AgION Technologies, Wakefield, Mass., a leading provider of silver-based antimicrobial solutions, recently announced AgION protection is featured in Logitech’s Cordless Desktop MX 3200 Laser, a wireless keyboard-and-mouse combination. The silver-based antimicrobial in the MX 3200 desktop is effective in protecting the product against a wide range of bacteria. Based in Fremont, Calif, Logitech designs, manufactures and markets personal computer peripherals. “People are spending more and more time at their computers, and areseeking new ways to keep their environments clean,” said Denis Pavillard, Logitech’s vice president of product marketing for keyboards and desktops. “The MX 3200 desktop is Logitech’s first product to feature
Read MoreSimone Joins Norwood’s Executive Staff
Norwood Promotional Products, Indianapolis, announced today that Jim Simone has been hired as senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Simone has held key marketing roles in the promotional products industry for more than 16 years, including management positions with several distributorships. He most recently served as the marketing and merchandising manager for Oriental Trading Company where he created the company’s highly successful promotional products division. “We’re building our executive team around high-caliber, industry-focused individuals,” noted Paul Lage, president. “This isn’t the same team that was in place a year ago. Jim brings a critical distributor perspective to our organization. He knows what distributors
Read MoreNorwood Completes Transfer of Barlow, V-Line Product Lines
Production of Indianapolis-based Norwood’s Barlow and V-Line product lines has successfully transferred from Los Angeles to the company’s Red Wing, Minn., facility, which also houses other Norwood lines, including Action Line, Econ-O-Line, Pillowline and Tee Off. Norwood began transferring production to the Red Wing plant when it announced the closure of its Los Angeles facility in June. “The transfer of production went very smoothly,” noted Tim Dunford, general manager. “Our customers experienced no disruption in production, quality or customer service during the move.” Distributors may continue to use the published telephone/fax numbers and e-mail addresses for Barlow and V-Line. Postal mail and packages
Read MoreSierra Pacific To Introduce Business Ready Collection In 2007
Businesses will get off to a good start next year with the introduction of Houston-based Sierra Pacific’s Business Ready collection, part of the company’s FeatherLite line. Suitable for outfitting companies with color-coordinated shirts, ties and aprons, the collection will be available for sale in January 2007. All styles in the collection will feature signature FeatherLite properties, including lightweight, comfortable, breathable fabric that feature stain resistant, soil release and liquid repellent properties. The complete Business Ready mix-and-match collection allows more than 16,000 wardrobe combinations and includes FeatherLite twills, oxfords and piqué shirts, as well as aprons and silk ties in a wide variety of colors
Read MoreBeacon Promotions Acquires Four Star Incentives
Art Olsen, president/CEO of Beacon Promotions, New Ulm, Minn., recently announced the acquisition of Four Star Incentives, Niles, Ill. Four Star is known for its name brand products, including Waterford Crystal, Mag-Lite flashlights, Sony electronics, Thomson (RCA & GE) electronics, Bulova watches and clocks, Wittnauer watches, Citizen watches, Canon digital cameras and camcorders, Lenox China and other internationally recognized brands. The acquisition was completed on October 5, and all operations were moved to Beacon’s headquarters and production site in New Ulm. Gary Haley, senior vice president of sales, said, “The Four Star Line has a very strong product offering of international name brand products,
Read MorePPAM Increases Fall Show Attendance
How to re-energize a show while doubling attendance? That was the question facing the PPAM (Promotional Products Association of the Midwest) board. After a decline in show attendance, this year PPAM offered distributors and suppliers the opportunity to meet in Kansas City and St. Louis for a Fall Holiday Showcase highlighting items to use in the upcoming holiday selling season. The Kansas City show attracted 161 people versus last’s year attendance of 58; and St. Louis had 186 in attendance versus last’s year attendance of 91. To generate interest in the shows, suppliers were offered cash prizes for the best decorated booth while distributors
Read MoreFast Lane Clothing Wins 2006 Small Business of the Year Award
Fast Lane Clothing, Tampa, Fla., parent company of Toucan Dance and Scrub Nation clothing lines, has been chosen as the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s 2006 Small Business of the Year. Toucan Dance offers stock and custom promotional apparel, including Hawaiian campshirts, custom campshirts, resortwear and uniforms. Scrub Nation features custom apparel for health-care promotions. Custom scrub caps, scrub tops, thyroid collar covers and stethoscope covers are included in the 2007 Scrub Nation line. Tampa Mayor Pam Iorio, WFLA’s Stacey Schaible and Tampa Chamber Executive Chair Jose E. Valiente of Valiente Hernandez, P.A. hosted the formal awards banquet at the Tampa Convention Center on
Read MoreAnderson Named Customer Service Representative at Custom HBC
Custom HBC, Waconia, Minn., recently appointed Jeannie Anderson to the position of customer service representative. In her new position, Anderson will be responsible for all aspects of customer service, including answering customer calls, receiving and entering purchase orders and confirming sales orders for the company. Custom HBC president, Larry Wilhelm, said, “This represents yet another step in providing additional customer support to our distributor customers. Jeannie brings more than 20 years of customer service experience and a great enthusiasm for providing excellent service.” Founded in 2000 by Larry Wilhelm, former president of Softsoap Enterprises and Minnetonka Brands, Custom HBC Corporation is a developer,
Read MoreAsh City Announces New Vice President of Sales
Ash City, Scarborough, Ontario, recently announced the promotion of Chris Clark, Mike Rozier and Paul Kory to the position of vice president of sales for Ash City USA. “As one of North America’s leading suppliers of corporate and promotional apparel, Ash City is constantly evaluating opportunities to bring increased value to our clients,” said David Woods, managing director of Ash City Worldwide. “Chris, Mike and Paul will be responsible and fully accountable for managing Ash City’s sales results in the United States, and managing and leading our sales agencies and representatives.” For more information, call (800) 761-6612 or visit www.ashcity.com.
Read MoreTips of the Trade: “Getting Referrals”
By Ilise Benun www.marketing-mentor.com Everyone knows that the best way to get new customers is through referrals, and there are two elements that make it so: trust and timing. If someone comes to you by referral, you don’t have to “sell” the person on what’s so great about you. He or she comes to you with at least some trust already in place. He or she probably also comes to you in his or her moment of need, so timing is on your side. The downside of referrals is that you can’t control when or how many come along, which can put you in
Read More