Among the original 13 rules of golf are antiquated statements (and spellings) such as, “If your ball comes among watter, or any wattery filth, you are at liberty to take out your ball …,” and “You are not to remove stones, bones or any break club, for the sake of playing your ball,” (What’s a break club?). While, of course, the original Scottish sounds foreign to the modern ear, the language alone illustrates how far the game has come in just a couple hundred years. Clubs and balls might be making warp-speed advances, but the innovations aren’t all technological. On the clothing side, fabrics
Read MoreA PROPOSITION YOU CAN’T REFUSE
EVER SINCE PRODUCT recalls hit the promotional and retail sectors this past summer, Proposition 65 has been the watchword on the lips of both suppliers and distributors. With the start of the 2008 trade show season, the sense of greater awareness became especially evident. “Prop 65 compliant” signage is more prominently displayed. Education programs on the law are offered. And suppliers are adopting product designations and new testing procedures to ensure they’re keeping pace with Prop 65, which is said to be the most strict product-safety law in the country. Otherwise known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986,
Read MoreThe End of Castro?
The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession.
« MARK TWAIN (1835 – 1910)
Recent headlines have revolved heavily around the “official” stepping down of oft-controversial Cuban leader, Fidel Castro. During his near 50 years of rule, the impoverished people of the Caribbean nation have felt the strain of a closed economy. But, with just a week under their belts, the new regime, led by Castro’s brother Raúl, has already signed into law two international human-rights treaties (both of which were long opposed by the elder Castro).
While most of the United States remains skeptical of any real change
Ok, the Joke’s on Me!
On the island of St. Croix, USVI—my native homeland—we have a saying that goes: “Hurry dog eat raw corn.” In phonetically written, local-dialect form, the saying would look (and sound) something like this: Huh-ree dawg eat rawh kahn. It simply means: those who make hasty and poorly-thoughtout decisions will reap the fruitless, sometimes harsh, repercussions thereof.
So, in the spirit of “Hurry dog eat raw corn,” this week, I wanted to highlight a few bloopers I’ve made as an editor for this fine publication over the years. Sometimes, it’s good to laugh at ourselves—actually, it’s often good to do so.
1. Hurry
Read MoreStarbucks Closed, Man
Millions of Americans are about to feel like the Griswalds in National Lampoon’s Family Vacation (Moose out front should have told you). Desperate for their next venti latte, they will (or, depending on when you read this, they have) approached the local java brewery only to find the doors locked and themselves coffee blocked. That’s right, Starbucks is having an unprecedented three-hour-universe-wide shut down in an attempt to re-energize the barista population (They do know they work all day with caffeine, right?). I can only imagine how the meeting will go. Hopped up managers extolling company pride, talking brightly about the
Read MoreEvans Wins Supplier Star Award
Alan Vaught, CEO, of Garden Grove California-based Evans Manufacturing, announced the company was recognized with a Supplier Star Award (in the S10 sales category – $20,000,001 to 50,000,000) at the 2008 PPAI Annual Awards Presentation & Dinner, held in January at The PPAI Expo 2008 in Las Vegas. Recipients of the Supplier Star Award are selected by ballot vote of industry distributors. PPAI states that recipients of the PPAI Supplier Star Award epitomize overall excellence both in service and product quality. Vaught commented, “We are very proud to be honored with a Supplier Star Award, especially on our 25th anniversary. We have been
Read MoreBlock Graphics – Denver to Operate Under Ennis Brand
Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc., recently announced Block Graphics – Denver and Skyline Business Forms will now operate under the Ennis brand name. Ennis, Inc. acquired Skyline Business Forms, one of the largest manufacturers of business forms in the Rocky Mountain market, October. The acquisition of Block Graphics – Denver, a manufacturer of short-run print products and envelopes, was completed last August 2006. Block Graphics – Denver and Skyline Business Forms combined their manufacturing operations on December 4, 2007. The name change became effective February 5, 2008. Dale Donati, vice president-business unit director over the combined Denver facility, said “The name change builds on
Read MoreLeed’s Hires Regional Sales Managers and Realigns Customer Service Model
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America, hired a regional sales manager for the Wisconsin territory and a regional sales manager to represent Leed’s in the Wash., Ore., and Idaho regions. The company also adjusted the sales structure by reassigning roles within the customer service model. Luke Hensler began representing Leed’s as the regional sales manager in Wis. in February. Hensler is an 11-year veteran to the promotional product industry, having joined Leed’s from Hartwell Apparel, Hartwell, Ga. In 2008, Hensler was elected as the president of the Promotional Product Association of Wisconsin. Shelley Stewart will join the Leed’s team on March
Read MoreBic Graphic USA Announces Atchison Products Reorganization
Last August, Clearwater, Florida-based, BIC Graphic USA acquired Atchison Products, a supplier of promotional totes, bags, coolers and backpacks. After 13 months of discussion, due diligence, the completion of the acquisition and BIC/Atchison integration, principals Dan Fangman and Dolly Duffy have elected to exercise their option and leave the company, effective March 1, 2008. “On behalf of BIC, we would like to congratulate Dan and Dolly on their success in building a small family-owned business over 18 years into a recognized industry leader,” said Jack Teague, president – BIC Group Graphic. “We would also like to thank them for their hard work and dedication
Read MoreAlpha Shirt and Broder Bros. Announce Open House Series
Alpha Shirt Company and Broder Bros., both based in Trevose, Pa. announced their 2008 Open House Event Series, which will be held at their dual branded distribution centers throughout the country in 2008. The current schedule includes the following cities and dates: • Orlando, FL – March 13th • Philadelphia, PA – April 17th • Chicago, IL – September 25th • Dallas, TX – October 23rd Open House Events invite customers into their local distribution centers for a full day filled with brand presentations, seminars and tours of the distribution center, in addition to free product giveaways,
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