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
Read MoreWeaver Named GM of Block Graphics-Portland
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
Read MoreECORITE Offers Line of Recycled Bags
ECORITE, a Toronto-based supplier of Eco-friendly products and a line of organic cotton, canvas and polyester bags, has introduced a line of seven bags made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles. The bags are similar to the look and feel of a typical non-woven bag, but are more robust, resulting in thousands of re-uses per bag. “As consumer use of these bags grow, the burden on the world’s landfills and demand of natural resources will be lifted significantly,” said ECORITE founder and president, Brij Kapur. “This is a responsible start in the viable use of recycled post-consumer plastic containers.” For more information, visit
Read MoreSnugzUSA Expands with New SolutionZ Line
SnugZ USA, Salt Lake City, Utah, recently launched its SolutionZ Line of more than 40 products, featuring digital photo key chains, picnic trolleys, mini digital cameras and 40-piece tool sets. According to Charley Johnson, vice president, the line was created as an opportunity for SnugZ to grow. “With our name recognition and the awards won these past few years, we have had hundreds of requests from customers asking us to carry more products,” he said. Products in the SolutionZ line can be categorized in the following categories: trade show giveaways, executive gifts, consumer gifts, travel and outdoor products, high-tech electronics, and health and safety
Read MoreTips of the Trade: Designers—What’s your Niche?
By Ilise Benun, marketing mentor Have you done lots of small jobs for many different clients and as a result, have no particular niche? And do you know that you could be getting better projects and earning higher fees if you did have a niche? If so, I hope you’ll join us this Thurs., Sept. 27 at 4:00 PM Eastern (1:00 PM Pacific) for Get Rich in a Niche. This is the first of four online live webinars in the series, “Grow Your Business from Your Desktop,” presented in partnership with HOW Magazine. So, what’s different about this webinar? (And why should you
Read MoreInventures to be featured on QVC’s “Let There Be Light”
John Murphy, inventor and CEO of Inventures Products, Rahway, N.J., will showcase two of his company’s battery-operated wall sconces on the QVC Home Shopping Channel show “Let There Be Light” on Thurs., Sept., 20 during the 2:00 p.m. (EST) hour. The items are part of Inventures Products’ “It’s Exciting Lighting” line. Murphy will demonstrate the advantages of these and all “It’s Exciting Lighting” products, including: battery operation, ease of installation, cost-efficiency, mobility, remote control on/off operation, décor flexibility and safety lighting. Over the past several months, Murphy has made regular appearances on QVC featuring the items. In addition, select “It’s Exciting Lighting” products will
Read MoreCrystal D Announces New Phone and Fax Numbers
Crystal D, St. Paul, Minn., recently announced a change in phone numbers and the addition of a toll-free easy-order fax number. The toll-free easy-order fax number is dedicated to incoming orders, allowing distributors to place orders more efficiently. The new phone numbers are immediately active. Below is a list of the numbers: TOLL-FREE EASY ORDER FAX – (866) 238-3407 General toll-free number – (800) 544-1131 General fax – (651) 293-4417 Customer Service: Debbe Kjellsen – (651) 925-3301 or (866) 925-3301 Kay Larsen – (651) 925-3302 or (866) 925-3302 Angel Zook – (651) 925-3305 or (866) 925-3305 Liz Engel – (651)
Read MoreTips of the Trade: Are you bad with numbers?
By Ilise Benun, marketing mentor Do you know how much it costs to run your business? If not, you may be in financial trouble and not even know it. I know, I know. You’re “bad with numbers.” Well, that belief could be ruining your business—and your future. My new download, “Money Management for Business Success,” is the perfect place to start learning about the numbers that matter to your business. Here’s just a fraction of what we cover in this 60-minute mp3 + 24-page transcript: * Your mentality: What to do if you just can’t stand dealing with money * Money
Read MorePPAM Raises Thousands for Charity
Promotional Products Association of the Midwest (PPAM) held its 2nd Annual President’s Charity Golf Tournament in July, raising $3,473 for the Touch A Life charity. PPAM president, Becky Blair of Dunbrooke, Independence, Mo., selected the charity. Touch A Life is a Christian organization that raises money to help feed children around the world. According to Blair, proceeds specifically went to the construction of a feeding center in Honduras that will provide children with free meals twice a day. The facility will also serve as a school and community center. “I was pleased with the outcome of our tournaments and with the amount of money
Read MoreLeed’s Reorganizes Sales Force
Leed’s, Pittsburgh, recently promoted several of its employees. Gretchen Stokes, the current director of WorldSource, Leed’s custom and importing division, has been promoted to the newly created position of director of internal sales. Mary Beach, the previous supervisor of inside sales, will report to Stokes in her new role as manager of inside sales. Gary Cervi, the current manager of inside sales, will now handle Pennsylvania and Delaware in his new position as regional sales manager. Michael Rosenbaum, the previous regional sales manager for that territory, will continue to handle western New York’s territory and will contribute to the overall sales effort from
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