Dri Mark, a Port Washington, New York-based company, began its illustrious history 50 years ago as an importer of markers from Japan. Dri Mark introduced the first fine-tipped writing marker, and actually derives its name from the first marker that dried instantly on paper. In 1972, the Reichmann family purchased Dri Mark and began manufacturing writing instruments, as well as importing them. Some of the company’s top sellers include Mr. Doodler and Buffalo Artist Colors. Dri Mark also created a counterfeit bill detection pen that still remains a leading industry product. As time moved on, the company maintained a strong presence in commercial
Read MoreSanford Business-to-Business Acquires Quill Company
Bob Stoltz, president of Sanford Business-to-Business, based in Jamesville, Wis. today announced the acquisition of the Providence, R.I. Quill Company, Inc., a major supplier of writing instruments since 1945. Aram Tessier, the founder of Quill, originally T&T Manufacturing, developed and patented the signature, high-quality twist action pen mechanism that remains in production today. When asked how the Quill line fits into Sanford’s current product offerings, Stoltz responded, “Quill is a nice spot between the very high end where we have Parker and Waterman, and the everyday writing category of Paper Mate. So it’s a perfect fit.” Quill will turn over all
Read MoreThe Color of Green Ink
Thanks for the comment. Good point about the ink that companies use. I made a few calls about the organic printing/imprinting, but have not heard much back yet. I’ll let you know what suppliers we come up with.
I do know Anvil Knitwear is doing a lot right now in terms of implementing new, more environmentally friendly lines and practices. You might want to check out the AnvilOrganic line (http://www.anvilknitwear.com). The president over at Anvil, Anthony Corsano, is truly committed to going green. I’ve had a few discussions with him about it. Some of what they are doing can be found
Winner of Leed’s PPAI Expo 2007 Sweepstakes Enjoys Prize Trip to Italy
Pittsburgh-based Leed’s, a member of Polyconcept North America and the second largest supplier within the promotional products industry, awarded a lucky 2007 PPAI Expo attendee a luxury vacation worth $20,000. Tammy Wilmsmeyer from Elite Promotions in Springfield, Mo. won the trip and recently traveled with her husband Brian across Italy stopping in Florence, San Gimignano, Venice, Siena, and Rome. Wilmsmeyer commented, “We saw beautiful sites, amazing history, gorgeous Tuscan landscapes, stayed in glamorous five-star hotels, ate incredible food (over & over & over again) and even wonderful dining experiences at famous restaurants and sites. It really was a once in a lifetime experience.” Abercrombie
Read MoreJournal Books Hires Joel Kaufmann as Midwest Sales Manager
Charlotte, North Carolina-based supplier Journalbooks announced the hiring of Joel Kaufmann. Kaufmann joined the company on December 17 as the Midwest Regional Sales Manager. He is an industry veteran and spent the last 11 years with Leed’s, of New Kensington, Pa. “Joel’s consultative and solution driven sales approach will make him a valued asset to our customers as well as our entire organization. We are very excited to have such a proven professional join our team,” said Tim O’Boyle, vice president of sales for Journalbooks. Kaufmann will be responsible for the Greater Midwest area focusing on Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, Minnesota and Indiana. Kaufmann
Read MoreEnnis Acquires Englund Graphic Assets
Midlothian, Texas-based Ennis Inc., a manufacturer of printed business products and apparel, has acquired certain assets of Englund Graphics through its wholly owned subsidiary, Northstar. Headquartered in New Hope, Minn, Englund Graphics’ product line includes laser forms and checks, blank and printed stock, and other printed products. This opportunity presented itself as a result of Englund Graphics making the decision to exit the business after more than 30 years of serving the short run market. Included in the purchase was the key equipment used in the production of the Englund Graphics product line. Northstar has retained Kelly Faris as the key accounts customer
Read MoreVertical Source Now Carries Sport Science
Shrewsbury, New Jersey-based Vertical Source announced that it will now carry the Sport Science apparel line. Sports Science provides one single product which encompasses three end-user needs—comfort, versatility and performance. Sports Science clothing uses advanced technology that allows water to be drawn off the body, through the shirt, and into the air. In addition Sports Science uses a specially-engineered yarn so that the moisture pull is built into the fabric, meaning it will work well throughout the lifetime of the shirt. The Sports Science line uses polyester yarn to ensure a clean smell in the garment, as well as a fabric that will
Read MoreBoxercraft – New 2008 Catalog and Free Sample With Registration
This January, Atlanta-based Boxercraft announced it will launch its new Spring 2008 catalog. The catalog will be mailed to promotional products distributors and decorators and will also be available at industry trade shows. Boxercraft introduced more than 20 new products for 2008, all of which will be available for purchase in January. New items include four flannel pants, madras patterns and styles, burnout tees, tunic hoodie, organic tees and tanks, tunic length tees and tanks, and sparkle cotton cuffed pants. Also, they have expanded their print and embellishment services by adding 18 new stock rhinestone transfers, custom all-over printed hoodies, and stock and
Read MoreSeastone Gift Card Packaging Sales Increase 250 Percent
Provo, Utah-based Seastone, the industry leader in specialty gift card packages and gift card promotional programs, announced that sales have increased by 250 since last year. In 2006, Seastone delivered approximately 40 million gift card package units, which increased to more than 100 million units in 2007. Large retailers across the nation are successfully marketing gift card packages made by Seastone, including Kohl’s, Albertson’s, Home Depot, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walgreens and Wal-Mart. “While gift card sales continue to rise at a steady pace, gift card packaging has exploded as a product category,” said Eric Child, Seastone president. “Seastone pioneered this category, and as a
Read MoreTim Klouda Joins River’s End as President of Promotional Products Division
Minneapolis-based River’s End Trading Company announced Tim Klouda has joined the company as president of the promotional products division. Klouda has been in the promotional products industry since the early 1980’s and brings extensive experience to the company. Among his accomplishments, Klouds brought the first consumer brand, Munsingwear, to the promotional products industry and then became president of PremiumWear. Klouda’s success at PremiumWear includes the building of a national sales organization that successfully introduced and grew Page & Tuttle, Jockey, Burk’s Bay, Forsyth Dress Shirts and Munsingwear. Klouda’s objective at River’s End Trading is to build a national sales organization and grow
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