Celebrating 250 Years!

May 24
2 min read

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 and unite American spirit. The flag, eagle and other commonly associated patriotic symbols were abundant for public purchase or distributed for free.

Over the past nineteen years I've been amazed how quickly our industry adapts to consumer preferences. We also learn from others. Did you know our industry manufacturing partners converted parachute material used for war into the material to construct modern day umbrellas? Yep!

Over the years, promotional products been a vessel for messaging around civil rights, voting, war, our space program and our nation's loss around the events of 911. Tangible branding offers high visibility, lasting power, an ability to swag consumer perception and unify groups simply through advertising with products immersed into our life.

Are you ready for July patriotic celebrations?

We have licensed America 250 products ready to drag and drop your logo into the approved licensed design work. Review a few options from this earlier January post.

Patriotic themes are abundant, if you want to keep it simple and universal past the 250 milestone- ask about USA Made products or products that feature stars, stripes and flags.