Search Results

Have you ever been to a place that immediately made you feel at home? For many, that place is the town of Fuquay-Varina. Growing up in this area, I've seen the changes to the town first hand. This quiet small town has become a bustling location of economic development. In fact, the town is one of the fastest growing communities in North Carolina. Despite growth, it's kept the hometown spirit that draws in visitors to become residents and business owners. Before you go, take time to learn how to pronounce its name, so you'll blend in as a local. The modern consumer doesn't consider a quick drive to a nearby municipality - out of the way. Given all the goods and services located in Southwest Wake, it's super convenient to find exactly what I need. In 2016, the town rebranded , with a new logo that captures the union of Fuquay and Varina, by incorporating the hyphen in the logo.   The hyphen between a united Fuquay-Varina is also a genius marketing phrase- "a dash more." What does it mean to be -a dash more? A dash more is a narrative worth sharing, embodies by the people and spirit of the town's employees and residents. Through thoughtful product selection for the brand launch we helped to introduce the story behind the brand and begin to associate the logo with the spirit of the town. As part of the launch, employees received a pull over with a custom dash more zipper pull. We suggested the additional of this element for unity, recognition and to generate excitement. This genius phrase was already part of the brand package before we began working with the launch. Some of our favorite partnership moment with the town since the launch include: The opening of the Hilltop Needmore Community Center Opening Fire Station 4 Introducing brand Educating the public about programs and initiatives that matter A dash more team spirit A store full of products , hosted by the town, to reward their brand enthusiast! We illustrated a custom coloring book for kids of iconic locations around town. Kids can insert themself into the government chamber- as a future town leader. A mayor's challenge coin & employee years of service pins acknowledge the people that make the town a dash more! The creative use of visual imagery and custom product development infuses fun, and clearly communicates their brand messaging to the intended recipients. Together, riveting narratives create amazing stories. Discover for yourself why the Town of Fuquay-Varina  is a dash more. As we prep for our vicennial celebration in 2027, this partnership remains cherished collaboration. We look forward to continuing their story- it's special! Visionary Assurance, United Purpose

A little cold weather humor, this bundling story is not about warmth, rather simplicity and fulfillment. These are distinctive, forward-thinking premium products that leave a lasting impression with the recipient. Each product elevates life's daily routines. Products are packaged in premium boxes to provide an unboxing experience that creates exceptional and impactful moments for your brand. As us to send you a ready made store program! We even have a special partner's deal till the end of March. Take a look at these product bundles. Order as few as 1 unit of any of these products or bundle up to save money and provide a unique gift set. Apply these bundles to reward high performers, valued referral partners, on boarding new employees, board gifts, donor acknowledgements and loyalty programs. Innovative ideas are also a form of creativity- another example of our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand.

The vibe of your brand is the essence a product projects to consumers. January is National Creativity Month. We love quirky, fun and innovative products. Creatives like us recognize unique products and see possibilities. Immediately we're already playing out the ways to use a product that offers unexpected engagement. Our partner experience is the constant stream of original ideation that occurs when we collaborate. Often the response by a client is- how'd you do that? Our ability to quickly outlined how a product becomes the message behind your marketing campaign is our partner advantage. Creativity is one of the secrets behind our brand . Puffin can coolers offer a unique way to grow engagement. Get comfortable with quirky ways to connect your message to your target markets. Visionary Assurance, United Purpose is our signature vibe at work for your brand.

According to Google, consumers searching for sustainable products has grown 71% since 2016. ASI research shows appreciate sustainable products. Promotional products WORK because of 5R's- reach, recall, resonance, reaction and relativity. By advertising & marketing your message with a plant you've planted roots. Your promotional dollar will have longevity in the home or work space. Whether you prefer a traditional plant or a moss infused award- we have solutions. Let's talk ROI & CPI! Statistically speaking, the longer the duration of exposure to your target market, the higher brand recall by the recipient. Plants deliver a lasting impression with a remarkable return on your investment because of the reach ; consistent exposure. What message would you like to resonant with your vertical market? A plant that's in a sustainably constructed container is an unexpected and thoughtful gift. Besides, you only need to purchase one! What's the reaction of a consumer to a plant? In a digital world plants offer a way to bring what we love about nature inside the workplace & home. Plants are more than an aesthetic upgrade—they're strategic investment in employee wellness, efficiency, and overall workplace productivity. Given the lasting brand exposure, the popularity of plants in the home & workplace and our ease to provide you as few as 1 unit- well that makes this a relative idea! We consider this product one of our quirky enough to work marketing ideas. Because of the strong return on your investment, and low cost per impression, plants are an effective, low cost marketing strategy. Growing your brand with this idea puts more greenbacks in your wallet.

