Search Results

Napoleon Hill said- "The way of success is the way of continuous pursuit of knowledge." Knowledge is a hidden strength. Since starting our company in 2007, professional development has always been one of our core values. We are a stronger partner for you, equipped with knowledge. A commitment to excellence, that's our secret to your brand elevation; adding value! Our certification journey started in 2007 but could not be earned till 2012. Why? Initially a PPAI certification, a program over 50 years old required at least 3 years of industry experience before you were even eligible to pursue certification. Besides experience, after all the required and elective coursework, you had to pass a final proctored test. YIKES! Undaunted, Olivia took all those courses and passed! After earning her first certification, she went on to renew and elevate to advanced levels 7 more times! She asked our team to invest in professional development too! Each member that comes on board is required to be initially certified and encouraged to pursue certification levels. Like Olivia, Miranda is also certified by both PPAI and ASI and has earned the highest level of certification by both industry partners- holding both a MAS and MASI. What makes knowledge a secret asset? Your company’s greatest asset is its people. To maintain an edge in the globally competitive promotional products marketplace, it’s critical we are equipped with the knowledge and know-how, that provide the insight and intellect, that mixes with our experience and effectiveness for results. Continuing to acquire knowledge in a fast-paced, ever-changing world is the reason we continue to take courses. Through modern technology, our access to webinars & podcasts, combined with live sessions through our industry events have made it easier than ever to gain access to knowledge! We've tapped into the talents & insights offered by numerous speakers, across a broad range of topics over the years. We aren't gonna lie, the technical ones around safety, compliance, HR, operations & global sourcing are not nearly as exciting as the ones around marketing, social media, trends, sales, decoration, graphics, and developing programs! However, understanding how to ensure your products are safe for distribution, well it matters. Because creativity has always been a part of our value add, it's important that when we see products and immediately think of applications, our knowledge base helps us craft programs that adhere to our client's goals & objectives. Can't get enough information about our certification journey. Check out some of our earlier posts, such as what can you do with 10,080 minutes, turning the tassel again or maybe you'd like to learn more about how we deviled into safety certifications for you to know your supply chain and why it matters- from codes of conduct to sustainability practices.

I recently turned 60. Like many birthdays before this one, I found myself reflecting on the journey of life. Often when we are younger we can't get out of our comfort zone to stretch to something new. Missed opportunities leave us asking later in life; why did I wait? My journey as an entrepreneur has provided me with an opportunity to meet some amazing women. Among my network are leaders in their industry & community. My connections are filled with women that I've served with as a volunteer or as a partner in business. Like a string of pearls, one strong thread is required to hold each bead together. The thread that binds me to these women is trust & a willingness to share their life's journey. They rarely hesitate, instead they dive into life. What exactly do I mean? It's one thing to craft a statement before meeting with the press or posting a blog. However, it's a different type of transparency when you share your unrehearsed and unedited thoughts when you're asked a question. What if your voice does not match the others in the room for tone, cadence, or content? A different type of trust & communication results from not shying away from difficult conversations. One does not have to have the same perspective to share in order to learn & grow from one another. In fact, it's our differences that help us see the world more clearly. One does not age without realizing that life has hurdles, setbacks, and challenges. We either move past our fears or hesitate too long, missing out on the next chapter. I've always been an open book- meaning ask, and I will answer. A willingness to share also comes from a lifetime of volunteering & teaching. In both worlds, as a volunteer or a teacher, it's necessary to connect to others in a personal way. Developing trust comes from sharing personal stories. Those stories make the next steps easier to climb. Also, being raised by parents from a small rural area created a sense of independence from boundaries; which helped. Have you heard it said, "You can take the person out of the country, but not the country out of the person?" Which roughly translates to describing individuals without a sense of social constraint. Instead, those individuals were raised to believe they could do anything, say anything, or ask anything; there's a bit of power in not knowing life has unwritten rules. Does openness have its pitfalls? You bet. An unfortunate truth in not hesitating to share is the unforeseen negatives. Like what? Being judged by a moment or statement without knowing the person. When we know someone's personal backstory, it's easier to understand their motivations. Without personal knowledge, we often unfairly judge. Seeing individuals advance on a ladder because we don't know how they feel about anything; so everyone loves them. Individuals who simply read, watch, and copy what they perceive to be the formula for success rather than carving out their own path. An open book provides the pages & the plan. It breeds competitive environments unnecessarily. Today's post is not about negatives- only positives. Our pearl series is about lifting each other up and a willingness to share the pearls in our thread. Through those pearls of wisdom, we will create new beads to add to our thread. For several weeks now Emily, our summer intern turned continuing team member, has been on a journey of exploration with me. We filmed content that will be converted to reels. We gathered stories that will be expanded into the blog posts in an effort to connect you to pearls of wisdom. Each post will have a little me, a little Emily, and all the wisdom of local women sharing their pearls with you. We are kicking this series off on February 19th, President's Day- putting a modern twist on women in leadership. Our first pearl will be with another woman business owner. The stories, reels, and blogs will play out throughout March, as our way of celebrating International Women's Month. Notes: While I started thinking about how to evolve this series. Conversations helped shape the direction and purpose. In my conversation with Ruth, around her Shero Conference. We aligned on a desire to see women continue to move forward, rather than giving into doubt. For her mobilization means not being trapped by the noise between your ears. Both she and her friend Barb suggested my pearl was an inclination to network & connect with my community. Reflecting, I realized most of my personal blog posts are indeed around sharing another pearl from my thread. I'm so excited to introduce you virtually to women with pearls of wisdom to share. Pearls are also a fitting metaphor for this series; they make a stunning presentation. They are formed in oysters & mussels in a variety of bodies of water all over the world. The size, the color, the texture, as well as the time taken to mature all follow different paths; with varied outcomes. Yet each pearl creates one unique bead. Pearls have been considered valuable & beautiful for centuries. Think about it, what starts as an irritant, becomes coated, like nurturing, producing something beautiful. Alone a pearl is not nearly as impressive as when grouped. Isn't life similar? When we learn to filter and keep the necessary - we often create something beautiful. Our experiences, friendships, and partnerships become another bead in our thread of pearls that increase in value over time. Then, we pass them along to future generations as treasures.

