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Birds are cared for in the nest till it's time to soar. As a student, your classroom experiences should provide the tools to help you innovate. Art teaches critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and inspires students to act on their dreams. Classrooms without walls, where the past meets the present, provide the right environment to help students soar. Much like a bird borrowing from it's environment to build a strong nest, when students gain access to community partners and expertise beyond the classroom walls, the tools leaned in the classroom take on a practical application. Connection outside the traditional classroom encodes permanent, relevant experiences that shape their perspective and help students soar. Today's story spans 100 years and honors the legacy of a trailblazing woman; passionate about access to education. Thanks to visionary thinking and community partnerships, her story continues is inspire and educate students today on the site, this pioneer founded. The back story of this project starts with The Palmer Memorial Institute (PMI), a private school for African American youth, closed its doors as an educational institution in 1971. However, history is coming to life on this site, through resources & partners in the NC community. 2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Canary Cottage, Dr. Brown's home and a designated NC Historic site. Recently, students from Western Guildford High School's  Adobe Visual Design class applied their newly acquired skills to an innovative project with the museum. Students in Mr. George Brown’s Adobe Visual Design class became part of the narrative of the Palmer Memorial Institute. Tanesha Anthony, site manager of the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum shared, "Through the class, student learned about the design-to-production process, gaining valuable skills and came away with a deeper understanding of merchandising. “Dr. Brown believed deeply in education and preparing young people to lead with confidence and purpose,” said Tanesha Anthony, site manager of the Charlotte Hawkins Brown Museum. “This project gave students an opportunity interact with history on their own terms, apply their talents in a real-world setting, and see their work valued by the community. We are pleased to not only preserve the history of Dr. Brown and PMI, but cultivate a space for the next generation of leaders and cultural stewards.” Register here to attend the event on Wednesday. Here's a sneak peek of skillsets applied to museum merchandise. In preparation for creating their new line of merchandise, we collaborated virtually with the museum staff. Thanks to technology, brain storming and visiting our showroom & design studio is simple; regardless of distance. As a former art educator and public school art teacher, it's exciting to see students be part of this type of learning experience; it will resonate a lifetime. Interested to learn more? On Wednesday, March 18th at 12;30, I will see students unveil their designs and talk about the inspiration, process, and lessons learned at a launch event for the new merchandise, “Canary 100: The Cottage Collection.” Visit their Instagram or Facebook account for a sneak peek of the new collection. Read more about Dr. Brown in this earlier post.   Read the entire press release here. Partnering with on a project that celebrates a woman with vision and assisting modern day students taps into all of the reasons I love my industry. Visionaries see more than a promotional product, instead carefully selected products become a vessel for your narrative, helping market the brand behind the story. In this case, Dr. Brown. #Canary100 #SalonConversation #VirtualLecture #LearningHappensHere #CHBMuseum #CharlotteHawkinsBrown

Once a year, we all seem to become Irish! Yep, that's right. Long time partner Doherty's has grown from a single Cary location to Apex, Holly Springs and Pittsboro; apparently good food, drinks and people make us all yearn to be Irish! An important aspect of any restaurant & pub includes employee identification, as well as rewarding your brand enthusiasts. Order gear year-round in their merch store and make sure to be early to buy your new 2026 St Patrick's Day tee design. Branded merchandise sales = smart marketing strategy. For us, relationships are golden- long term partnerships, are trusted partners! We love seeing our partners grow. Head over to one of their locations on Tuesday- click here for details, FAQ and to make reservations. Plus, check out their gallery of even more of our collaborations.

