Almost 20 years ago, Promotional Partners was an idea, a dream, but not a reality. We never forget that without you, there is no Promotional Partners. Beyond the logo on the bag, it's what's inside that matters. A brand is not a logo, it's how others feel about your brand; their experience. October 5-9 is National Customer Service Appreciation Week. Adding extra value, that's the Promotional Partners way. Recently Lauren Cerretti with WithersRavenel, shared this testimonial. "I’ve been using Promotional Partners for many years, and they are one of those vendors you keep coming back to whenever you have a promotional item need. Olivia and her dream team are always incredibly responsive, knowledgeable, and (perhaps most importantly) patient! I trust their advice when it comes to selecting items based on quality, price, and what will ultimately work best for our needs. There are so many things I appreciate about working with their team, but one that stands out is how proactive they are. When I’m working through a project and trying to make “the decision” and they haven’t heard from me in about 24 hours, they’ll often come back with additional design variations to consider or help guide me toward the best option based on their experience. They don’t just wait for me to make a decision; they help me get there. The entire team is dependable, proactive, and always willing to help, and I can truly count on them to make the process easier. If you ever need promotional items, I highly recommend reaching out to Promotional Partners. You’ll be in great hands!" What's extra special about this relationship is it started in 2014. That's special. Visionary Assurance, United Purpose. #promotionalpartnersapexnc

A sense of belonging is an abstract concept, yet we know when we're part of a family, community and team. We feel the connection. I respond to genuine stories and authentic actions. A strong sense of belonging motivates others towards actionable goals. Social groups form through routine and collective experiences in the spaces we gather, which builds stronger communities. Neighbors help neighbors and care about what's happening in their life. Connection uplifts. Connection is the heart behind our Promotional Partners Cares Program. All around the triangle and NC, we support numerous organizations who reinforce that by working together we solve mental, physical, social and economic challenges. Through our Promotional Partners Cares Program, we've applied our core values into our community framework all year, and since incorporating in 2007. As we've grown, so has our investments in the community. We stopped counting service hours when they surpassed 100,000 hours. Over the past 19 years, together, we've given back almost $100,000 to the local community through our Cares Program. Each of our investments in the community is because of your partnership with us. Without your support, we would not be able to give back. Our 2026 investments represent 5% of our net profits, which means as our partner you're giving back to programs & organizations that are making a difference! Thank you. Together, in 2026 we've supported athletics, health & wellness, education, business development and locally community projects. What's our why? Why Do We Support Athletics? Athletics encode powerful life lessons. Not everyone is a winner, but it's how we respond to set backs that often defines our personal outcomes. Team & individual sports build unity and create a sense of belonging that's larger than self. Sports teach us resilience and how to manage stress for successful outcomes. 2026 Investments: The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics for over 10 years, Apex Cougar Club Boosters since 2018 Felton Grove Booster Club since 2025. Over the past 19 years, we have supported: Apex Friendship High Booster Club, Elite Football Fuquay-Varnia Police LETR, Green Hope HS Football Green Hope HS Booster Club, Lufkin Road Booster Club Methodist University Athletic Program, Moncure School Race Oxford Hunt Swim Team, Triangle Flight Basketball, West Raleigh Baseball Why Do We Support Health & Wellness? We support several community partners addressing the mental & physical health of our community. When individuals have stability in their life- a place to live, food to eat, good health and someone that cares about them; everything is easier. Before we can educate the mind, it's essential that our basic needs are met. 2026 Investments: Amplify Health- formerly Advance Community Health since 2025 Apex Farmer's Market since 2024 NeighborUp Poe Center since 2020 Sage Crossing WakeMed Foundation since 2016 Why Do We Support Education? Investing in yourself keeps individuals on a path to successful outcomes. Learning doesn't stop with a degree. Often life's lessons in business are learned outside the conventional classroom. Interpersonal skills develop by working along side professionals in the workplace. Job shadowing, internships and mentoring is a schools without walls. These types of experience accelerate student learning. Nothing beats practical application. We've excited to see others soar. 2026 Investments: Apex High School Academy of Information & Technology Fire Safety Education Coloring Books for students Over the past 19 years we have supported organizations around the NC through sponsorship, donations, interns, job shadowing, volunteering, board service or as a speaker. Investments varied by organization, but include: Apex High Academy of Information Technology Board Member, Apex Friendship High Business Alliance Board Member, Apex Public School Foundation, Apex Elementary PTA, Apex High Business Alliance, American Marketing Association- Methodist University, Davis Drive Elementary, Davis Drive Middle School Business Alliance, Friends of Cary Elementary, Green Hope Business Alliance, Kraft YMCA We Build People Campaign, Wake Tech Foundation, Wake Christian Academy Yearbook, WCPSS Leadership Conference, WCPSS Great Expectations Why Do We Support Business? Symbiotic relationships exists between entrepreneurs & the community we serve, creating a thriving community. Supporting the business community with meaningful introductions, collaborations and commerce levels up all businesses. Pay it forward, always. Apex Peak Performer since 2018- Silver Level 2026 project investments: Run the Peak Peak Summit Series First Responders Women in Business Series Over the past 19 years we have supported our local chambers of commerce through service, mentorship, sponsorship, donations, speaker and donated to numerous events & programs. Service: Apex Chamber of Commerce Ambassador, Apex Chamber of Commerce Board Member, Apex Chamber of Commerce Education Committee Chair, Apex Chamber of Commerce Governmental Affairs Committee, Fuquay-Varina Chamber Board Member & Board Chair, Fuquay-Varina Chamber Government Affairs Committee & Chair Holly Springs Chamber Government Affairs Committee & Chair Speaker: Apex Chamber of Commerce, Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce Creating the foundation for the current Apex Chamber Women's Series Sponsorships: Fuquay-Varina Chamber Women’s Summit, Fuquay-Varina Women's Club Fuquay- Varina Chamber of Commerce Awards Banquet, Holly Springs Chamber Women's Empowerment Series, Holly Springs Chamber Grapes & Grains Donations to numerous all three chamber of commerce events & programs Additional Business Development Programs: Apex Shero Conference, LaunchApex, Triangle Women's Power Lunch Why Do We Support Local Community Programs? We feel a sense of belonging! When your family needs assistance you show up. As a business owner, I know the days are long, but the years are short. Leaving behind a legacy of care is why we help our neighbors. Without each of our partners, we don't thrive. Giving back to individuals and organizations making a difference keeps our community strong. Think Apex Day since 2022 American Legion Post 124 since Sips & Tips- Downtown Apex Business Initiative Town of Apex Halle Tree & Wreath since 2008 Over the past 19 years we have supported: Apex Rotary Club, Apex Police Christmas with a Copy, Apex Latino Festival, Handy Hugo- MDA Shamrocks, Habitat For Humanity, Hope Line, Life Experiences Auction, MPS Society, NeighborUp, formerly Western Wake Crisis Ministry, Peak City Gala of Hope, Peak Lab Rescue, Pretty in Pink- Apex HS DECA, St Jude Childhood Cancer, Safe Kids Wake County, Shield NC, Triangle Flight of Honor, Western Wake Women's Club, White Oak Foundation Why Do We Serve? Sharing one's time and talents is community fuel. Together, we accomplish more. Current 2026 Service: Apex Festival Commission- PeakFest since 2010 Apex Rotary Club- since 2009 Over the past 19 years we have supported: Apex Downtown Business Association - as president and board member Apex High Academy of Information & Technology Board Member Before we provide visionary assurance, united purpose to our clients- its essential to understand the full story behind their brand. Community investment is the heartbeat behind our brand. Stronger narratives are crafted through an understanding of one's values. Knowing where you belong matters. Human connection makes a difference.

