Exploring our parks, provides us a sense of belonging, we connect with our surroundings and are reminded of the beauty around us. Summertime is a great time to explore parks! On a recent trip to the Boone area, we not only escaped the heat but walked along the river in Valle Crucis NC. For nearly 40 years, there's been a celebration for Park and Recreation Month in July to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. Keep reading for information borrowed from the NRPA website . This month is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the more than 160,000 full-time park and recreation professionals — along with hundreds of thousands of part-time and seasonal workers and volunteers — who maintain our country’s local, state and community parks.   This year's theme, by NRPA is —  “Where You Belong”  —   celebrates the many ways park and recreation professionals across the country foster a sense of belonging in their community by providing welcoming and inclusive programs, essential services for all ages and abilities, and safe, accessible spaces to build meaningful connections. The Town of Apex held an event, Women that Design back in March, during Women's History Month. It was interesting to hear from women that are designing parks, schools and other public spaces with an inclusive environment that is both safe & accessible for all. This Park and Recreation Month let’s unite and uplift the many reasons why local parks and recreation truly embodies the essence of belonging. Together, we can demonstrate why these spaces are Where You Belong. In the triangle we are fortunate to have access to an abundant amount of choices for parks. Locally, there are many hands working behind the scenes. Imagine the amount of efforts behind the scenes to clean, prune, mulch and protect our local parks! For example in Apex , Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs you can explore numerous parks. Looking for a national park experience? These USA MADE candles each capture the essence of the aroma's associated with these national parks! When you are looking for a unique way to connect - consider how candles create a setting that is inviting & relaxing. Each of these candles is all natural soy and hand crafted this candle is ethically sourced and produced. It is 100% eco friendly, 100% recyclable and made in Seattle, WA, USA. In order to preserve the national parks these candles are inspired by Well & Good Supply Co. makes annual donations to the National Park Foundation. 80+ hour burn time. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of all EcoSmart® products are donated to environmental nonprofits.  Inspired by Redwood National Park the scent is composed of oakmoss, sage, citrus and damp earth. Inspired by Zion National Park the scent is composed of desert lavender, sage and dried herbs. Inspired by Rainier National Park the scent is composed of balsam fir needle, balsamic woody crushed pine needles and citrus. How about some popular outdoor activities such as: Disc golf Pickleball Biking What should you take on the trail? Here are some product ideas. Popular name brands such as- Solo Stove , Coleman , Columbia, Dri-Duck and more ! Do you have a favorite park or activity? We'd love to know.

Ready to upgrade your processes and save more time for fun? Try radio-frequency identification labels! What are the advantages of this quirky enough to work idea? Enhanced Inventory Management: RFID labels enable businesses to move beyond traditional barcode systems, with an automated approach to inventory management. Using RFID technology, businesses can track their assets and inventory in real-time with unparalleled accuracy. Increased Efficiency and Productivity: RFID technology helps streamline processes, reduce labor costs, and boost overall productivity. Improved Traceability and Authentication: In industries where traceability is crucial, such as pharmaceuticals, food, and electronics, RFID labels offer an unparalleled solution. These labels can store detailed information about a product’s journey from manufacturing to distribution. This not only aids in tracing the origin of a product but also helps in verifying its authenticity, mitigating the risks associated with counterfeiting. Reduced Errors and Shrinkage: Manual data entry is susceptible to human errors, leading to inaccuracies in inventory records. RFID labels, on the other hand, minimize these errors by automating data capture. The result is a reduction in shrinkage, as businesses can more effectively track and manage their assets, preventing loss due to misplaced or stolen items. Seamless Supply Chain Visibility: RFID labels contribute to a more transparent and interconnected supply chain. Through the ability to track products in real-time, businesses gain a comprehensive view of their supply chain activities. This enhanced visibility not only improves overall logistics but also allows for quick identification and resolution of any bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Facilitating Smart Retail: In the retail sector, RFID labels enable a seamless and enhanced shopping experience. From inventory management to customer engagement, these labels empower retailers to implement smart solutions such as automated checkout systems, interactive displays, and personalized promotions. This not only improves customer satisfaction, but also positions the business at the forefront of technological innovation. RFID labels are proving to be a transformative technology with far-reaching implications for businesses across various industries. As the global market continues to evolve, those embracing RFID technology are gaining a competitive edge by redefining how they manage inventory, enhance productivity, and ensure the authenticity of their products. As businesses look towards the future, the adoption of RFID labels is undeniably a strategic move towards a more efficient, error-free, and interconnected operational landscape. Let us help you grow your business with specialty labels! This idea and type of technology is another example of why our website has no shopping cart- this is a special quote.

