Celebrating 250 Years!

Surely you've heard- America turns 250 this year.

Is it the fireworks, grilling, or traditional favorites like ice cream and apple pie that make you long for the 4th?

Long before our industry was defined as an ad specialty or premiums partner, mass produced merchandise was used to shape public opinion, political advertising & unifying supporters, as well as capture the spirt and pride of our national identity.

In the American way, we're also skilled at capitalizing shared experiences.

As early 1789, George Washington distributed commemorative buttons at his inauguration. In the 1800's brass and metal items supporting candidates were commonly found as lapel pins or awareness ribbons. Besides, who can forget Eisenhower's 1952 button " I Like Ike." Consider for a moment the momentum and evolution of promotional branding and messaging in the modern political season.

Can you image a campaign without "swag" for their base of supporters?

In fact, the roots of one of our industry associations, PPAI - Promotional Products Association International was founded around the popularity of the pin & button trade initially being known as the National Association of Advertising Novelty Manufacturer's in 1904.

In 1917 World War 1 utilized the power of print with buttons, pins, posters and collectibles such as paper fans, trading cards, and glassware adorned in red, white and blue themes to galvanize our united American spirit. The flag, eagle and other commonly associated patriotic symbols were abundant for public purchase or distributed for free.

As with 2020 and all the nineteen years our company has been associated with the promotions industry, I've been amazed how quickly our industry adapts to consumer preferences. We also learn from others. Our manufacturer partners converted parachute material used for war into the material to construct umbrellas.

Over the years, promotional products have been used as a tool for messaging around civil rights, voting, war, and to introduce programs like our space program or preserving life changing moments in history such as 911. Tangible branding has been used as the primary vehicle for messaging for years due to the high visibility, lasting power and the ability to swag consumer perception and unify groups simply through advertising that's immersed into our life.

Are you ready for July patriotic celebrations?

Our industry's been busy adding assorted licensed America 250 products ready to drag and drop your logo into the licensed design work. Several options captured in this January post.

If you follow our newsletters, you know we've been suggesting for months you stay ahead of this promotional opporunity.

Patriotic themes are abundant, if you want to keep it simple and universal past the 250 milestone.

Collectables Matter

If American's didn't love collecting, we would not musuems, collectable brokers or display cases and shelves in our home. We would not have saved and preserved those political and war products referenced in this pots. Because we have a graphic design team, we can design a unique America 250 logo and add that design to USA MADE products for your own signature collection of 250 celebration products.

If you prefer licensed products for the memorablia connection or simply being ready to go, simply add your logo- we have hunderds of options and price points.

Whatever way you prefer to celebrate the 4th- we suggest you set up a time to plan NOW!