Classic pairings! When it comes to business, relationships forge new relationships. At it's core a chamber of commerce provides opportunities for businesses to make introductions and forge relationships that keep commerce thriving. I had the pleasure of being a recent guest on the popular Fuquay-Varina, Better Together Podcast to discuss what makes this chamber a great place to grow your business connections. If you're not familiar with the town- make plans to visit. Everyday in Fuquay-Varina, expect to find a safe, relaxed and friendly face wherever you choose to explore. It's a business friendly community, with an active and rapidly growing chamber of commerce. It's also a wonderful location to find your forever home to raise a family. As former board chair, 2020, of the Fuquay-Varina Chamber of Commerce , it's exciting to see the continued growth and business thriving among the membership. Shown here the new 2020 board members posed for a group photo. Serving together formed friendships that continue today. Community service & leadership roles are a great way to get to know your neighbors. In 2020, it was extremely value to have the insights of our larger business partners like Bob Barker, John Deere, UNC and Campbell University to share best practices & strategies they were implementing to keep their teams safe. Connections also share knowledge. Thanks to technology and transportation, the modern business landscape does not limit your choices for goods, services, retail and restaurant to one specific municipality. In fact, the popularity of food trucks for pop up events, delivery services, e-commerce sales platforms and the accessibility of our area with the completion of the 540 loop, is driving business everywhere! Commerce is booming among the members in Southwest Wake, Harnett County, and Raleigh. The heart of the community is always the people. People make connections and create stories. I invite you to listen or watch our conversation and of course, to attend an upcoming chamber of commerce event. #BetterTogether

Creatives see structure in chaos simply through seeing life differently. Years of life and teaching art solidified - some folks are creative, some are not. Lucky for our partners when we're attending expos and meeting with our key partners, we always gravitate towards products that offer decoration that captures our attention. After-all, life's too short to be boring. Our industry offers products with a surface that's ready for your story; that's value add. When you're creating an experience- details matter. Table decoration Premium gift boxes that fold for easy storage Wrap up your gifts with custom ribbon, bows, wrapping paper and tissue Point of purchase Guiding consumers- through maps & visuals to your destinations Add a little sparkle Every industry can elevate their message and presentation through packaging and our graphic design expertise. The creative hack is adding layers to your story through presentation and smart graphics. Large, full color surfaces allow our designers to play! When you're ready to upgrade your consumer's experience, collaborate with us. You'll be supporting two woman-owned businesses through our supplier-distributor partnership. We created custom printed ribbon for The Apex Chamber of Commerce to use for their new member ribbon-cuttings; adding something extra special to the moment. We love value added moments. Besides, when this photo was posted, it was immediately clear why the individuals gathered. That's Visionary Assurance, United Purpose at work for our partners.