In May 2007 Promotional Partners incorporated. In 2008 an ambassador of the Apex Chamber of Commerce suggested we join. Fun fact- that's Wes Moyer, in the left corner of the photo. Like me, he's a current chamber member and former ambassador member and former Apex Chamber Ambassador. That's our team of 3 celebrating our first ribbon cutting after we moved to Downtown Apex in the fall of 2008. Fast forward, that's me, Wes and Chris; both Modern Woodman, at a recent Apex Chamber event. As you can clearly see- neither Wes or myself has aged, and no! What is important is 19 years later there is still engagement, a relationship and a desire make introductions. That's a thriving chamber. Collaboration creates community champions. A chamber of commerce is a place to form "your tribe", learn, mentor, lead and give back your gifts. Over the past 19 years I've formed lasting relationships, learned from community leaders, been mentored by trusted confidants and shaped our community through chamber involvement. I've cut a lot of ribbons & formed lasting relationships. Currently Promotional Partners is a member of the Apex, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce. Over the years giving back has been as a volunteer, leader and speaker. Flashback to our growth & ribbon cuttings with three Southwest Wake Chambers! I've given back over the years through service on two chamber boards, board chair of one and chairing numerous chamber committees & programs with all three chambers of commerce. Our company was recognized as Apex Chamber 2015 Small Business of the Year. To my suprise I was the 2012 Apex Chamber Ambassador & the 2023 Citizen of the Year. My business cut a ribbon in 2009 marking the transition from a home-based business to a brick & mortar business in Downtown Apex. That moment seemed symbolic to our growth. Looking back at that ribbon, like many others that followed, was more than a symbol of growth. Instead, it symbolizes the symbiotic relationships I formed professionally and personally within the Apex community. In 2027, my business will celebrate 20 years. A vibrant, thriving business doesn’t just happen, it’s fueled by meaningful connections, collaborations and a collective spirit to act with intention. Joining your chamber of commerce is more than a symbol, it’s the gateway to more value for your business. Together we rise. Get involved. Support your local chamber of commerce. There IS power behind that ribbon. It's the force of others supporting you!