Patches and challenge coins are a popular way to share the story behind a brand. March 14th is Tell Your Story Day. Telling a story that resonates with recipients relies on a deep understanding of the message. Time to collaborate in our showroom & design studio always yields the right direction to go with a cohesive set of products and designs that share your message in a way that changes consumer behavior. Many products, like patches , are perfect for identification. However, take a closer look there is a story woven into the design. Patches convey a journeys, signify an achievement or merit. Similarly coins, capture moments, events and champion a message much deeper than simply an atheistically pleasing design. Here's a coin case study with a public school celebrating 50 years of history and legacy. This coin case study captures the growth of a town and also celebrates a legacy. Locally, the Apex Fire Department has a safety story to tell. Educating and empowering residents at events to create a plan to keep safe, and absorb education offered to provide safety around their home is a priority to the department. Recently we sat down with the AFD to craft a plan around their education and outreach efforts. After discussion goals, we designed the graphics for each of the products to reinforce & highlight the messaging at upcoming 2026 community events. Shown below are retractor graphics for quick education at events. Stickers & sticker sheets with colorful images around the messages learned at local pop up events with families and teaching residents how to make an exit plan are all part of efforts by the Apex FD; including recruitment efforts at public events. Visionary assurance, united purpose guides our team. Many of these products, but not all, are USA Made. Low cost- high impact items for marketing & branding your message, yield results. Our graphic design skills and product knowledge help craft cohesive stories! Contact us when you're ready to craft a strategic plan.

International Women's Day is March 8th, kicking off International Women's Week. Governor Josh Stein proclaims  March Women's History Month 2026, along with Mayor's all over our county. This month honors the contributions of bold women, trailblazers who could not sit on the sideline, who asked uncomfortable questions, who made room for others at their table, who sat at the tables where they were not invited; women who would not be dismissed. Everyday there are woman who dare to dream, innovate and create pathways that did not previously exist. By celebrating the contributions of woman in history, as well as women making an impact today- we absorb knowledge. Knowledge is powerful, which fuels others to dream and innovate. Consider this: In 1777, all states passed a law that took away women's rights to vote. In 1855, a black woman, who was a slave, was declared property with no right to defend herself against her master's act of rape. By 1900, every state had passed legislation based on New York's Married Women's Property Act. This granted married women some control over their property and earnings. In 1947, the U.S. Supreme Court stated that women are equally qualified with men to serve on juries. On August 20, 1920 women were finally able to vote. Just over 100 years ago, only .2 % of the United States Congress consisted of women. In the 80's, I asked my mom to add her name to checks and stop signing checks with Mrs., followed by my dad's name. I said, " You have a unique identity, you are not someone's property." She got new checks with her name- a bold move for a woman who believed women don't challenge men. Today, the women in my life span numerous industries, include titans in leadership, innovators in science and education. Several woman in my life have been called to public service as a politician or serving in roles traditionally associated with men such as first responders, career athletes and military service. Looking for stories of inspiring women? A few years ago, I captured some of their stories in our pearls series . In 2024, WRAL- captured these women - naming each as twelve women that changed North Carolina. Bold women ROCK. They are steadfast, loyal friends that have moments of weakness, but their resilience and focused pursuits yield results. This month, I encourage you to gather some old and new friends for coffee or a glass of wine. Pay it forward, make some introductions and always, always raise your hand.

I've been buying antiques and vintage items for years- guess that means I upcycle right? It's fun to use a product for a different purpose. In my day job- STUFF happens. Yes, we are intentional with the samples we place in our showroom, but we are also intentional with the "old stuff". Recently all four of our bathrooms became storage for more than brooms! In fact, each was bursting at the seams with boxes, computers, and more! Recently we boxed up the entire showroom- yep, all 3,000 sq ft. It was "a task" in prep for our new carpet. The new carpet gave us a chance to re-organize all our "stuff," trying a new layout internally. Over the years we've donated samples to schools for prizes and given samples to organizations for gifts. In December, our clean sweep of the showroom yielded coats for WRAL Coats for the Children. Upcycling is really just a different perspective on "stuff", right? Here are some other ways to celebrate National Old Stuff Day: Approach a project with a new attitude today! Ask one of us "old folks" to share how we performed a task before technology! Embrace new perspectives. Consider how a container or vessel might hold something new- like spring flowers in a pitcher. Since I'm old, but young at heart- give me a high five if our paths cross- it's old school instead of a fist pump! Pre-COVID. Do you know an organization that can use old stuff, samples that are discontinued? Year-round we have hard goods- drinkware, bags, pens, journals and such to remove from the showroom, as well as wearables like shirts, jackets and caps. We will gladly add you to our upcycle list! Drop us a line to be added to our list for "old stuff." Stop by the showroom to see how our location looks now with the carpet and lay out. Make sure to pick up some "new stuff" from our give away selections!