For a millennia, pyramids remain the hallmark for stability in architecture. The wide base and sloping sides distribute weight evenly making them resistant to collapse. Distributing the weight at work, also creates stability. Each partner absorbs the load that utilizes their strongest skillsets. That's strong, effective teamwork! PPAI awarded our company, Promotional Partners, a 2026 Silver Pyramid Award for a Client Education Program. We are thrilled to be recognized by PPAI for this prestigious award. In this previous blog post , you'll discover the story behind the project and learn how an ameba is the right way to discuss puberty. Intrigued? I hope so! Did you know? In 2025 we earned a PPAI Gold Pyramid for a Social Responsibility Program. The collaboration behind that award provided us an opportunity to work directly with law enforcement agencies seeking to to reframe the narrative around what it means to protect and serve their local communities. Through a custom storybook we created, we were help humanize the officer behind the badge, built bridges and formed connections that continue today. One agency is into their third edition! It's gratifying to see how simply turned a page creates a powerful moment. In 2021 we earned a PPAI Silver Pyramid Award for a client program around the Town of Apex trademarked phrase The Peak of Good Living. The town rewarded their enthusiasts. Fast forward to 2026, you'll find local residents wearing gear they purchased at one of the many festivals as they shop & dine. Visitors to Apex frequently stop by The Depot to purchase a keepsake from their time in Apex. What's the backstory behind the award? This award is a highly regarded honor in the ad specialty industry, it's like our Oscar moment. It's presented by Promotional Products Association International, who recognizes strong and effective initiatives produced by its member companies. The Pyramid Awards showcase thoughtful planning, clear objectives and measurable results achieved through promotional products. First introduced in 1958, the Pyramid Award stands as one of the industry’s most respected distinctions. It highlights the collaborative partnerships among distributors, suppliers and client teams that elevate strategic promotional marketing beyond simple buying and selling. Entries must demonstrate clear goals, audience focus and documentation of success. Those selected represent programs that meet these requirements with consistency and impact. PPAI president and CEO Drew Holmgreen said, “This award represents the craft and discipline that make our industry strong. The Pyramid program has recognized meaningful work for decades, and this year’s winners continue that history.”   Who and What is PPAI? Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is the world’s largest and longest-serving international not-for-profit promotional products association with a 120-year history of serving a membership. It's grown to more than 15,000 corporate members, advocating for the $26+ billion promotional products industry. The membership encompasses more than 33,700 businesses, representing more than 500,000 professionals. For more information about the awards click to visit the PPAI site. As our owner, lead creative, who's embarking on my 19th year in business & preparing for our Vicennial 2027 Celebration , I'm thrilled our team has been recognized by PPAI. We put a significant amount of care into each client collaboration. Like an Oscar, this award acknowledges our teams efforts as a supporting partner for our clients. As a PPAI member, our agency is promoting & elevating the WORK of our industry. Communities rely on stable, consistent partnerships. Our foundation of visionary assurance, united purpose, remains the structure and guiding principal behind our brand.

The size of a promotional product is not the key to success- it's the impact. According Robin Pittman, MS, MCHES Family Life Senior Director over 8,600 children and adults participate in family life programs each year in the Poe Center. Executive Director Ann Rollins introduced me to Julie Henry, Director of Marketing & Communications for AmeriHealth Caritas of North Carolina, at a Poe event. From there, our conversation led to a collaboration that created results. Introduced as creative and strategic partner, our company was tasked with creating a product that would serve as a visual reminder of the education topics covered in the teaching theater. The product needed to be low-cost, due to the large volume of students that visit the center. It was also important the product have the flexibility to travel with students through their day. It was also important to capture the partnership between Poe and AmeriHealth with this educational product medium. We suggested a unique shape for a key tag, an ameba; then designed the tag. Our key tag design provided a low-cost, large impact reminder of the information covered in the presentation. The product would travel with recipient, providing long term engagement. The tags were USA Made! The clip allowed students to decide where to attach the product. The tags easily attached to a bag or zipper as a wearable reminder. Students were given the clips after attending programs in the Poe Center education theater and on the road at pop up events around the state in partnership with AmeriHealth Caritas NC. Because an ameba can alter its shape, it represented the state of flux associated with puberty. Teens navigate the changes in their own body and mind as they mature. Educational programming helps shape their understanding around the impact of their current choices on their future health. We also designed a mobile backdrop for pop up events around the state. The design work incorporated holistic health education into the graphics. Each backdrop was dual sided for more flexibility at various locations and for messaging at events. Attendees were encouraged to take selfie photos for social sharing, increasing visibility and reinforcing the educational messaging each time images were shared. Julie stated, " Our health plan was considering ways to reinforce our existing relationship with the Poe Center that could serve as a reminder of what students are learning.  We worked with Promotional Partners, considering options that would appeal to a fairly wide age range – from 4 th  graders through high schoolers – and settled on a zipper tag because it is small enough to tag onto a backpack or lanyard easily, and with the unique shape, might even be a fidget toy.  Giving students something they are likely to keep in a visible place, rather than stuffed in a drawer, allows more opportunities not only for brand visibility, but for recall of their visit to Poe. "  Robin shared as a summary to this project, " AmeriHealth Caritas has been a dedicated supporter of the Poe Center’s Family Life programs since 2023. Family Life programs are among the most attended programs at the Poe Center. Schools and organizations across the state rely on our programs to provide age-appropriate medically-accurate sexual-health education. Programs take a holistic approach to healthy adolescent development focusing on topics, such as puberty, healthy relationships, communication, decision-making, values, and reproductive and sexual health. Parent-child workshops on adolescent development are among the most well attended. Over 8,600 children and adults participate in Family Life programs each year. As the primary sponsor of Family Life programs at the Poe Center, AmeriHealth Caritas has provided funding to help promote Family Life programs and its educational messages. We needed a promotional item that was popular with pre-teens and teens, but could also promote the health messages of our programs. The zippy clip key chains were a great option. Focus group feedback from youth told us that key chains were a hit item. The fun shape with imagery of healthy nutrition, physical activity, and mental wellness behaviors helped reinforce key lessons. Every child who participates in a Poe Center program receives one. Health educators also distribute them at health fairs and events. And they are a popular item to be picked up from our information kiosk. Kids love hanging them off their backpacks. We are well satisfied with the youth’s reaction to the key chains. They are a small subtle way to send a BIG message." Through repetitive engagement, reach & recall the message resonated with the recipients; creating change. The success and popularity of the ameba clips, translated into an order for a brain shape zippy clips and stickers for the education program Train Your Brain. Play Neural Fortification; is a twist on the popularity of Fortnite Video Game with teens. This case study is an example of how a promotional product WORKS! We are excited to update this blog post originally posted October 25, 2025 to insert a special announcement. We've added to our Pyramid Collection, earning a Silver Pyramid Award from PPAI. This case study demonstrates the marketing & graphic design value we provide our partners. This collaboration captures our visionary assurance, united purpose.