The answer is, yes! Creativity is one of our 4 core values and guiding principals. Years of watching children approach projects in classroom reinforced for me that either a student dives into an art project with the enthusiasm to explore, a concreate idea or a resilient spirit. Resilience of the mind & spirt is also the flexibility factor necessary to see different angles, elaborate on ideas and be totally okay with failure. Cognitive control harness productivity and efficiency, but it often abandons creative outcomes. Instead, natural collaborators are also divergent thinkers. As a child I made up characters and stories around those characters for the kids I babysat. Each time we'd pick up a new adventure where the last story stopped. The kids helped led the direction of the story. Like an episode of "Who's Line is It Anyway", it's the unknown outcome that makes the process exciting. Frequency of exploration develops fluency, which translates into my ability to quickly and easily create alternative solutions. Divergent thinkers are open to experiences, and intrinsically motivated by the process rather than external reward. Mixing colors, layering textures is more than creating visual arts, it's a metaphor for embracing new perspectives. Growth comes through change. For me the collaborative process is creative, which creates magic, which ignites possibilities! Professionally, each of these case studies represents a collaboration that crafted a unique outcome simply by exchanging ideas and remaining flexible to the outcome. Visionary assurance, united purpose comes from a deep understanding of how layering colors, texture and purpose behind a promotion crafts something unique. Personally, I enjoy behind the scenes collaborations that uplift others. Ask me about some recent collaborations next time we share a cup of coffee- it's exciting to share community partnership stories. Follow me on LinkedIn, I often share some of those stories. Stay open to possibilities, you'll see the pathway forward. By remaining curious, creative thinking opens doors to possibilities to support programs and non-profits making a difference in our community. As part of our Promotional Partners Cares Program, we see how the canvas of our community is comprised of elements from each of us! Keep exploring how our core values also guide the hear behind our brand.

Confidence grows inside you based on your experiences. Certification is another one of our 4 core values, because knowledge is essential to personal growth. Professional development improves your individual skillsets and builds stronger teams. That's why our entire team is certified and continues to build on certification levels. Pursing certifications grows confidence and keeps us competitive as a partner and a team. Like athletics, pursuing knowledge & mentoring is a form of teamwork. Reading is an amazing way to quickly be transported to another place and to learn a new skillset; however so is a podcast, webinar, seminar, classroom and connecting with community champions. Being open to new perspectives encodes valuable life lessons. Humans learn by watching, listening and processing those experiences. Throughout our 19 year business journey, I've intentionally added "disruptors" in the form of internships, public speaking and mentorship. Ways we've supported our community include: Mentoring high school and college students through our internship program. Sharing best practices through student career fairs and expos. Public speaking for public schools, colleges, and chambers of commerce. Panelist for public schools, colleges and chambers of commerce. Job shadowing Participating in structured programs and local initiatives designed to focus entrepreneurs on a pathway to success. Introducing non-profit partners to individuals and organizations to fuel their growth. Making time for a meal, walk or cup of coffee to discuss professional challenges with connections within our business community. Often these non-structured, non-sanctioned discussions are some of the most powerful. One to one, humans are hard wired to let down their shield, be present and vulnerable. Vulnerability is a super power. Providing visionary assurance, united purpose means understanding what matters to you. Make time to uplift others.

I'm a curious creative, who thrives on communication, which is one of the many reasons I make time for talking! Teams run smoother with cooperation. I prefer consensus and commitment from all stakeholders when working through a challenge. Making time for talking fills my brain with stories, which turn into ideas, that turn into projects. Connecting with others makes us feel human. Collaboration brings people together, which is why collaboration is another one of our 4 core values. Blending viewpoints leads to creative & original solutions. It's also builds stronger relationships, which leads to efficient teams. Visionary assurance, united purpose relies on alignment, which means lots of listening & talking! Besides creativity is sparked which fuels the heart behind our brand identity. Often what starts as a business meeting grows into something greater- community connection. Recently what started as business gathering for the Holly Springs Chamber Morning Huddle led to a meaningful connection to Flamingle for a Cause. Their non-profit is a new chamber member. These ladies are on a mission to support charitable, educational and community based initatives that focus on imprint the health, well-being and quality of life for individuals and families in NC communities. Their relying on community partners, leaders, and businesses to "flamingle" to help address food insecurity, housing stability, education and other critical needs. This relationship happened because we all made time for talking! Follow posts about this organization on the Holly Springs Chamber page.