Convey your thoughts in an instant! Using emoji's on social media posts, we know how you feel in an instant. When you are seeking ways to unify teams, messages or share feelings- an instant patch could be the answer to this challenge. Take a look at some stock emoji images below. In fact, we offer stock card programs  for all types of occasions & events. Did you see the video in our last post? Olivia demonstrated how easy it was to apply these types of patches and the post discusses how building awareness for your brand takes both consistency & ingenuity. Read more here , about how this low cost idea is a new strategy for a local non- profit growing awareness for their efforts to support women going through breast cancer. You know we love quirky enough to work ideas- and these types of patches were used to create custom cards for Cary Quilting - read the story here in this post . Then take a look at this case study , featuring ways custom products can provide you the retail brand experience for growing awareness for your company, non-profit or event. After-all the point of marketing is to build brand identity & recognition for you. Becoming a recognizable brand requires thought, consistency & delivering a clear message. Brand identity is more than a logo or the colors & fonts associated with a logo. We love crafting stories that make you want to share your emotional response- let's capture the feeling with a custom emoji for your loyal fans! Both of today's post also capture local woman-owned partnerships at work!

Partnership stories are one of our favorite types of campaigns. Sharing what is important to you with others. Today is World Emoji Day - we use emoji's to convey reactions and feelings. If you've ever had a friend or family member go through breast cancer, you know there are a lot of emotions being felt. Sometimes providing individuals with a sense of unity to thought, feeling or support is just what's needed. A product that's easy to apply to any surface is an instant image . This is a very creative & adaptable medium that can become any shape or size, plus easily added to tumbler, laptop or clothing to show support and care. Take a look at these instant stickers we did recently for the Triple T Foundation . Then watch this video clip demonstrating instant images near the end. It might be the beginning of summer, which is the best time to plan for fall events & promotions to insure you have the right product & the right graphic tied into your message. The gift of time & planning allows our graphic talents plenty of time to play with concepts. Breast Cancer awareness may be an area of focus for your company to donate to research efforts, participate in a local walk or support the efforts of a local non-profits due to personal loss. Cancer awareness screening is part of a strong healthcare plan and reminds your team that self care matters- make the time. No matter the reason that breast cancer aligns with your values, what's important is raising awareness for all. In addition to magnets, tees, buttons, bags, and pins. Lip balm is another option. Our showroom & design studio are spaces for collaboration & exploration before selecting your final items for distribution, like a educational lunch about the importance of early detection & screening. Take a look at these wellness kits for WakeMed , a compassionate team of expert physicians and staff dedicated to caring for you.  Looking for some inspiration before we meet? Check out this flipbook full of ideas!