Solutions to sustainability require innovative thinking and approaches. If your company is interested in reducing your carbon footprint and you already have or want to start Zero Waste Initiatives, this product offers a solution. Did you know that in the US we use about 2 billion pens a year, and 1.6 of them wind up in the trash each year because they are out of ink? That's enough pens to circle the earth 6 times. A simple way to recycle in the break room, near a central trash bin or in the warehouse is this new box- ready to accept your pens, pencils and markers. Even place this box in public areas for recycling. The prepaid shipping label comes included with the Pens, Pencils, & Markers Zero Waste Box so when the box is full, it only needs to be sealed and picked up with your UPS shipments. TerraCycle takes care of the rest, sorting and recycling the accepted waste into new products and materials. Perfect for banks, stores, offices, schools, events Pre-paid return shipping label pre-affixed on box for ultimate convenience Accepted waste includes any metal or plastic pens , Marker, Highlighter, Caps, and Pencils. Excludes Wheat Straw Pens, Paint Brushes, Paint, Paint Tubes, Crayons, and Charcoal Pencils Branded with a 3” sticker affixed to the front of the box Ask us about a custom sleeve that can be reused when your next box arrives. Only pay for the custom sleeve once! Can hold up to 800 writing instruments depending on the size of the items Printed recycling guidelines on each box Material: Cardboard Standard Packaging: Shipped flat Product Size: 11″ W x 11″ L x 20″ H x 11″ D How simple? 1, 2, 3- order, deposit, ship back!

What if your purchases could offer a little more hope, a little more value? Many consumers are asking those questions. Increasingly our brand partners, have answers. Created for environmentally conscious consumers and designed to last, Terra Thread believes that great products shouldn’t cost the Earth. Terra Thread products are backed by numerous certifications supporting the brand’s commitment to providing the best bags for people and the planet! What's the Impact? Additional Reasons We Love Terra Thread Partnerships with these organizations and adhering to the mission to craft their products with more in mind than simply function and design. Through Terra Thread domestically they are responding to food insecurity by donating 12 meals to Feed America with your orders. As a Carbon Neutral, Certified B Corporation, Terra Thread puts people and the planet first, every step of the way from organic farms to your arms. All Terra Thread bags are produced in line with the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) and are made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory. Each purchase of Terra Thread product supports Feeding America's campaign to end hunger by providing meals to families and children in need.

Brand engagement is all about the number of impressions. There are 365 days in a year and this product rotates 360 degrees- so it's seems like a perfect pairing for many branding moments. As more consumers are switching to reusable drinkware over options that are tossed, that means some regular cleaning is required. This nifty tool is perfect for the home or office. This 3-in-1 multipurpose brush is suitable for cleaning all kinds of items, including bottles, lids, and mugs. Multi-function brush to clean bottle rims and lids Hanging hole allows you to hang it from a hook Comfortable grip Imprint area will accommodate most logos with a little added content Strong bristles and silicone U-shaped cupping brush Rotates 360 degrees for easy cleaning It's low cost and for us, just quirky enough to work!

