While normally we don’t take time out to highlight non-industry-related achievements, we felt in this case a few words must be said. One of the promotional products industry’s very own will be representing the good, old, U.S. of A. this summer at the Olympic Games in Bejing. This professional’s professional will hang up the cell phone and holster the Blackberry as he travels abroad to become one of America’s only two-sport threats—competing in both table tennis and synchronized swimming. While some have questioned his choice of sports, we at Promo Marketing pledge to give him full support (and possibly a place on the cover
Read More
I was pleasantly surprised (and tickled) today when I received a “BREAKING NEWS” e-mail from the marketing department of an industry distributorship stating its president and CEO would be taking a leave of absence to represent the United States at the upcoming Olympics in China. Some of you may have received the e-mail.
I was so impressed (shocked, maybe) by what I was reading about the CEO’s athletic prowess in the first few paragraphs of the press release that I was compelled to holler across the cubicles to Charles Plyter (Promo Marketing’s managing online editor) to see if he’d gotten the release. After a
Read More
Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.
« WARREN G. BENNIS
Leadership style and ability have come into question a great deal lately—most obviously on the national front, but even in the fishbowl that is our industry. For the most part, this year’s political battles have maintained a positive attitude without too much in the way of negative punches being thrown. Niceties notwithstanding, the Democratic presidential hopefuls continue to duke it out over who has more experience, who is tougher, smarter, more charismatic, ethical, and even whose moral fiber is woven more tightly. While all these elements are essential qualities in
Read More
Takes Leave of Absence as CEO April 1, 2008 – Wayland, Massachusetts: Ross Silverstein, the Founder, President & CEO of leading industry distributor, iPROMOTEu, will represent the United States at the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, China. Many people in the industry know of Silverstein’s aggressive and hard-charging style as he created and dramatically grew his very successful company. Few people, however, are aware that Silverstein is also a world class athlete. For years, Silverstein has competed at the highest level in both table tennis and synchronized swimming. “The opportunity to represent my country is too great
Read More
Los Angeles-based American Apparel, whose advertising campaigns often garner media and social scrutiny, has now found itself in the middle of another lawsuit. Woody Allen is suing the frequently scandal-embroiled T-shirt and clothing company for $10 million in damages. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Manhattan, involves the clothing companies use of his likeness on prominent New York and Los Angeles billboards, as well as in Internet advertising. The award-winning writer and director says he did not consent to the companies use of his likeness from the 1972 film “Annie Hall.” According to the associated press, Allen appears on
Read More
K & R Precision, based in Orlando, Fla., announced the appointment of Scott McMaster as vice president, sales and marketing. Company owner, Merrick Falkenstein noted, “Scott’s years of experience and leadership will guide our existing team of sales, marketing and customer-service professionals to exceed customer and corporate expectations.” Further, the company announced that Todd Peppler will remain vice president of sales, working on special corporate assignments for the organization, including exclusively representing K & R in Mich., Ohio, Ind. and Ky. Falkenstein added, “Todd’s skills will take sales in this territory to an unprecedented level and his continued corporate involvement will assist
Read More
Trevose, Pennsylvania-based Broder Bros. announced its fourth quarter earnings for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2007. The company reported sales totaling $232.7 million, amounting to a $90 million fourth quarter loss—a downturn compared to the $240.9 million in sales and $300,000 profit reported for the same period for the 2006 fiscal year. Annually, the company had sales totaling $929.1 million, down just over $30 million from the prior year, amounting to a $124.1 million dollar loss. Earnings reported include the companies three operating segments, the Broder, Alpha and NES divisions. While both the Broder and NES divisions had lower fourth-quarter
Read More
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America and the second-largest supplier within the promotional products industry, hired Frank Weissert as the business development representative handling Texas, Okla. and Ark. Weissert has more than five years experience in direct consultation sales and more than 10 years in general sales. Previously an inside sales representative with Davison, a Pittsburgh-based design house for corporate and individual’s product ideas, he is familiar with new product development efforts and has worked extensively with corporate clients. Weissert looks forward to applying his sales knowledge to the promotional products industry and is excited to work with Leed’s midwest customers. As
Read More
International Marketing Advantages, a consulting company specializing in marketing as well as mergers and acquisitions based in Providence, R.I., has opened an office in Lausanne, Switzerland. Company president, Michael Woody, announced Bjorn Härenstam—formerly director of international sales for Switcher, a European apparel company—will lead the affiliate. “Given the strength in the Euro, and increasing interest in trans-Atlantic marketing partnerships and acquisitions, now is the perfect time to have a more immediate presence in Europe.” Woody commented. “Bjorn, with his extensive network of European contacts, wealth of experience and expertise in European compliance issues, is the perfect person to increase our visibility with European
Read More
Philadelphia-based Promo Marketing magazine, the source of product and marketing information for distributor sales professionals, announced the finalists for the 2008 Supplier Excellence Awards. The Excellence Awards are the industry’s objective standard for supplier achievement and will honor winners in more than 30 categories, spanning the range of promotional products. “The entire Promo Marketing staff is very excited to have the Excellence Awards underway,” said Matthew Barnes, publisher of Promo Marketing. “We’re pleased to offer distributors an objective platform to recognize their best supplier partners.” Nearly 200 finalists have been chosen. Voting is currently taking place and will continue through May 30 to determine
Read More
