Provo, Utah-based, Seastone, a market leader in specialty gift card packages and gift card promotional programs, announced the results of the 2008 Gift Card Packaging Study conducted by The Marketing Workshop. Commissioned by Seastone, the survey found that 96 percent of adults have purchased or received a gift card, and nearly four in 10 have purchased gift card packaging. In what represents a clear revenue opportunity and potential threat for retailers, half of respondents indicated they are purchasing gift card packaging at a different time and place than the gift card. “Gift card packaging has grown rapidly as a retail product category over
Read MoreIncreased Volume Brings New Phone Service To Selco
The Selco Companies, based in Tulsa, Okla., has completed installation of a new phone system, which will allow distributors easier access to Selco personnel. “Due to the large volume of calls, we wanted to make it easier for distributors to contact Selco, but also the specific person they want to speak with. The new system will allow direct access to key company contacts, as well as new and improved voice mail capabilities,” said Tiffany Jones, customer service manager. About Selco Companies: The Selco Companies was established in 1935 and is currently a manufacturer and supplier of custom imprinted and die struck medallion watches,
Read MoreHavelock Named Account Manager at MediaTree
Parsippany, New Jersey-based MediaTree, a leading supplier of music download, ringtone and other digital gift card promotions, welcomed Christopher Havelock as account manager. Havelock joins MediaTree with more than six years experience in marketing, business development, project management and sales. Most recently, Havelock was the marketing and business accounts manager for Managed Business Communications in Randolph, N.J. He was responsible for developing new business and branding the company’s image to sustain revenue. “His results-driven attitude and background in directing sales of business-to-business products and services made Chris an ideal candidate for our company,” said Bill Grassmyer, president of MediaTree. Grassmyer continued, “Chris’ energetic and
Read MoreCrystal D Teams Up with The Promotion Coach
St. Paul, Minnesota-based Crystal D, a leading supplier of crystal awards, plaques, trophies and corporate gifts, announced a partnership with The Promotion Coach, Ted A. “Bump” Davies Jr., to provide distributors with expert knowledge about how and why selling recognition awards and programs can help them increase their sales and profits. Crystal D will be participating in six to 12 webinars over the next few months lead by Davies. The goal of the webinars is to reach out to distributors to help inform them about selling awards by giving real life examples of successful award programs and trends in recognition. “We are very
Read MoreThe Book Company Named Supplier of the Year
Delray Beach, Florida-based The Book Company was recognized by Bensussen Deutsch & Associates Inc. (BD&A) of Woodinville, Wash. as Supplier of the Year. The BD&A Supplier Alliance Awards recognize outstanding service from the merchandise agency’s tried-and-true list of preferred suppliers. Winners were chosen by the vote of more than 200 employees within BD&A’s sales, operations, import and supplier management groups. BD&A associates voted for candidates in three major categories: Customer Service Rep of the Year, Sales Rep of the Year and Supplier of the Year. The 2007 awards marked the sixth year BD&A has held its Supplier Alliance Awards. “The Book Company proves to
Read MoreBag Makers Shakes Up Custom Eurotote Bag Marketplace
Union, Illinois-based Bag Makers announced the launch of its new Custom Eurotote Design Program. Offering new design flexibility in the Eurotote marketplace, the program offers a turnkey series of design options at no extra cost to distributors. The turnkey series of four design options lets distributors choose a matte or gloss finish, select additional imprint colors, create artwork designs that include 100 percent ink coverage on all five sides and order as few as 3,000 pieces. “Custom-designed Eurototes represent a phenomenal sales opportunity for distributors,” said Christopher Duffy, senior vice president of marketing at Bag Makers. “Not only do they showcase a distributors creativity,
Read MoreGAME Varsity Jackets Hit The Stage with Wyclef Jean
Yorktown Heights, New York-based GAME Sportswear, an apparel supplier specializing in athletic jackets, teamwear and workwear for more the 30 years, announced that its made in the USA varsity jackets have a starring role in the music videos, stage shows and TV appearances of international music star Wyclef Jean. “The initial order was for purple and white varsity jackets to be featured in the video for the song ‘Sweetest Girl.’” said Les Tandler, GAME executive vice president. “We then received an order for several dozen more of a new color combination and decoration design for a second video for the song “Fast Car”
Read MorePioneer Line Honors Reps
Pioneer Balloon, based in Witchita, Kan. recognized its oustanding reps at a recent meeting during the 2008 PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. The first service award went to Michael Duke with Henrickson Associates of El Dorado Hills, Calif., for his one-year anniversary with Pioneer. Hendrickson covers Southern California, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah. The second service award went to Nancy Jolly of In Stepp Marketing, Lawrenceville, Ga. She received her 15-year anniversary pin. Jolly’s territory includes Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Arkansas. The prestigious Rep of the Year award was presented to Nancy Bercovitz for the second year in a row. Bercovitz is
Read MoreAsh City USA Announces Headden as Vice President, U.S. Sales
Lenexa, Kansas-based Ash City USA announced the appointment of Howard Headden to the position of vice president, U.S. sales, based out of Chicago. Working along with Chris Clark, the two will be responsible for all Ash City sales activities within the United States. Headden comes to Ash City with more than 22 years experience with suppliers, customers and end-users. He has an extensive apparel background from working with such companies as Tehama, Starter and Gear for Sports and additionally has spent time with Gemline in both the U.S. and Canada. With his broad knowledge of the North American marketplace and his familiarity with the
Read MoreiPROMOTEu Announces Industry-Wide Dunk Fest 2008
Wayland, Massachusetts-based iPROMOTEu announced the establishment of Dunk Fest 2008, the first ever NCAA college basketball tournament challenge exclusively for the promotional products industry. The goal of Dunk Fest is to create enthusiasm and spirit, and to foster friendly competition, among those working in the promotional products industry. Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), based in Trevose, Pa., and Norwood Promotional Products of Indianapolis are also sponsoring Dunk Fest 2008. In years past, iPROMOTEu organized a tournament challenge just for its affiliates and preferred suppliers. This year, iPROMOTEu decided to open up its tournament challenge to the entire promotional products industry. Four winners will be recognized
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