Almost twenty years ago Promotional Partners was an idea, not a brand. Transforming an idea into action is similar to gardening. Planting the seed and watching it grow requires taking the necessary steps to cultivate that seed through time, attention and resources. However, one of the most important decisions an entrepreneur makes is defining the values behind the brand. This image of our values prominently displayed at the entrance of our business. This action matters! Before the public can trust a business to provide the goods & services advertised, there should be core values driving decisions. Promotional Partners has four core values, creativity, collaboration, certification and community. Why did we select those words? How do those words reflect the essence and value of our brand? Creativity: Everyday our goal is to apply our innovative, original problem solving skills and visual communication talents into strategic solutions that solve client challenges. Collaboration: Visionary assurance, united purpose is our tagline. Our ability to make an impression that effects change in consumer behavior is grounded by shared purpose, shared vision; unity. It's essential in forming a relationship to give and take; that's collaboration. Certification: Integrity is doing what's right, even when no one is watching. Investing in professional development certifications and adhering to industry codes of conduct became ways as a company demonstrated accountability. Community: We intentionally selected the word community as one of our core values because one's individual identity is defined through real observational actions. The relationships & connections we form with our neighbors, our clients, our business community and our industry partners, as well as how we support those communities is how we will be remembered. Visionary assurance, united purpose is not only the essence of our brand, but also reflects our heart. The Promotional Partners Cares Program is an actionable vision of our core values at work. It's the heart behind our identity. Keep reading to learn more about our symbiotic relationship with our clients, business partners and community. #promotionalpartnersapexnc #promotionalpartnerscares

When we incorporated in 2007, I was an educator, artist and career volunteer investing time with projects that related to our kids and the community, Leading with my heart often places me in the middle of interesting challenges. My creative side remains challenged & nimble puzzling out ways to make connections, create experiences and uplift others. Hum, that's a bit like my current day job; only free. If you followed our recent heroine series on our socials, you discovered how creativity, collaboration and certification work behind the scenes to level up our partners. However service is in the community is what I knead, to grow my soul. Through service, I've formed life long relationships. Service has introduced me to individuals making a difference in the community. In 2020 we all had time to think, which prompted me to place a face on our community investments defining those community investments as the Promotional Partners Cares Program. Annually our company invests around 5% of our net profits back into the community. The mission & vision of our brand remains guided by our 4 core values of creativity, collaboration and certification. Community is also one of our goal values, because the intertwining of our community defines the heart behind our brand. Leading with your heart adds purpose to your brand's identity. Leading up to 2027 and our 20th year in business, when you think of Promotional Partners I hope you remember how much we care about the community that supports us.

Professionalism is not just a word, it comes from an internal motivation to go above and beyond to exceed expectations. Knowledge is powerful. Promotional Partners was rooted by an educator, me, so it was a natural progression in scaling the company to prioritize professional development opportunities. Internally our team is provided time , within our workday, in pursuit of continuous professional development. Career development is about skill stacking that adds value as well as growing individual confidence through an acquired mastery of knowledge. The educational programing offered by our industry are designed to layer and level up our base of knowledge in ways that allow us to provide a competitive professional edge to our partners. Through a rigorous set of courses over 60 CEU hours, earning a CAS, Certified Advertising Specialist, covers topics such as proprietary industry knowledge, business ethics, digital security, product safety, global sourcing, business development and marketing. The secret to brand elevation is knowledge. Together, we invest in certifications as a team to remain a strong partner. As part of our Promotional Partners Cares Program, its important our team understands how sustainability, corporate and social responsibility factor into marketing. We adhere to an industry code of conduct and are fortunate to have Keith as our safety officer because saftey and compliance matter! His scientific background in enviromental testing provides solid footing around navigating safety. It's equally important to my company's core values that are industry partners offer more value. When vetting new relationships we explore their internal practices for production to human resource pratices. Of course we explore their supply chain, shipping & packaing options, product contruction & sourcing. The cutlure of a company is demonstrated by the people- not only customer service and resolution for order managment, but also the heart behind the brand. Where are employees volunteering, mentoring and what's behind the philantrophic vision. Working together, we offer more value and deepen the impact for each of you. Congratulations to Isabel for earning her CAS! Learn more about the certification process with this earlier post.

