Well, I’m back from ASI Dallas. Let the existential crisis begin.
In the week immediately following a trade show, I begin the process of reaching out to those I met over the course of the two-day event. Truth be told, the task is often fruitless.
Right now, you might be saying to yourself, “Fruitless? Surely you jest.” But no, unfortunately, I’m not. The sad fact is that, out of the hundred or so cards I gave and received, I’ll only hear from a few people. Which leaves me wondering, am I just not memorable?
In PM’s January issue, the subtitle of
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It’s not a literal hangover, but I have to say three trade shows in five weeks really takes a toll on one. The latest and greatest trip was to Dallas, where I did not get to visit Dealy Plaza, but where I did get to meet a ton of people and add to our growing product video library. Keep an eye on the Web site for new videos from companies like Pro Towels (who all call me Chaz) and Snugz (starring national sales manager Sydra Newell). By the end of the third day both the camera and myself had enough. Ugh.<br
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Well, Punxsutawney Phil wasn’t lying a couple of weeks ago when he predicted six more weeks of winter. In Philadelphia, it is cold outside——probably the coldest it has been all winter. Regardless of negative-degree weather, today, my team and I began looking for sunnier skies in preparation of spring; looking at assignments, story angles, possible sources and great products to introduce to the market for the spring and summer seasons.
I know we are not the only crew beginning to look ahead, at least in terms of work projects. If you know of a product that is perfect for a spring / summer event
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Philadelphia-based Bodek and Rhodes announced Mary Ellen Pahlka-Hudicka, MAS, was recently honored with the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Distinguished Service Award, presented at January’s PPAI Expo in Las Vegas. As veteran of the promotional products industry, Pahlka-Hudicka’s career spans more than 25 years including work with the Advertising Specialty Institute and more than 10 years as the director of marketing communications for Bodek and Rhodes. The award was presented by Paul Kiewiet, MAS, CIP and PPAI chairman of the board. Introducing her, Kiewiet said, “[Mary Ellen] has tireless enthusiasm for PPAI and for the industry, and she brings a fun and electrifying excitement
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Las Vegas-based Visstun announced the addition of paper hot cups to the existing plastic, cold beverage cup line. The new 12 oz., four-color process paper hot cups give distributors a way to provide colorful, economical promotions. The paper hot/cold cups are still available with Visstun’s low 250-piece minimum order. “Once we received the response that we did with our plastic cup line and saw there was a need in the industry for four-color process paper hot cups as well, we knew that Visstun needed to fill that void,” said President Ed Hamilton. Visstun’s initial reusable plastic cup offering included two finishes: white and
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Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, the second largest supplier within the promotional products industry, announced a multi-year extension to its 2005 agreement with High Sierra, based in Vernon Hills, Ill. Jeff Brown, vice president of marketing and product development at Leed’s, explained that, “High Sierra has been an extremely successful brand for us. The product line is in high demand because it supports American’s active lifestyle. The functionality and durability of the products appeal to a wide range of corporations.” Starting in 2005, Leed’s carried 29 High Sierra products and since has almost tripled its offering. “Our partnership with Leed’s has
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After spending many hours filming at the recent Orlando, Las Vegas and Dallas trade shows, the first two new Promo Marketing videos are up and ready for viewing. Take a minute to hear sales director Gary Garrison talk about the new line of environmental bags at Carrigar and then click on the Humphery Line video to hear owner and president Mel Ellis talk about the new bio-degradable plastics line. For information on Carrigar, visit www.carrigar.com and for information on Humphery Line, visit www.humpheryline.com
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Prime Line, in Bridgeport, Conn., announced it was honored with two Silver Awards at the 52nd annual PPAI Suppliers Achievement Awards competition sponsored by Promotional Products Association International (PPAI). The event recognized Prime’s 2007 award-winning promotional campaigns, products and services. “Winning suppliers are honored for their superiority in craftsmanship, graphic arts, creativity, innovation and service to distributors,” said Steve Slagle, CAE, PPAI president and CEO. “The winners worked very hard to earn this special recognition and their commitment to excellence is a tribute to this industry.” “We are very pleased to be recognized as an industry leader for our innovative products and services,”
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David Graham, national sales director for Chicago-based awards and gift manufacturer R.S. Owens, announced the hiring of Mitch Shreder as regional sales manager for the Eastern United States. Shreder’s strong background in distributor sales and marketing will complement and strengthen R.S. Owens’ current team of regional sales managers. “This is an integral position for R.S. Owens to fill with a professional of Mitch’s skill and background,” said Graham. “Mitch brings over eighteen years of experience to Owens in a territory that will truly benefit from his knowledge of the promotional products industry. His years as a regional sales manager in the wearables industry
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