice packs and nylon rice sacks. Customizing options depend on the design of the bag and include attaching a customized key fob or zipper pull, affixing an adhesive or sewn-on label with the client’s logo or creating a handle that features the client’s logo. “Eco-fashion is more than just a fad—it’s the next evolution in style,” said Marty Stevens-Heebner, founder and president of Half the Sky Designs. “Now companies
Read MoreNorwood Makes Major Price Announcement
Indianapolis-based Norwood Promotional Products announced it will demonstrate its ongoing commitment to distributor partnerships by holding prices for the remainder of 2008. Though many suppliers are raising prices due to rising costs of raw materials, freight, fuel and the declining value of the U.S. dollar, Norwood said it is committed to its current pricing and continues to offer customers more services to help boost sales during these challenging economic times. “We understand that distributors have made their own commitments to customers regarding pricing for the year and Norwood is doing what it can to support them during these tough economic times,” said Jim Simone,
Read MoreSanford Announces New Sales Force Leadership
Sanford Business-to-Business, based in Janesville, Wis., reemphasized its commitment to the promotional products field with the announcement of two new sales leadership positioned to support its promotional product distributor partners. With the redirection of sales activities previously dedicated to the pharmaceutical channel due to the recent Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Code revision allowing distribution of only medically relevant logoed items within the pharmaceutical industry, “[This] gives us the opportunity to realign internal talents and create a sales team clearly focused on developing marketing activities to better serve our promotional products distributors,” commented Bob Stoltz, president of Sanford Business-to-Business. “Both positions will
Read MoreCurtis Packaging approved as Ceres Network Company
Boston-based Curtis Packaging, a private, family-owned, luxury packaging company has been approved as a Ceres network company, by the Ceres board of directors. The board cited the company’s focus on sustainable packaging and established leadership in the industry. Curtis Packaging is the first packaging company to join Ceres, a leading coalition of investors, environmental groups and public interest organizations working with companies to address sustainability challenges, and is among more than 70 companies in the Ceres network, including more than 25 Fortune 500 companies. As a result of the company’s focus on environmentally responsible packaging, Curtis Packaging has recently established a leadership position in
Read MoreRiver’s End Trading Company Adds Columbia Brand
River’s End Trading announced today it’s adding Columbia Sportswear, a global leader in the active outdoor apparel and footwear industries, to its collection of quality retail brands and outdoor lifestyle apparel effective for fall 2008. Founded in 1938 in Portland, Oregon, Columbia Sportswear Company is one of the largest outerwear manufacturers in the world and a leading seller of skiwear and performance fishing apparel in the U.S. and has developed an international reputation for quality, performance, functionality and value. Columbia Omni-Shade products, including apparel for men, women and children, offer UPF protection against the harmful rays of the sun, whatever the season.
Read MoreBroderBros. Hosts ISS Gala Featuring Retired Dallas Cowboy Randy White
Trevose, Pennsylvania-based BroderBros. will host an all-star gala in conjunction with the Imprinted Sportswear Show (ISS) Fort Worth 2008 on October 4 at the Fort Worth Cats’ ballpark, La Grave Field. The event will feature a special guest appearance and autograph session by former Dallas Cowboy and NFL Hall of Fame inductee, Randy White. Alpha and Broder will be exhibiting at the Fort Worth ISS conference from October 3 to 5 at the Fort Worth Convention Center, booth number 1205, and will be featuring their new styles and brands for 2009. On the evening of October 4, there will be a continuous shuttle
Read MoreTPS Goes Global with Acceptance into Exclusive International Advertising Gift Council
Aaron Moscoe, CEO of The Promotional Specialists (TPS), announced the Toronto-based company has launched TPS Global Solutions following its acceptance into the International Advertising Gift Council (IGC Partners). Moscoe said, “We are thrilled to be a part of such a distinguished, progressive and innovative organization. As a result of our membership, TPS can now bring greater value to our clients by providing them with the best products and practices from around the world”. He added, “TPS now has the unique capability to plan and execute campaigns for our clients globally.” Ross Thompson, president of IGC Partners said, “We are privileged to welcome a
Read MoreMore From Around The Industry
Now for a little rundown of what else is going on in the promotional products industry …
Do we have a Brangelina sighting? Check out who loves the Rebagz eco-line.
An award for the award makers. See who was honored at Crystal D.
Someone is on the rise at Pioneer Balloon. Find out who scored the promotion.
TPS joins the IGC… Find out what this stands for.
Green packaging is real. Curtis Packaging becoms Ceres company.