It's hard to watch someone try to dance with no sense of rhythm. Take a look at the difference in the patterns formed by these shapes & lines. What is your visual response? Some individuals respond to patterns and possess the ability to infuse those images into dance or music. Ask me next time we meet about a workshop in early 2000 at the Art Museum- dancing with art. Even as a creative, it was not my jam. Similarly in art repeating patterns serves a purpose. Through the repetition of lines and shapes an artist can add visual interest, draw your attention to a specific area, and create an emotional response. Today is National Argyle Day! What's your response to an argyle pattern? In corporate branding, it can be a a soothing background to a main logo. We've used argyle patterns a few times for sock designs. Wake Tech has partnered with us on several versions of their argyle socks and lanyards, which is an element in their overall brand guide. For our socials today, our graphics team played out how argyle patterns could be applied to products that offer a full color process and a large imprint area. Graphic design sets the tone for the message you want to convey. We use our design skills, product knowledge & marketing savvy to clearly convey messages. Keep in mind, pattern adds not only visual interest, but have the ability to tell a story with icons and imagery related to your brand. Before TCS, a woman-owned client partner, purchased these tea towels, we played out versions in different colors; another one of our value added partner services. Read our complete case study with the owner here. Did you miss these recent posts? Our logo designs create a unified and cohesive voice for our client partners. The typography selected matters. Visionary assurance, united purpose is our partnership at WORK for your brand.

Yesterday we posted about the trademark phrase , The Peak of Good Living, teasing an international twist. Promotional Partners is in the heart of the historic downtown, which is rich with history & stories, but also captures the essence of the town's trademark phrase, The Peak of Good Living! Our last blog post shared the collaborative process behind the popular Peak Promo Product Store , but there's more to the story. Integrated marketing is about unifying the consumer experience with a seamless experience that creates consumer interaction with a brand, through a blend of marketing channels. Our team is excited to announce that our teamwork internally & with the Town of Apex, to reward brand enthusiasts has landed Promotional Partners among the finalist of the prestigious PPAI Pyramid Awards . PPAI, Promotional Products Association International, first introduced these awards in 1958! The PPAI Pyramid Awards shine a spotlight on the collaborative business model unique to our industry. Successful marketing campaigns are created by blending the talents & expertise of suppliers & distributors partnership to design innovative marketing campaigns for all types of industries. The winners of this national contest will be featured among the 1,900 existing campaigns in PPAI's IDEA Source, to provide creative inspiration to others developing integrated marketing campaigns. In our industry, the Pyramid Awards are like the Oscar's & Emmy's; capturing top suppliers & distributors putting their innovative minds to work across five different key categories: Supplier Star, Client Programs, Marketing, Supplier Decorating, and Technology. PPAI’s Pyramid Awards celebrate the pinnacle of achievement by the Association’s member companies and recognize excellence in creativity, service, quality, and craftsmanship, as well as the collaborative partnership between suppliers and distributors. We are thrilled to be among the finalist, earning a Silver Pyramid Award. Being recognized for creativity, collaboration and graphic design is our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for our partners.