Is Beauty only skin deep? Nope, not with the right partner. When you partner with PMD Beauty, not only are you part of the premier beauty experience, but you are also a partner to building confidence. Confidence is one of those words that's deeper than your skin. It's a word that means you are comfortable and self assured beneath the skin that other's see. Through #BrilliantConfidence, the brand focuses on uplifting, inspiring and empowering both men & women to love themselves! Building confidence through your skin, to your inner self & families so you can embrace all life has to offer. Brilliant Confidence is an effort to touch every corner of the globe. PMD Beauty partners with non-profits like Gyrl Wonder, an organization that focuses on empowering ambitious African- American young women to conquer their personal & professional dreams. Gyrl Wonder operates under 5 pillars- self care, self image, empowerment, development and service. These pillars align with PMD Beauty's mission of building #BrilliantConfidence around the world. What's special about the product? PMD Clean is a smart facial cleansing device. With over 7,000 vibrations per minute, SonicGlow™ technology not only ensures a deep cleanse, but provides a way to lift, firm, and tone problem areas for a more youthful appearance. Comes with a clear stand to keep the device out of the way and ready for use! All PMD Beauty products go through rigorous testing and trials to ensure they continue to provide the promised high-quality results over years of use. Their innovative products use cutting edge technology developed in-house and backed by science. Another one of our ProudPath collection of brands- but why? PMD Clean is a "Brand That Gives Back" In an effort to spread Brilliant Confidence to all corners of the globe, PMD Beauty partners with non-profits like Gyrl Wonder, an organization that focuses on empowering ambitious Black young women to conquer their personal and professional dreams.

Is your business owned by a woman? Locally, by towns, county's and states- there are an increasing number of WMBE programs and the state offers certifications for woman- owned business through the NC HUB office. Nationally there are even more membership organizations and certification representing women. Our company is part of North Carolina's HUB program - we've been certified since 2007 and several municipality MBE and WMBE programs. Consider these facts: According to the SBA - In 1972, there were a little over 400,000 women-owned businesses in the United States. Until 1988, women needed a male relative to co-sign if they wanted to apply for a business loan. That same year, the Women’s Business Ownership Act increased SBA’s access to capital to provide financial assistance to organizations geared toward women-owned small businesses. By 2019, women-owned businesses represented 42% of all U.S. businesses and generated $1.9 trillion worth of revenue. Today, there are over 13 million women-owned businesses and counting. Every October, SBA honors the milestone achievements of today’s women-owned businesses.  October is Women's Entrepreneur Month and Forbes had this to say about ways to avoid pitfalls in your entrepreneur journey. To honor the impact of women in leadership, their innovative contributions and how women are supporting other women through mentoring moments, we created our Pearls of Wisdom Series in March- with blog posts and videos sharing valuable insights from a variety of professional women in the area. Your interest in the series created a generated a desire to create a local event. We are looking forward to the Apex Chamber Women of Innovation Discussion- The Value of Coloring Outside the Lines on October 28th. Interested? Sign up for tickets here . Not only will this event offer amazing insights by our panel, but attendees will be paying it forward- half their ticket price will go to Wake Tech Rally Fund. Mentoring moments and professional development are ways women can support each other. Sharing lessons learned, resilient moments and why a path that's outside the norm is important. Promotional Partners will put a spotlight on women in business in October by sponsoring the Apex Chamber Women of Innovation Event & giving each attendees a FEED bag - a woman-owned partnership story that is addressing food insecurities & giving back to the environment. Will you join the fun?

