A vending machine is located in a lobby or in a place where the public gathers and usually waits! It represents a transaction- not a relationship. Think about a vending machine for a second. You go to one for a quick transaction, hoping to find a food or beverage. Once the purchase is complete, you don't sit around thinking about what you purchased or the experience of using the machine. Well, unless you had to fight with it to release your purchase! If a business approached marketing like offering options from a vending machine, would that strategy create lasting memories & form relationships? Doubtful. In the right hands, our industry is more than brand fill. A marketing partner offers more than a vending machine transaction. There is no shopping cart on our website on purpose! Instead we have numerous pages designed to share our relationship story; our value proposition. We've been in business 17 years. Over those years our knowledge base has become immense. When we're asked to utilize our knowledge and we combine that expertise & experience with our natural creativity magic happens . There is no magic in a vending machine. Choosing to shop on our website only, means is missing our value. Instead we become simply a transaction, unable to flex our marketing & graphic assets. Marketing campaigns are developed by understanding you, your brand values & your goals. Through getting to know you, we offer solutions that elevate your message. Creative concepts become strategy, and strategy resonates with your target market. The outcome of our relationship effects change with target market. Our team's natural talents, plus years of experience & certification's have effectively shaped 1,000's of campaigns. Our clever concepts yield financial results, earn awarding winning merits & motivate consumer behavior. Here are a few case studies, showcasing how we offer more than a vending machine transaction. You've heard the word Chotskies, you know, useless items. Through collaboration, we tap into your mindset and develop a plan of action that doesn't include needless purchases. Rather than approaching projects with the mindset, " I just need a bunch of stuff to give away at my table to bring people over to my booth" our partnership offers a mindset around cultivating a brand experience. Real dollars are being spent on the items purchased; therefore, each expenditure should serve a purpose. Your target market is not a random strangers seeking a transaction; never to be seen again. When you pay to be a sponsor or exhibitor at an event, the point is to jump start an introduction to your brand. We accelerate the conversation in a meaningful way through our design expertise & creative thinking. It's exciting to develop a version of your business logo for a themed event, because we can avoid pitfalls in the design process that result in decoration challenges. Our tagline is visionary assurance, united purpose because we are more than a place to buy a promotional product- you can buy anywhere, just like a vending machine transaction. Ask us to share case studies from our deep inventory of successful partnerships or explore a few here in our blog!

Purposeful Partnerships! That's the answer! Today we explore some meaningful Made In America Partnerships! Today let's explore each of these brand partners & what makes them special. Noshinku - Nourishing & rehydrating hand sanitizer, that is distilled from organic cane sugar alongside a conditioning blend of Aloe, Rosa Canina, Jojoba and Argan to soothe, moisturize and protect skin. Experience the difference! American Giant is a brand that gives back & is focused on responsible sourcing. Did you know, American Giant revitalizes local communities by creating local jobs, supporting local farmers & re-opening previously shuttered factories here in the USA. The company supports local farmers in the communities where the brand operates by sourcing high-quality American cotton for their products, sourced in part from cotton growers in the Carolina's and it feels incredible! Wolverine - Only 9 percent of high school students pursuing careers in the trades, skilled labor is in short supply. Wolverine has assembled a team to champion these important jobs by starting Project Bootstrap to advocate for the skilled trades. Through strategic partnerships and initiatives, Project Bootstrap works to break down common misconceptions around the skilled trades industry, while supporting and inspiring the next generation of skilled trades workers in effort to close the trades gap. So far, Wolverine has donated over $2 million to advance the skilled trades. Moop - is also a woman-owned partnership, offering canvas bags crafted with exceptional quality & designed in small batches, with sustainability in mind. These bags are built for all of life's adventures!  Rite in Rain - tough enough to survive rain, sweat, mud and anything else mother nature throws at it. An all weather solution to writing important notes. This partner is also part of our partnership with 1% For the Planet, an organization that partners with environmental nonprofits. Good & Well - we offer several scents inspired by our National Parks! 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. Well & Good Supply Co. makes annual donations to the National Park Foundation. Through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of all EcoSmart® products are donated to environmental nonprofits.  Seventh Avenue Apothecary - we offer several scents. Responsible Sourcing. These artisan-made candles are created by using American grown soybeans sourced in the United States. This partner is one of our ownership diversity partners, a family-owned business that carries on the legacy of five generations of Tampa-based entrepreneurs. Baronfig - for creative thinkers! Selecting a partner is an important part of your brand messaging. It's not just the product, but also how it aligns with your values. Besides, this partner is 100% employee-owned, designed with simplicity, usefulness & community in mind- something our creative side appreciates and they are also part of our ProudPath partnership; making the world a better place The Made*Here New York Basketweave Cotton Blanket is a luxurious throw blanket made from cotton, knit in Long Island. Partnerships Matter , click to watch the video! If you follow our socials, which we hope you do! You saw our cascade of USA Made, purpose brands on July 2- Made in USA Day! Looking for more posts & stories? Simply follow this category on a regular basis for USA Made partnerships.