If you think font choice does not matter, take a look at this graphic. Font is the voice of your brand conveying emotions and ultimately impacts the impression of your brand. Creating a logo requires selecting the right font to set the tone & convey the message behind your brand; it's part of your identity. Take a look at how much our logo changes just through font selection. Just like color, font is more than an aesthetic, font sets the tone for your logo. We make sure your message is clear. When we design logos, we play out several versions of font to help you decide before finalizing your brand guide. Font matters, that's our pro tip for the day. Remember font is more than a collection of letters! This behind the scenes tip captures our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for our partners; the partner experience .

By now you know we design logos, tee shirts, tradeshow & festival booths, print collateral, awards and gifts. As a value added benefit, we also apply our marketing savvy to your milestone moments, employee programs, business development and consumer loyalty programs. Through each each company store, fundraiser, and event partnership, our team has the opportunity to our collective talents & expertise to tell your story. 2026 marks 19 years in business for Promotional Partners. Our story starts and continues with you. We look forward to milestone moments in 2026 in our journey towards the 2027 Vicennial Celebration year. Every year we create stories; together. What drives us to create? What fuels us generating the momentum to move forward? Each of you. Reflecting like Janus , here's our 2025 retrospective: We tenaciously focus on community: Through our Promotional Partners Cares Program we made a difference in the triangle community. In 2025, we invested in 18 local programs or organizations, giving back $11,975.00 to the community. Since 2007, our investments total $98,870.00 into local programs and organizations that enrich the triangle. We are vigorously creative and collaborative: As idea engineers, we applied our marketing savvy and innovative thinking into growing your brand identity, with clear message and voice. Our original approach to graphic design, marketing, advertising and brand engagement earned us a distinguished national award, a PPAI Gold Pyramid Award for Social Responsibility. Since 2007, we've been recognized locally in the community as The Apex Chamber of Commerce as the 2015 Small Business of the Year. In 2016 inaugural year of the Town of Apex Think Apex awards, we were awarded a Top Thinker Award. This program was designed to acknowledge businesses & individuals that champion the local community. Pursuing a legacy of excellence & merit has earned us four nationally recognized awards, including coveted PPAI Silver Pyramid and Gold Pyramid Awards for our marketing, advertising & graphic design work. We resolve to maintain certifications & membership that add value to our partnership: At a local level we’re currently an advocate and voice in Southwest Wake County as a member of the Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina Chambers of Commerce. Our company is designated through local municipality certifications and NC HUB as a certified woman-owned business. My company remains committed to high standards at the state and national level. Our advertising specialty industry provides training, as well as codes of conduct for safety and ethical business practices. Collectively, our team has earned and maintained nine knowledge, safety and ethics certifications: including the highest level of mastery offered by two national organizations since 2007. As our creative founder, I remain intentional with my time and talents, investing in projects that make a difference. Paying forward means freely sharing insights & expertise with our partners and as a mentor. As a former educator, mentoring & empowering youth remains a central part of our partner experience, hosting twenty-one high school or college interns since 2007. As well as sharing industry knowledge through publications, panels and public speaking. Intentionally present as leader, mentor and volunteer, over past eighteen years to support local non-profits, civic organizations, chambers of commerce, a local merchant’s association and youth. Basically, I believe in the power of community. This energy is the fuel behind our company, driving visionary assurance, united purpose. After nearly two decades in business, I'm relying on my ever curious mind and youthful spirit to inspire us as we embark on the next two chapters of Promotional Partners journey towards our 2007 vicennial celebration.  Thank you for your support & friendship! Be fearless, be you!   .