Don't we all want more? Simple concepts that yield more value and keep bunnies leaping! Imagine the possibilities when your purchase can do more. For example, partnering with brand that has a clear vision- inspiring others to live in balance with nature. All Good is a lifestyle brand with a clear vision: to live and to inspire others to live in balance with nature. They are proud to maintain an organic farm that employs regenerative farming techniques, ensuring higher quality products. It is also important to them that they maintain ethically sourced supply chains. Why We Love All Good Since the early days of farmers' markets and the invention of All Good Goop, All Good has become an international brand with a long list of awards and certifications under its belt. From being awarded the PETA Certificate of Appreciation 2009 to winning 2016 Family-Owned Business of the Year, All Good has been recognized dozens of times based on their close connection to the environment and community. Being a certified Climate Neutral Company and certified B Corporation, All Good balance’s purpose with profit. Each decision they make is purposeful, focusing on the impact they have. As a B Corporation, the brand has been awarded Best for the World 2017, 2018, and 2019. They continue to strive towards greatness — both in terms of their products and the causes they support. USA MADE! Certified Woman- Owned! Free from nasty chemicals, All Good products use soothing and nurturing clean ingredients, giving users the added peace of mind knowing the products are better for your body, the oceans, as well as the planet. What qualifies this item to be part of our ProudPath collection? Purpose Partner Being a certified Climate Neutral Company and certified B Corporation, All Good balances purpose with profit. Each decision they make is purposeful, focusing on the impact they have. What is ProudPath about- watch this video on our website. Brand That Gives Back As a member of 1% For the Planet, All Good donates 1% of all sales (not just profits) to restorative environmental causes. It’s a simple way they hold themselves accountable for giving back. Responsible Sourcing All Good, certified organic by Oregon Tilth Certified Organic, sources organically grown herbs, oils, and raw ingredients. This ensures their products are free from harmful pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers, while promoting diverse ecosystems, healthy soil, and clean groundwater. Ownership Diversity As a certified Women Owned small business , All Good is recognized for adding diversity throughout their supply chain. Ask us about these options: which in addition to being USA Made and from our of our woman- owned partners, each is - Leaping Bunny certified (that means cruelty-free!) Lip balm- All Good Lip Balm with SPF is crafted with plant-based sun care ingredients that blend in with your skin, glide on easily, and hydrate your lips without having to reapply again and again (and again). Made from a formula of dried medicinal herbs, Vitamin E, extra virgin olive oil and pure beeswax, this non-toxic lip balm glides on and starts hydrating immediately. It's fine for sensitive skin, long-lasting, goes on easy, never waxy, and tested during even the harshest Midwestern winters. Use it on dry lips or cracked skin (even on cuticles) to smooth things out and keep skin hydrated. To beef things up, All Good made their lip balms broad spectrum SPF to protect your lips from UVA and UVB rays by using a healthy dose of zinc oxide for sun protection. Which, by the way, is oxybenzone-free and the same stuff we use in our reef safe (or friendly) sunscreens. Skin recovery balm - All Good Goop offers deep soothing organic moisture for all those spots that dry out fast like hands, feet, heels, or lips. Crafted with many wonderful ingredients including calendula oil a skin repairing, rejuvenating, and anti-inflammatory flower. This 1oz skin recovery balm is the perfect size to throw in your daypack or bike bag and have it ready when you head out on your next adventure. Prevent blisters, soothe sunburn, relieve bug bites, and slather on dry lips. It's the all-in-one ointment you'll want to have along. Sunscreen butter- Made from organic ingredients and zinc-oxide, this reef friendly butter physically blocks UVA/UVB rays and goes on thick to protect your skin in the most extreme environments (even if that extreme environment is your community pool). Super hydrating and easy to blend thanks to coconut oil and jojoba oil, this sunscreen doesn?t leave your skin greasy and won't clog your pores (sensitive skin, rejoice!). Zinc oxide actually sits on top of your skin to physically block UVA and UVB rays, and beeswax gives this butter an extra oomph in the water department (water-resistant for 80 minutes). Who's ready to try this brand?

Did you have a favorite stuff animal? Bet you did. You might even have saved it for yourself or your kids. The connection & comfort we associate with our plush buddies is undeniable. In fact, according to History.com on February 15, 1903, toy store owner and inventor Morris Michtom places two stuffed bears in his shop window, advertising them as Teddy bears. Michtom petitioned President Theodore Roosevelt for permission to use his nickname. While bears might still be one of the most popular- plush comes in many forms- desk size shorties to key tag styles and large collectables . Customization and branding plush is not just for the gift shop or school spirit sales. Maybe you have a four legged friend that's part of your team? Consider how comfort gifts reduce loneliness and trauma. Also, think beyond kids! Adults still find plush cute, making associations for emotional safety & fun. Besides a character can do & say things people can't! Having a mascot for your brand offers a fun element for social media or to start a discussion about what Teddy would do. Think of plush with purpose! Characters are the perfect way to capture the magic behind the scenes at your company. If you can't find a stock option, remember, we can create a custom characters for you! Next time you're seeking something quirky enough to work- consider plush. Take a look at this recent mascot pups for our partners at R&R Towing & PRS ! Once you have that mascot- don't for get dog toys & accessories for those real four legged friends!

