NOT TOO LONG ago, the Northwestern University women’s lacrosse team got invited to the White House. The resulting photo, which should have been a source of parental pride for years to come, soon became the stuff of media buzz legend. “You wore flip-flops to the White House?!,” proclaimed an e-mail sent to one of the four players who, while posing in the front row, was captured wearing the offending sandals. But the choice of footwear shouldn’t have surprised anyone—it’s merely a sign of the times. In general, the public’s attitude toward clothing styles has become more and more laissez-faire over the years. Suits, once a
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THE WORKINGS OF the global economy are beyond ordinary levels of comprehension. The flow of money across international boundaries happens at the speed of light thousands of times a day. Conceptual currency, carried on cables, disappears from New York, appears in China, is split between branches in Beijing and Hong Kong, is converted and withdrawn. The whole system is held together by the even more abstract concepts of faith and agreement. People agree the green, paper rectangles have value, and they have faith the same agreement will be in place each day. As a testament to the strength of the consensus, financial institutions exist seemingly
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IS THERE ANYTHING more American than baseball, apple pie and Chevrolet? Yes. And promotional products distributors will be glad to learn the item just might be the promotional button. Yes, that’s right, the promotional button. From the time of Abraham Lincoln and before, people have used it to tout causes from the fronts of their lapels. It’s a staple of both politicians and protesters, and more recently, its popularity as restaurant “flair” seems to be on the rise. No one will forget “I Like Ike,” or the more current button reference, “Potter Stinks!” Now though, with improved printing processes, customers can get their buttons
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HE SWAGGERS UP to the entrance with a smug look on his face, and with good reason. His finely tailored suit fits his chiseled body to a “T.” He notices the approving glances all around him. He knows he looks good. The jacket sleeves stop just short of a costly set of diamond-studded cuff links. His pants are impeccably creased and fall atop brilliantly shined shoes. With damsel on arm, money in pocket and skip in step, he crosses the threshold. The party has just begun. DRESS THE PART There is much truth in the popular saying, “Dress the way you want to be addressed.” A
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IN THE CORPORATE world, this time of year can be taxing and downright stressful. With the holidays and end-of-year recognition ceremonies at hand, businesses know it’s time to dig deep—not just for the right words to say to staffers and customers, but for the right gifts to give them. There are no hard-and-fast rules to follow in selling corporate gifts and awards programs, but with the right techniques and products, it’s guaranteed CEOs will look forward to distributors’ calls year-round. FIRST THINGS FIRST There are a number of trends taking place in the promotional business gifts and awards category. According to Jay Donlin, vice president of
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TO THINK, A mere two decades ago, the World Wide Web still was a new-fangled contraption. Yet, with the advent of podcasting, SMS, even adver-gaming, it’s about as old-timey as the phonograph. Simple Web sites certainly are adequate, but for marketers looking to proactively connect with clients, the Internet as a cutting-edge communication tool has approached a crossroads marked “new media.” What’s the buzz about? Have traditional tactics taken a nosedive? And what, exactly, is “new media,” anyway? For answers to these questions and more, Promo Marketing turned to Holly Berkley, interactive marketing consultant and author of “Marketing in the New Media,” for a pro’s
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Today’s news is the launch of the new PromoMarketing.com Website. After months of development, we are happy to say that we’re up and running and raring to go. The goal is to provide distributors and suppliers that latest and greatest information, be it new products or reviews of the best that is out there.
I hope everyone will stop back, or take a minute between searches to see what is going on with all of our industry insider blogs. Publisher Matt Barnes will be sharing his more than 10 years of industry knowledge, as will Promo Marketing magazine editorial director Nichole Stella.
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The Organization of Promotional Products Salespeople (OOPPS), Orlando, Fla., recently announced it has hired Brian Parsons to serve as the organization’s director of marketing. “I’m very excited about this opportunity with OOPPS,” said Parsons. “Developing an organization that is designed to inform and empower industry salespeople will be challenging. However, it is a cause that I wholeheartedly support.” Ross Silverstein, founder of OOPPS, remarked: “I am very excited that Brian has chosen to take on this role. I have a ton of ideas for OOPPS, and I am eager to see these ideas become a reality.” For more information, call (321) 541-1268 or
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Crystal D, St., Paul, Minn., hosted an American Red Cross blood drive on Sept. 13 in conjunction with Warners’ Stellian, a local appliance retailer. A total of 35 individuals participated from both organizations. Fifteen Crystal D employees donated blood. In the 4-1/4 hour event, 26 units of blood were collected—an amount can help save 26 lives. “Crystal D coordinated the blood drive because we are dedicated to making a difference in our community,” said Chuck Dahlgren, president. “Our facility is located in a business park, and the blood drive allowed us to collaborate with our neighbors and make a contribution to
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Ennis, Midlothian, Texas, recently announced the appointment of Carl Weaver to the position of general manager of its Block Graphic’s-Portland, Ore., facility. Weaver has served as the Block Portland Envelope’s plant manager since its 2006 acquisition by Ennis. He brings more than 27 years of manufacturing experience to his new position. Furthermore, Weaver has held several positions during his 18 year tenure with Block Graphics, including production coordinator and vice president of manufacturing. For more information, call (800) 972-1096 or visit www.ennis.com
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