• • • • • • September 10 • 2013
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JAMESK@PPAI.ORG • • • • • •
Top News
Peter E. Geiger Named PPAI’s 2014 H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award Recipient
PPAI has selected Peter E. Geiger as the recipient of its 2014 PPAI H. Ted Olson Humanitarian Award. Named after the late H. Ted Olson, MAS, PPAI President Emeritus, the award represents what Olson stood for—volunteerism inside and outside the promotional products industry. The award is presented annually to PPAI members who have shown long-standing empathy, devotion and commitment to improving quality of life and bringing about change for the betterment of a community.
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Industry News
St Regis Group, Ritter Pen Announce Alliance
Indianapolis, Indiana-based supplier St Regis (UPIC: stregis) has announced an alliance with Ritter Pen. Under the terms of the agreement, St Regis will provide infrastructure, production and logistical resources to allow Ritter Pen to inventory an increasing range of product offerings and improve their serviceability within the U.S.
Read More St Regis
JSA Promos & Print Acquired By Brown & Bigelow
Distributor Brown & Bigelow (UPIC: BB1896), based in St. Paul, Minnesota, has expanded its presence in the Florida market with the acquisition of Jacksonville’s JSA Promos & Print.
Read More Brown & Bigelow
Activate! Promotions And Marketing Acquires Moore Exposure
Distributor Activate! Promotions + Marketing (UPIC: Activate) has announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Fayetteville, North Carolina-based distributor Moore Exposure (UPIC: MooreExp).
Read More Activate!
A.T. Cross Completes Accessory Division Sale
Supplier A.T. Cross Company (UPIC: ATCR001) has completed the sale of its Cross Accessory Division, announced in July, to an affiliate of Clarion Capital Partners. A.T. Cross participates in the promotional products business under the Cross, Lamy and Franklin Covey brands.
Read More A.T. Cross
PPEF Executive Committee Holds Annual Planning Meeting At PPAI Headquarters
Last week, PPAI hosted a visit from the Promotional Products Education Fund’s (PPEF) executive committee at its headquarters in Irving, Texas.
Read More PPEF
Kanata Blanket Co. To Move Into New Offices
Supplier Kanata Blanket Co. is relocating. As of September 13, it will operate at 100-13260 Delf Place, Richmond, British Columbia V6V 2A2. Its phone and fax numbers will stay the same: 604-273-7002/1-800-594-9411, and fax at 604-273-7092. The company’s office will close at noon PT on September 13, with no phone or email service until September 16.
PPAI News
PPAI Joins The AMA’s Annual Marketing Conference In New Orleans
PPAI is a platinum sponsor and exhibitor at the American Marketing Association (AMA) Annual Marketing Conference held this week in New Orleans, Louisiana.
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Eight Industry Practitioners Have Attained Professional Certifications In Recent Weeks
Industry professionals who earn PPAI professional development designations signify that they have invested in their skills and careers.
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onPeak Identified As The Only Official Housing Partner Of The PPAI Expo 2014
It has come to PPAI’s attention that several exhibitors, attendees and members have been contacted by vendors offering to provide room rates and hotel services for The PPAI Expo 2014. While it is possible that companies may have secured blocks of rooms at various hotels including Mandalay Bay, none are the official housing provider for The PPAI Expo.
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Vote Today In The 2013 PPAI Board Election
The 2013 PPAI Board Election has begun and runs through October 4. Each PPAI member company has a voice in the direction of the Association. Voting contacts of a member company are entitled to select two new, qualified directors who will represent their interests. To learn more about the candidates—distributors Jon Levine, president of The Image Group, and Mary Jo Tomasini, CAS, CEO of CE Competitive Edge, LLC; and suppliers Rick Mouty, CEO of TSC Apparel and WearMagic, and Bruce Perryman, MAS+, Owner/COO of Embroidery Unlimited, Inc.—and the election process, click here.