We like helping you make a lasting impression. Whether it's an entrance mat to trap dirt and moisture, an anti-fatigue mat for staff comfort, enhance branding in reception areas, and add valuable content space. Own your space and market your message using long lasting floor mats! What are some of the benefits of a floor mat? Safety, messaging, comfort and beauty! Floor mats are USA MADE, quick turn and offer the perfect union of branding & function by creating a first impression that welcomes you into the space. We've done a variety of floor mats over the years for many different types of industries- but today, let's watch these videos to capture the many options we offer. Comparing these options in our showroom is another reason to visit the showroom and the huge surface area is absolutely the reason to start the process in our design studio! Watch this video clip to explore options! Of course, set up a time to visit the showroom!

Surely you've heard the phrase as American as Apple Pie! What types of products align with this phrase? Almond Apple Pie Bites or Green Apple Gummies or tea packs with sweet apple Apple Core tool is a perfect gift for a new homeowner, include your own favorite apple pie recipe card! Shirts made with apple peels? Journals made with apple peels? In fact, show off the value of your company by giving away organic ApPeel® Grande Journal's made from apple pulp and other vegetable fibers that are ground and emulsified into an organic material with an eco-peel cover. Did you notice there was not a link to our website? Well, our site does not include all of our partners! Why? Not only would our site be tremendous, but we don't want you to lose track of your important work or leisure hours searching endlessly on our website for ideas. Once we collaborate with you, it's simple for us to use our industry knowledge & our creative thinking to suggest out of the ordinary ideas. It's part of what makes our relationship special. Read more about our behind the scenes process in this post . After-all, the title of the post is People Talk About Brands, Not Vending Machines. Our July newsletter explored how to project your brand by thinking like larger brands. Take the next step and collaborate one- on- one; brainstorming in our showroom & design studio is your local advantage .

Connection is about being in the right place, at the right time. It's been HOT! Staying cool is on everyone's mind. Outdoor events are popular in summer months, but the temp's heat up attendees. Offer shoppers and visitors something to keep them cool now & later. Consider mega prizes, like a BruMate Bru Tank! Beat summer heat with product that provide ways to chill out. Portable Fans - shopping downtown between stores Personal Misting - outdoor concerts Cooling Towels - those working outdoors or fitness enthusiasts Chill Scarves - for those volunteering or working outside Ice Packs - to take home cold foods Decorative ice cubes - as gifts or beverage stores BruMate Bru Tank - try a contest to win one of these coolers- bet you'll get folks to sign up Recharge Power Bank & Fan Combo Each of these products is a useful way to connect. What's your favorite product for staying cool?

There is something appealing to the senses when we see a product that's functional and a work of art. The popularity of artisan products is on the rise- consumers are trading mass produced plastics for handcrafted products and the natural beauty of wood. Quality products found in retail locations and made from bamboo provide the opportunity to simultaneously associate your brand with beauty and sustainability. Bamboo is seen as a very sustainable crop, because it's a fast-growing grass that requires no fertilizer and regenerates from its own roots, so it does not need to be replanted. Besides, it grows almost three feet a day! Read more here . Check out these hand-crafted wood products that your recipient will keep, use, and display in their home. Learn more about the story of this family-owned and operated brand in this video . This is also one of our woman-owned partnerships! Take a look at the 2022 catalog here . These products are not only beautiful gifts, but a great addition to our quirky enough to work series! Ready to make an impression?