The heart behind our brand is often an unseen aspect of our business. 2027 will mark our 20th year in business. Behind our brand is a heartbeat. Our Promotional Partners Cares Program includes our philanthropy, leadership, service, mentorship and how we select industry partners. Since 2007, we've been intentional with our time & resources. We've served the local community in ways that uplift and invested our resources into organizations making a difference. As we've grown, so has our footprint; however, our focus remains consistent. Based on our 2025, 5% of our net profits were infused back into the community. Promotional Partners is one of the 1.1 million businesses that make up 99.6% of the state's business, who employee 1.8 million people - at our company that represents 5. Data by the American Independent Business Alliance, states for every $100 spent at a local small business, approximately $52 stays directly in the local economy, compared to just $13 from national chain operations, indirectly funding municipal services and neighborhood stability. The Small Business Administration in North Carolina (SBA) breaks down the impact this way: 90% of small business owners donate money to local groups, youth sports, schools, or religious organizations annually. 76% of small business owners personally volunteer their time for local charities and civic groups. 63% provide non-monetary aid, such as free meeting spaces, auction items, or excess inventory. According to mentorship data from SCORE, small businesses donate 250% more to local nonprofits and community causes relative to their size than large corporations. Through your partnership with our company, together we are making a difference in the triangle community. Besides- by volunteering, I meet all types of celebrities. . Thank you for being our partner. Our company is part of our community- together we make a difference.

For many, gifting immediately creates stress. Stress is why gift cards exist. We have 5 key reasons not to give a gift card. Lack of personal experience is #1 not to give out cards for gifting programs. Can we transform your gifting program and make it easy? Yes! Unlimited happiness is real; we deliver a seamless experience. Forget waiting on line or creating shipping labels No packing tape or box fill Too good to be true? Here's a client testimonial. If that sounds good, keep reading! Let's break down the advantages of our programs: Kitting made easy, with Partners' Perfectly Packaged Plans. The packaging is colorful and transforms the plain box into an exciting element for messaging and adds suspense for the unboxing experience. Besides, we pack the contents with brands options that matter! Utilize our graphic design expertise to capture the message behind your distribution through clever box and insert design work. You simply select the products! Compare options in our showroom and work with our designers while you're in our Downtown Apex location. Can't make it in? Virtual visits are a simple way to work out the elements. We drop ship to each location- you simply pay the bill! Looking for a year-round redemption store front? Our Partners' Select Program is simple! Key reasons our partner utilize this option include: On-boarding employees Pre or post show follow up from your tradeshow Conference swag they don't have to pack CHOICE- the recipient chooses the product from a curated collection Gifting for employees or key partner relationships Reward and recognition program Additional benefits? Free hosting Fast delivery- that's drop shipped for a flat rate! Each product ships directly to your recipient's preferred address Nothing to inventory Stress free Ask about tiered levels & coupon codes Brand name products Personalization options We have experience! Ask us for case studies from satisfied partners! Ask us to send you a catalog of all the latest trends, curated just for you! Visionary assurance, united purpose means we "get your brand, your vibe, your markets" which translates into gift ideas that your recipient will appreciate!

Delivering unconventional strategies & offering unexpected value, is our daily routine. Our ability to connect the elements that covey your story through a product medium, well that's our magic touch. Destination mugs are hot. Why? A desire to connect with the story behind the location. When you know where you're from, you know exactly what elements immediately spark and sustain connection. It means your enthusiasts are connected to you story, your brand. By applying our marketing expertise & graphic design skills, we're able to make an ordinary mug become a story. What we love about collaboration is the synergy. Sometimes designs like these are 100% our team capturing your vision. Sometimes we work side by side with our partners graphic team- each of us sharing insights and elements till the result is "just right" for your brand. The identity of Promotional Partners is intentionally and firmly rooted in the community, forming a symbiotic relationship. By responding to what matters in our community and caring for one another, we all thrive. Our partners’ inability to discern the moment our team will unexpectedly and seamlessly add more value to their promotional campaign is “the partner experience.” The secret behind our brand’s appeal is our ability to form impressions that linger. Crafting unforgettable stories is personal. We're rapidly moving towards our vicennial celebration. May 2027 Promotional Partners will officially become 20. Similar to toddlers that countdown milestone birthdays in half years, we plan to kick off this celebration early. Let’s connect, share stories and craft something special. Together, we'll provide visionary assurance and share united purpose.