We've all heard there are moments not to cut corners. As the 2026 Olympics prepare to close, it's a great time to continue a discussion around insuring your golden celebrations remain joyful! Athletes train for years, devoting considerable hours each day to perfect their craft, in pursuit of Olympic gold. Medals take center stage during this high profile event, as a symbol of achievement; not a time to cut corners. Surely you've heard about the 2026 Winter Olympic medals separating from their ribbon during the celebration. Our industry was buzzing about the design & material choices that likely contributed to failures. After-all, our day job and reputation relies on quality deliverables. ASI Media, asked two leading industry medal manufacturers to weigh in on this construction failure. The article by Kiran Sheth, shared this blog reference a report from USA TODAY. Sheth writes, USA Today reported the previous Olympic medals had loops or grommets, the 2026 Winter Olympic medals featured a groove at the top. “A metal pin resting in a loop at the bottom of the ribbon fits into the groove, securing the medal and ribbon in place,” the newspaper wrote . “But the pin has a spring mechanism, and when the medal or ribbon is pulled or jostled, it activates, and the two separate.” “The medals do not break,” said the Italian State Mint and Polygraphic Institute, which produced the medals, in a comment to USA TODAY. “For a limited number of medals, the anti-choking safety device activates during celebrations by opening.” The damaged medals will be replaced, but the situation left our industry scratching our heads. Sheth's article includes two trusted industry expert perspectives. “It appears that the manufacturer attempted to use a plastic clip of some kind to attach the medals to the neck ribbons,” says Tom Farrell, marketing director for EMT (asi/52263), which produces medals, pins and patches, among countless other product categories. “Mixing materials like this, especially when the plastic clip is playing a structural role, is a risky proposition.” An attachment point is the load-bearing connection between the medal and the ribbon. Nick Wright, marketing director at Simba (asi/87296), a maker of medals, rings, championship belts and other products. “With one of the highest profile events in sports, the quality control should have been more rigorous than it was. ”In promo, we’re always focused on creating emotional connections,” Farrell explains. “When it comes to medals, awards and other recognition items, that emotional connection is inherent. These are items that represent milestone achievements and sometimes significant life events. Because of that, durability isn’t just a functional requirement, it’s part of the meaning behind the item.” A common misconception is that gold medals are made from solid gold. “Olympic medals are typically made from another metal, like sterling silver, and then plated with gold,” Farrell says. “That’s actually similar to how most high-quality medals in the promotional space are made. Most commonly, base metals like brass, iron, or zinc alloys are used and then plated in different finishes to achieve the appropriate aesthetic and perceived value.” Our industry works in tandem. Trusted supplier relationships provide knowledge and education to to distributors like Promotional Partner which produces a quality result. Beautiful medals, with structural integrity, insures our recipient's can jump for joy anywhere they'd like! This case study with the Apex Chamber- Run the Peak, the Town of Cary Mayor Medals capture visionary assurance, unite purpose at work for our partners. We know a thing or two about how to champion our partners!

Sure, Valentine's Day might be about chocolate and sweets, but it's also about celebrating relationships that last! Running hot and cold is not a good sign for human relationships. However, this hot & cold relationship, is associated with good things such as reliability and durability! It's a Stanley! Founded in 1913 by inventor William Stanley Jr., Stanley is associated with adventure, invention, innovation and a timeless spirit that complements your wild imagination. Over 100 years later, a steady stream of products continues to honor the original Stanley 1913 legacy, keeping your warms warm and your colds cold. Take a look at some of our favorites: A food container for hot & cold storage on the go for your next hike or just the commute to work. Love this cooler, especially in the cream! Looking for pink, this ice flow tumbler is functional and attractive! Maybe you only need 1 unit or a program? Ask about our on demand options! Relationship resilience might be the key to your recipient's heart. When it comes to giving, brands matter!