Appealing to our sense of sight and touch, wood products continue to be a crowd pleaser. The world has dimension, it takes up space in the galaxy. It has peaks, valley and subterranean places to explore. The older I get, the more I realize it's the deep rich layers to life's story & journey that not only add dimension but serve to inspire. Today's post is one of those multi layer stories- what we see is not always the end of the story. What's behind these wooden products goes deeper than the tooling to create the designs used to promote your brand. We're seeing more products made with recycled & repurposed wood. Consumers are asking questions about where wood is coming from and the effects on the environment. Reforestation is now a wood that's become familiar to us. Our partners are responding to your questions with solutions. Our partner for these wooden products has teamed up with a global organization, planting trees because of the orders we place. Evertreen works with reforestation efforts in North America, Central America, Ethiopia, The Philippines, India, Mozambique, Kenya, Nepal and Madagascar. What makes the protection of trees such an important topic for the environment? Consider that trees do for us: Improve our physical & mental health Absorb cardon and help regulate the climate Absorb & filter pollutants in the air Improve water quality & watershed health Create a social impact through providing jobs around forestry and other industries and product biodiversity Next time you have a message that could use some dimension- ask us about wood. There are more layers to this story than initially meets the eye.

Today marks the celebration of Hot Breakfast Day, which provides us the opportunity to emphasize the significance of beginning our day with a warm and nourishing meal. As we savor the aroma of freshly cooked breakfast, it's essential to recognize the pivotal role that breakfast plays in shaping our educational journey. A hearty breakfast isn't just a pleasant culinary experience; it serves as the fuel our bodies and minds need to kickstart the day. Studies consistently show that students who regularly consume a nutritious breakfast tend to perform better academically. The reasons are clear – a well-balanced breakfast provides the energy and nutrients necessary for optimal cognitive function. When we indulge in a hot breakfast, whether it's oatmeal, eggs, or a steaming bowl of porridge, we're not only treating our taste buds but also making an investment in our education. The carbohydrates in breakfast foods supply glucose to the brain, enhancing concentration and memory. Proteins and essential nutrients support overall physical health, ensuring that students are alert and ready to absorb the day's lessons. Hot Breakfast Day serves as a reminder to prioritize this crucial meal, especially for students facing the demands of learning and growing. It's an opportunity to create positive habits that contribute to improved focus, mood, and overall well-being. To help pay forward the importance of a hot breakfast, we'd like you to join us to help FEED those with food insecurities. We are partnering to help feed others. When you purchase one of our new FEED bags between now and the end of April, you'll be helping at a global and local level. Globally FEED bags will give back and then locally we will donating profits from your order to Wake Tech's The Nest food pantry. By embracing the warmth of a nutritious morning meal. By doing so, we're not just savoring the flavors – we're actively contributing to a healthier, more energized, and successful educational experience. Cheers to the power of a hot breakfast in fueling the journey of knowledge! On a personal note- my journey as a WCPSS educator allowed me to see first hand the difference made when we respond to hunger in the classroom. It's hard to focus on learning when all you can think of is food. Some schools have food pantry's and backpack buddies to send home supplies for long weekends or holidays. We hope this Promotional Partners Cares initiative will inspire you to look for ways to assist locally.

An ace up your sleeve could be seen as an unfair advantage - we'd prefer to see this as planned ahead; strategic! Today's post is not about debating whether a hidden ace is cheating or strategy- instead it is about leveraging your assets for a winning hand. Like a gambler playing the odds, more assets at your fingertips create a successful outcome. Strategic marketing takes planning. An experienced partner is able to make larger tasks seem effortless by applying their knowledge. Recently I sat down with a new client who asked if she should go on our website and let us know what she wanted to order? I replied, "only if you want to miss out on all the value behind our relationship. " She responded that promotional products are waste of money: I just need something for an upcoming event. To which I replied that, " I agree, without a strategy to product or distribution- it's just stuff which is a waste. Without collaboration that yields a strategy behind the event, program or need for distribution a client is missing the magic in our partnership. In fact, sometimes I don't suggest a product distribution at all- it's about marketing strategy. A magician has more than one way to connect & create wonder. A master magician or experienced card player adapts to the audience. Growing your business through all the layers requires access to a full hand of knowledge & innovation. It's a thirst for knowledge that keeps us pursuing professional development; which enhances our creative hub- our artistry & magic. In 2023 the expansion of our showroom location to 3,000 sq feet from 2,250 allowed us more space to increase access to visual communications resources within our the design studio. For 2024 we've stacked the deck even more assets; including new partnerships, programs & resources that will infuse fresh and innovative ways to solve your challenges. Our February partner newsletter will announce exciting new assets-an ace up each sleeve.

