Tampa, Florida-based Fast Lane Clothing, parent company of Toucan Dance and Scrub Nation apparel lines, is a finalist for the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business of the Year Award. The company has been selected as one of five Bay Area businesses in the 5 to 20 employees category. Winners will be announced and honored at the Small Business Awards Dinner on September 22 at the Tampa Convention Center. The 21-year-old company was nominated by Andrew Cohen, president and CEO of Vertical IT Solutions. Award winners are chosen for their best representation of successful entrepreneurship. Criteria for selection includes company history and
Read MoreGolden Pacific Opens East Coast Distribution Center
Golden Pacific, City of Industry, Calif., has opened a new distribution center near Newark, N.J., allowing faster shipping of select items to customers east of the Mississippi. There are 26 items available for distribution through the new location, all of which are part of Golden Pacific’s Gold Rush program. The items can be decorated and shipped within 48 hours of sample approval at no additional cost. “We are not simply subsidizing shipping costs to the east coast from our main headquarters in southern California; we have a fully operational warehouse that can provide the most immediate production and shipping service possible,” explained Brad
Read MoreCaro-Line Unveils New Line Name
Caro-Line, a division of Carolina Manufacturing based in Greenville, S.C., has introduced Bandanna Promotions as its new line name, which will be used in all advertising and marketing endeavours, as well as at future trade shows. “It’s a better representation of who we are,” said John Andreas, national sales director. “Caro-Line has served us well and continues to be the name of our promotional products division. But Bandanna Promotions is the name we will use in the marketplace.” The company’s new logo is a roll of cloth unraveling and wrapping itself around the new line name. “We are one of the few textile
Read MoreAvaline Introduces Silicone Dog Tags
Avaline, Parsippany, N.J., has put a colorful spin on the traditional military dog tag necklace. The new dogs tags are made from bendable silicone. “Today, dog tags are a fashion accessory,” said Lynn Schatz, marketing manager. “They’re cool, trendy and stylish. Students especially have made the dog tag popular.” Avaline’s silicone dog tags are long-lasting, as well as water- and dirt-proof, and can be matched to any PMS color. They can be screen printed or debossed on one or both sides. In addition, the beaded chain is available in multiple colors. Visit www.avaline.com for more information.
Read More0806_Editor’s Note
“Business is not just doing deals; business is having great products, doing great engineering and providing tremendous service to customers. Finally, business is a cobweb of human relationships.” – Ross Perot, American Businessman ever before have I seen an industry with such strong interpersonal relationships as I have within the world of promotional products. This bonding is particularly evident at trade shows where greetings run much deeper than a cordial “hello” and handshake. Folks hug and ask about each others’ kids and spouses, and speak about the ups and downs of their lives. They catch up as old friends do, and then they get
Read MoreTo trade show or not to trade show?
To Trade Show… Peter Herz, Jornik Manufacturing, Stamford, Conn., www.jornik.com Every year, we look at the schedule for the following year’s trade shows to see if there are one or two we can cut. We mull it over and, after a very short while, decide there is no better and economical way to see all those distributors within a two- or three-day time frame. It’s a chance to be reacquainted with old friends, and meet and greet new ones. It’s always great to put a face with a name and a voice. We can always count on getting some quality time with our
Read MoreRecognize $1,000 Prospects
When the folks at Promotional Marketing asked me to write an article with tips for finding new promotional products clients, my first thought was: open a window and look outside—there they are. Dial any random number—there they are. Swing a dead cat and see who it hits—there they are. This is one business that doesn’t require looking under rocks or great detective work to find new prospects. They are literally everywhere. Every business, organization, neighborhood, event, team, school and group is a prospective promotional products client. The problem is not finding them; it is connecting with them and ultimately having a few of those
Read MoreProforma Convention Hosts 630 Attendees
Proforma has reported that 630 people are attending its 19th annual Convention and Family Reunion at the J.W. Marriott Resort in Las Vegas. Attendees of the four-day learning session include Proforma Franchise Owners, preferred limited partners (PLPs), media contacts, business experts and Proforma Worldwide Support Center Staff. “This year’s event has already proved to be a success,” states Greg Muzzillo, founder and co-CEO. “Our 19th Annual Convention and Family Reunion’s theme is ‘Advance to Go,’ and the 630 attendees here are doing just that. These educational seminars, PLP vendor showcase and networking opportunities are giving Franchise Owners the resources and skills they need to advance
Read MorePPAI Announces Membership Milestone
PPAI, Irving, Texas, membership has surpassed 7,500 member companies, announcing the highest in the history of the nonprofit trade association that serves the promotional products industry. This total represents more than 500 new members since November 2005, and a 14 percent increase since May 2005. “Everything we do is designed to help our members grow their businesses,” said Michele Packard-Milam, director of membership development. “Our flagship trade show, The PPAI Expo 2007, is loaded with business building products and educational opportunities; our research makes it easier for our members to identify new markets; and our Nova credit card processing system allows customers to do
Read MoreTOA Facilitates Sale of Fort Dearborn Company
The Open Approach (TOA), Westmont, Ill., facilitated the considerations, negotiations and ensuing acquisition of Fort Dearborn Company by Genstar Capital. The three-month acquisition of the $190 million label and packaging printer gives Genstar a profitable platform company to enter the lucrative marketspace and pursue aggressive growth through additional development and bolt-ons. The investment provides Fort Dearborn Company funding to capitalize on new opportunities, while delivering higher returns to company shareholders, as well as a more expansive product/service offering to its nationwide customers. “The Fort Dearborn acquisition provides a lucrative base for a strong, nationwide buildout and significant shareholder gains,” added Richard Hoskins of Genstar Capital.
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