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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!

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.

The name Boska is a Slavic feminine given name derived from the root "bog," meaning "God" or divine. BOSKA as a brand is superior, perhaps even divine to the user. It's a Dutch kitchen brand of cutlery, slicers and other food tools that's new to our industry. We're always searching for new, exclusive partnerships with trusted brand name products. As you can see from this imagery, the brand is not only functional, but beautiful- adding elegance to any setting. When it's time to gift, brands matter. Consumers appreciate trusted brands. Besides, the back story behind their brand might just align with your values, offering even more value to your brand identity. As a trusted partner, our certified knowledge, combined with our innate creativity is reflected in our marketing strategies. Visionary assurance, united purpose is our goal for each collaboration. Founded in 1896, BOSKA began as a producer of specialized cheese tools and later evolved into a modern collection of knives, boards, fondue sets and kitchen essentials. BOSKA’s products are crafted with sustainability and longevity in mind, with its kitchen tools carrying a 10-year or lifetime guarantee. BOSKA’s wood items are also made with Forest Stewardship Certified materials (FSC-C191180), a global certification that measures responsible forestry practices. BOSKA is a certified B Corp, aligning corporate social responsibility programs. Explore the collection here. BOSKA is part of the mindfully made, meaningful products that offer offer long-lasting brand impressions with our partner Gemline. Explore their entire new line of products in this 2026 collection. Included in this launch are DOMETIC coolers, lifestyle hydration brand Ringo , and RIGWA reusable food containers. Discover what's new, including additions to brands we've already featured in our blog such as Out of the Woods , VSSL , Samsonite, American Tourister , Parker, Waterman, Sharpie, Paper Mate , AWARE , Native Union , Anker , and Yankee Candle . Our website does not always feature all the options we offer. Ask for the most up to date information regarding these brands. When you're ready to elevate the brand engagement experience- remember we offer brands that matter!

February 10th is National Umbrella Day. Will your ideal consumer recall your brand offers protection, security, comfort or innovative solutions? An inversion umbrella closes away from you, keep water away. It's an innovative approach that turns a problem into a solution. As a marketing medium, an umbrella influences consumers. It ranks high for its cost per impression, has longevity of use, offers brand recall and gains high impressions over time. We've got you covered! 5 recap posts breaking down key features & styles 5 Myth Busters - debunking myths as a advertising & marketing medium. Defying Nature - auto open and auto close options that tame the weather. Discover how the canopy of a full color umbrella has a unique ability to share a story. Offer rest, relaxation, comfort and protection with an umbrella. Explore this post. Brands that repel water! We first featured this product in 2024 post. Weatherman umbrellas are perfect for the course offering protection for you & your gear. Ask about creating a curated kit for your next event! As a gift, an umbrella is a proven long term, high impact advertising & marketing strategy. It might seem at first glance quirky, but this practical product also offers unique graphic space and eco-friendly options - which aligns with our goal to provide you visionary assurance, united purpose through each collaboration.

Today's post is about ingenuity, which is creativity at work. Creativity comes in many forms. Bringing original, innovative thinking to challenges in the workplace is another way to celebrate National Creativity Month. Friday, March 6th is Employee Appreciation Day. Are you ready? Now, is the perfect time to plan a program for: Performance Leadership Milestones Achievements Service Anniversaries Demonstrating Core Values Sales Goals Customer Service Innovation at work Organizations with a culture of recognition have employees who are 7 times more likely to stay with the company and 11 times more likely to feel completely committed to their jobs. Recognition is a driver of employee engagement, and reflects your corporate culture. Perpetual awards showcase and recognize individuals each week, month or year making a difference. However, all those plaques and free standing awards require wall & counter space. Here's an innovative approach. Watch how simple it is to change the graphic. Simply insert printed paper into this acrylic award, creating a simple, budget friendly approach to your recognition efforts. If you prefer a desk or counter style- no problem. Maybe you have a break room or waiting area? Share your core values with a fun game of tic tac toe! Aligning your values and goals simply requires some creative thinking. We're ready to play. Put our visionary assurance, united purpose to work creating for your brand.

Since it's National Embroidery Month , it's the perfect moment to remind you that our showroom collection of wearable brands is always expanding. Ask us about deco processes for patches & direct embroidery. Caps for example, offer an extraordinary canvas for your message. What are some of our favorites from this new launch? Styles and brands that look as good as they feel. Comfort is key to remaining in your closet. Why brand your team if no one wants to wear the products? Fit, style and comfort matter. In the fall, I covered the seven emerging trends influencing consumer purchases for their wardrobe and explored trusted hard working brands , ways to button up without being boring, and claiming your brand space around town. Are you a member of the Apex, Fuquay-Varina or Holly Springs Chamber of Commerce? We host private label stores for cohesive branding, controlling your inventory, fundraising, e-commerce and ease of onboarding employees. We have experience hosting & fulfilling orders, plus we offer several different platforms to insure the right fit for your project. Hosting is free for our chamber partners! Don't need a store but have an immediate need for new gear? Throughout February your embroidery set up is discounted 50% for 25 pcs and FREE for 50 pc orders! We LOVE our local partners. For 2026, we have five high impact strategies to grow your brand. Afterall, a thriving business community is important to the economic vitality of our communities. Not a chamber member, but still looking for a discount? Let's meet up at a local chamber event. I'll pay it forward and introduce you to some folks I know! Business thrives on making connections. When you're ready to shop, set up a time to meet with our team in our 3,000 sq ft showroom & design studio. Discover what's behind our pledge to offer you visionary assurance, united purpose. Explore the spring launch here.