They say the only thing in life that's for sure is death and taxes. If you ask me, rain should be in that statement. Odds are it's going to rain! If you have to be out the rain, you don't want to get wet. There are a variety of ways to help shed rain & protect you from the elements. The last thing you want to feel is soak and like a wet dog, shaking off the water. What types of products will protect you? For example seam sealed zippers, they keep out the rain. The notebook in this blog post sheds water & rain- allowing you to rite in rain. A rain poncho- but do you really like the look? Today's weather defying product is this new umbrella that permanently sheds water away from you. I'd suggest instead of jiggling and joggling away the rain, this umbrella performs a specific way, but alas that would be a trademark infringement. We seek out creative partnerships & products to bring innovative ideas for you! How does this innovative product work? The secret is cutting-edge technology equipped with a nanotech coating on its canopy, enhance its durability and water-repellent properties. Raindrops simply roll off. Plus is folds, has auto open/close for effortless performance even in gusty winds. Perhaps you'd like to see a demo? Watch this video. We love when innovation & creativity pack a powerful punch for your brand. We'd say this product is one for our quirky enough to work series!

Do you know the supply chain journey your products took before reaching you? Yes- if you have an AWARE bag. Transparency for the consumer has never been easier. Use the tracker embedded into the thread partials to track the path your product took before reaching you. Right now these smart choices are perfect for travel, remote work, shopping and of course conferences! Don't just talk about goals, offer the proof behind your sustainability initiatives. Carry your essentials inside this casual tote bag made with 100% recycled materials The AWARE™ exterior is the world’s first hybrid (physical tracer+public blockchain) traceability technology delivering an indisputable way to track and validate textile impact from origin to consumer A classic, purposeful design with two top handles long enough to carry on the shoulder or by hand A truly sustainable and reusable bag for everyday use. To learn more, visit wearaware.co or watch this video. Currently only totes, mini utility pouch and aprons have this technology integration. We will be watching for more products like this to share with you. What do you think of this type of technology & data?

Peach fuzz! Today we are not talking about youthful faces & a bit of beard developing or yummy summer fruit. Instead we are discussing the pantone color of the year for 2024. Are you a fan? This color may not have mass appeal. How do we know? Well, we polled you in our January newsletter and here are the results. Apparently not so many of our poll responders were raving fans. Perhaps due to the soft pastel not fitting a lot of brand guides from our partners or maybe its because many consider peach fuzz a spring- summer color without year-round appeal. Whatever the reason, Pantone makes their own decisions- without consulting our team or our research. If you are seeking peach- then you will be delighted to know we do have options. If the word pantone confuses you completely- then this post defining the word pantone is perfect for you. In the post we break down popular color codes to help you understand the art files at your fingertips and how different types are used for different applications for the best image resolution. Would you like to share your thoughts with us? We'd love to hear your comments.

A Farmer's Market provides more than fresh produce & meats, or handmade goods- these are business owners fostering community connections. You can't get more grass roots to the local economy at work than the opportunity to meeting the farmer providing you food. It's important for each booth to draw you into the space. By learning the back story behind their products, and their why for farming, you become an economic driver, a loyal consumer & part of the farm to table initiative for supporting local farmer's. Here's a story that started in 2020 as a way to increase visibility, draw in more consumers, share a personal story and build brand identity. Objective: Andreas Homestead is a small farm located in Apex, NC owned by a husband and wife duo. They raise pastured chickens, ducks, and turkey that are fed organic soy free feed from day one. Create an environment that tells the story of who Andreas Homestead is at local farmers markets. Their core demographic is interested in purchasing quality poultry as a lifestyle choice or for health reasons. Take a look at some of the products behind this collaboration: Solution: After meeting with Lynn and Mike, we were inspired to help tell their story. We refreshed & updated their logo and provided marketing strategies for enhancing their booth space to increase traffic & commerce. We suggested that the banner feature the new logo and be used as a backdrop to set the scene. The booth now provides the essence of stepping onto their farm. We also suggested staging a table- "from our farm to your table" experience to elevate the discussion around wholesome food. Additionally we encouraged them to hand out favorite recipes from their own family meals with the meats. By sharing recipes at the market, through their website & on their social media, they are sharing the personal aspect of their family life with consumers. For their 10 year celebration, we designed a flag to stand out among the row of booths. The result? They are selling out of products each week! “I cannot stress how pleased I am to work with the Promotional Partners team. They are outstanding! The ideas and creative solutions they presented me gave me lots of options! They worked with me to create material that I am happy with and still accomplished my goals!” Lynn- Andreas Homestead Visit Mike & Lynn at the Holly Springs Farmer's Market. Click the link for information about the location and times depending on the time of year. Want to see ways other ways we are making a difference through our core values of creativity, collaboration, certification and community? Head back to this blog about our core values at work.