Recognize Supplier Achievement Through The PPAI Supplier Star Competition
PPAI’s Supplier Star competition brings annual recognition to supplier members that offer the top-quality products, decorating and packaging that keep the promotional products industry moving. They’re an integral part of distributors’ success and now it’s time to return the favor. This is an opportunity for distributors to reward suppliers who consistently meet their greatest expectations and provide top-quality service each and every day. The deadline is October 4. Click here for information or contact awards@ppai.org.
PPAI's Webinars Series Looks At The CPSIA, Industry Business Practices And More In September
This month, PPAI’s webinar program offers an extensive lineup of education opportunities including in-depth exploration of business practices, CPSIA’s impact on state regulations and more.
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PPAI Law
AZPPA Hosts Guests From Federal And Local Government
Usually legislators host town halls and invite the constituents to attend, but the Arizona Promotional Products Association (AZPPA) flipped that model on its head this summer. Julia Wright, MAS, working with the AZPPA Board of Directors, invited legislators at both the federal and local levels to attend the Town Hall event in conjunction with the AZPPA expo.
Read More AZPPA
Register Today For The 2014 PPAI L.E.A.D.
On April 9-10, 2014, during PPAI’s Legislative Education & Action Day (L.E.A.D.), the Association’s members and staff will meet with senators, congressional representatives and their legislative staffs on Capitol Hill to discuss pending legislation and issues relevant to the promotional products industry. Applications to participate are now open and due by October 31. Click here to learn more.
Product Responsibility
California’s DTSC Releases Final Draft Of Its Safer Consumer Products Regulation
California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) released the final version of its Safer Consumer Products Regulation on August 23 for a 15-day public comment period that ended Monday. Following the comment period, the regulation, which requires manufacturers or other responsible entities to seek safer alternatives to harmful chemical ingredients in widely used products, will go into effect on October 1. To see what the final version of the regulation includes, click here.
Product Safety Testing Protocols Now Available On PPAI’s Website
Test protocols allow industry companies to ensure their product safety and compliance efforts are consistent and produce meaningful results. A number of protocols, made available to PPAI by UL, are available on the Association’s website for the benefit of the promotional products industry, as well as other resources, including a link to the Walt Disney Company’s product guidelines manual. To learn more, click here.
People News
Polyconcept, parent company of Polyconcept North America, has hired Willem van Walt Meijer as managing director of the newly created Polyconcept International Markets Division, which aims to build relationships with suppliers and stock keepers in markets outside North America and Europe. Van Walt Meijer previously served as CEO of industry supplier Mid Ocean Brands, and will operate out of Polyconcept’s office in Hong Kong. The company has also appointed Marc L. Brown its interim global chief information officer. Brown, who joins Polyconcept following CIO positions for both Heinz North America and Del Monte Foods, will be responsible for ensuring that Polyconcept's global IT platform supports its long-term strategic initiatives. He will be based at Polyconcept’s New Kensington, Pennsylvania, headquarters.
Cutter & Buck (UPIC: CUTT0001), headquartered in Seattle, Washington, has promoted Brinton Slaeker (right) and Kelly Gould to its business development team. Both previously worked in the supplier’s customer service group. In their new roles, they will focus on inside sales.
Bill House has been appointed executive director of the Premier Group. House, who has been affiliated with the Premier Group for several years through his sales management positions with supplier members Gemline and Alexander Manufacturing, will be responsible for coordinating all activities with the group and its members including member initiatives and recruitment, communication, special events and group administration.
Edgerton, Minnesota-based Fey Promotional Products Group (UPIC: FEY) announced that Tom Carpenter, MAS, has been hired as its national account manager. Carpenter’s duties will be to oversee and drive growth of national account for Fey’s three industry brands: Fey Line, Reflectix by Fey and the recently acquired Mi Line/Molenaar.
Westbury, New York-based distributor Motivators, Inc. (UPIC: MOTIV8RS) has added three distributors to its Dealer Sales Program. David Seymour, in Indianapolis, Indiana; Cheryl Macdonald in Calgary, Alberta; and Jennifer Cottrell in Westminster, Maryland, have come onboard as distributor dealers.