What if you could carry a bag the size of a credit card in your pocket, that opened to the size of a full size tote in one quick motion? Would you consider that a magic trick or a quirky enough to work solution for your brand? The bag in this post is not a trick but it is quirky enough to work. Surely, you've read enough of my blog posts to know that bags generate high impressions over a life-time of use. This bag is construction of durable nylon and plastic. Watch this video to see how the product works! Easily folds in one motion Features an elastic strap to keep compact Folds to the size of a credit card Reusable & designed to last Designed to take with you anywhere, ready at a moment's notice Folded 2 3/5" W x 4"H and expands to 17" W x 19 1/2" H This bag is not magic, but it's quirky enough to work hard for your brand, which is another reason it's a product selection that represents visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand!

Access to samples, prior to an order, is one of the reasons our partners visit our showroom. Quality is not something one can discern from a photo. Elevating your brand identity relies on smart choices for your marketing and advertising. Selecting a quality product, and often a name brand, insures your recipient will keep and use your gift. After-all the magic of touch is the POWER behind tangible marketing. I have this 34 oz Rise Meal Food Box from Klean Kanteen and it gives new meaning to “dining out.” Bring Your Own™ breakfast, lunch or dinner on the go. It's constructed with an airtight seal, backup snap-and-lock tabs, is lightweight, and leakproof! It's also crafted with the environment in mind, composed of 90% post-consumer recycled 18/8 stainless steel. The actual meal box, without lid, is microwave, oven and dishwasher safe. Besides all the extra value of prep and re-heating this product provides, it also qualifies as one of our ProudPath products. This brand's commitment: As a brand, Klean Kanteen is a Climate Neutral, Certified B Corp, dedicated to minimizing environmental impact and using their business as a force for good. How this brand gives back: As a member of 1% For The Planet, Klean Kanteen their donation from 1% of sales is applied to non-profits focusing on plastic pollution, safe consumer products, conservation and climate, as well as outdoor stewardship. Responsible Sourcing: Klean Kanteen's certified recycled stainless steel is made from a combination of reclaimed industrial stainless steel equipment and household products such as kitchen appliances and tableware. Ownership Diversity: Klean Kanteen is both a family and employee-owned company, driven by shared passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship. Explore the entire collection here. When you want to make a statement, remember quality products matter to recipients. Our commitment to apply our visionary assurance, united purpose guides our partner to the best choice for elevating their brand identity through quality choices.

Do long summer days make you want more time year round? The secret to stealing more time- is in your hands. Recycled cups steel and aluminum cups are perfect for summer chilling and year-round efforts to reduce waste. A re-useable cup, that's USA Made and can be recycled when you're no longer using it? Yes please! Low cost USA MADE Smart marketing Sustainable construction Quirky enough to work We use this style cup in our office because it's affordable, keeps our drinks cold and reduces waste. Smart marketing only requires thinking ahead, rather than reacting. Keep your brand visible during those long days; plan now! Act now, and STEAL a deal! Let me know you read this blog post! Our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand.

You're in the moment, when you realize should have planned ahead. Right now you instantly need to unify your team or give an unexpected dignitary a branded gift. Instant imagery, that's the solution. Since these patches will stick to almost anything, the image becomes a quirky & an innovative solution! We offer both embroidered patches & simulated print instant patches. In 2024, on World Emoji Day, I shared ways to share your emotions! Catch up here . Instant image ribbons showcase what you support and provide unity of purpose. In this case study , we demonstrate how embroidered stickers add value to retail sales. Besides being a quirky enough to work product medium, these stickers are also a low cost & high impact marketing strategy with a canvas for our graphic design team. Another example of our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand. #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

Did you watch the television show MacGyver? He always invented a solution to every challenging situation. In real life, a hand tool we can clip to our jeans or our cooler is a simpler solution. As a brand, do you add more value like MacGyver, by creating innovative solutions? For gifting, this tool makes a nice closing gift on a new home or a tool for work and leisure. It function as a wrench, a knife, screwdriver, pry bar, bottle opener and more! This handy tool is a multi-purpose partner for anyone that wants the ability to quicky jump into MacGyver mode! As a gift, this might be a quirky idea, but it's quirky enough to work for your marketing & advertising efforts. Visionary assurance, united purpose means we suggest products that add the value you've been seeking for growing you brand identity.