Sue Kennedy, MAS, has joined supplier BAG MAKERS (UPIC: BAGMAKRS) as a member of its sales team. Kennedy, a past president of UMAPP (Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals) brings over 20 years of experience in regional sales, account development, and customer care to the role. She will be responsible for working with distributor clients in Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Regional News
VAPPA Opens Fall Showcase With Program By Paul Bellantone, CAE
The Virginia Promotional Products Association’s (VAPPA) Fall Showcase got under way this morning at the Chesapeake Convention Center in Chesapeake, Virginia, with a thought-leadership forum hosted by PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone, CAE.
Read More VAPPA
PPAF Hosts 2013 EXPO In Orlando, Florida
The Promotional Products Association of Florida (PPAF) hosted its PPAF EXPO 2013 in Orlando, Florida, August 21-22. The event, sponsored by PPAI, connected the PPAF membership through two days of events.
Read More PPAF
SPPA Fall Showcase Travels To Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama
The Sunbelt Promotional Products Association (SPPA) toured three of the four states in its region last week during its Fall Showcase, visiting Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Jackson, Mississippi; and Birmingham, Alabama.
Read More SPPA
PPAChicago Sponsors 5K Walk/Run To Benefit Recreation Group
The Promotional Products Association of Chicago (PPAChicago) is sponsoring the Makin' Tracks 5K Walk/Run in River Forest. The association encourages runners and walkers to join it in support of the West Suburban Special Recreation Association. The walk/run is September 14 at Concordia University Chicago in River Forest. Those not interested in running or walking can still participate by contacting PPAChicago to volunteer on event day. Visit ppachicago.org for more information.
SAGE FACT OF THE WEEK
Ready. Set. HUT.
Football is an American tradition and the opportunities for promotional product sales are high. From schools, universities and recreational leagues to local businesses, football-themed promotions and parties are all around this time of year.
Read More SAGE
This Month’s PPB
PPAI Woman Of Achievement Award Winners
Roni Wright, MAS, one of this year’s two Woman of Achievement Award winners, tells how she stepped up, found her strengths and learned to soar.
Read More Woman Of Achievement
Sandbox Games
A look inside how family-owned distributor Signet, Inc. plays and works together.
Read More Signet
One Of A Kind
Can you sketch a new jacket design, sew a prototype for your client and source the best fabrics for it? What if your end buyer likes a particular item, but needs to add an extra pocket or wants a detachable hood? Obstacles such as these arise every day in the industry. Fortunately, these issues are old hat for many industry suppliers that regularly alter designs or craft entire new ones for custom orders.
Read More Custom
Contribute To PPAI Publications
Paws And Claws
The pet industry is a profit beast, and promotional products can take a mighty bite out of the market. Send high-resolution, large images (1MB) and product descriptions of promotional products for pets and pet lovers to Jen Alexander McCall by September 16.
The Great Outdoors
Parks and recreation departments can benefit from promotional products to keep visitors coming back month after month, year after year. Send case studies of successful programs built for these clients, as well as large images and descriptions of products that can be used in parks and recreation campaigns, to Jen Alexander McCall by September 16.
Make Yourself Comfortable
PPB closes out 2013 with lounge wear as the apparel focus in the December issue. Suppliers: Send product descriptions and high-res images of tees, tanks, tunics, leggings, boxer shorts, yoga pants, robes and other comfy apparel. Distributors: We want your case studies, favorite lounge looks and questions about selecting, selling or decorating this category. Please send all submissions to Tama Underwood by September 30 for possible editorial inclusion.
What Would You Do?
An End-Buyer Asks: A distributor we work with is trying to convince me that we should not imprint the promotional products we buy from him. He says this is the newest trend and that our customers will remember the products we give them—an imprint isn't necessary. I'm hesitant to do this as we think putting our logo, name or message on promotional products is essential. Is there any truth to what I'm hearing? Is there any research to show that non-imprinted promotional products work as well as imprinted promotional products?
What's Your Answer? Email answers along with your name, title and company name to Question@ppai.org by September 30 for possible inclusion in an upcoming issue of PPB magazine.
Need peer advice on a sticky situation? Send your question to Question@ppai.org.
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