Jump into summer and make a splash- a brand splash. The facts are simple- towels make a splash for a brand for 3 reasons. LARGEST DEMOGRAPHIC    No Need to worry about sizing!   Towels are a ‘one size fits all’ solution that make a perfect gift for any group or industry. LONGEST DURABILITY    Towels are washed and reused time and time again; outlasting the durability of most other promotional products. LARGEST IMPRINT AREA    Towels offer one of the LARGEST imprint areas in the promotional product industry, up to 25″ x 50″! Take your brand identity on an adventure. Content area is critical to growing brand awareness- be seen this summer. What are some of our favorite towels you should consider? 30" X 60" Sand-Free Waffle Beach Towel 35" X 60" Beach Towel Bungalow Beach Towel 30" X 60" Beach Towel Something you want to make a splash, but you only need one! How about the popular summer brand Lilly Pulitzer? Yes- we have brand names too! Ready to make a splash?

Have you ever seen a grill master at work? Some folks "got it" and some folks just enjoy the outcome of their efforts. No matter whether your recipient is the decor master, party planning master, grill master or just the master of fun- quality brand name products from names we all trust are an appreciated way to show gratitude. Reward key relationships with Cuisinart OutdoorsTM. In this line are a wide range of products designed to elevate your outdoor cooking and entertaining experiences. From portable grills and accessories to outdoor essentials, Cuisinart Outdoors combines durability, functionality, and style to help you create delicious meals and unforgettable moments in any outdoor setting. Explore the options here. Sometimes you only need one! Yes- we have those options too, How about the quality of Lodge brand products! Sometimes you only need one unit! Here are a few more name brand to consider. Mammoth cooler- JBL speaker Lodge Cast Iron Looking for more ways to spice up your summer promotions? Check out these previous blog posts- sometimes a pinch is necessary and looking to spice things up!

Getting noticed is all in the delivery. The visuals matter. Perhaps it's time for you to consider fresh ideas, that make your brand rise & shine among the pack. Did you know we sell coffee beans? Yep! Packaged in USA Made bags, beans from regions of South & Central America- responsibly sourced. Let us enhance the message with custom graphics! Connecting with your target market is essential. If you have a new product or an idea that you'd like to pitch, sending an invite to join you for a cup of coffee or dropping off a bag with your "secret" blend of what makes you special is clever marketing. It's also one of our quirky enough to work ideas- our signature way of showcasing how the ordinary becomes a low cost, high impact marketing tool when we apply our originality to the project.

Summer is meant for lazy days basking in delight of a sunny day. Protecting your skin, while you enjoy summer fun at the beach & pool will not only help prevent cancer, but those sun spots & wrinkles once your youth starts to fade! Harsh? It's true, our skin does not bounce back so well from summer sun exposure as we age. Consider adding some Sun Bum to your next summer promotion. Love the look of a Bogg Bag, but want to save a little on the price? We have several knock offs, that will be appreciated by recipients. if you want custom additions, for example making the holes in the side of the bag a shape that reflects your brand or message- just ask; but plan ahead- that is a custom request. What should you add to your bag? Here are some of our suggestions: Straw Topper- for that re-useable straw tumbler Snack tray to put over the top of your reusable tumbler Towels- of all shapes, sizes and price points Flip Flops- brand names, custom and knock offs! Sun alert stickers Sunglasses sleeve Towel Chair Clip Set Crafting a kit that fits your budget, style preferences, time line and that represents your brand values are all elements to each of our collaborations. Many of the items in the post image are not only functional but provide a large imprint space, so we can get creative through our graphic design services. Make- no plans to worry, we've got you covered. Simply enjoy the sun this summer and bask in increased brand awareness, while your brand travels through the summer months with your recipients.

What's better than not sweating in the summer? A sale! The MiiR Tomo- 33 ounces is normally $94.78 for a minimum of 8 units, it's now only $37.79 each! Plus feel good about your choice, knowing how MiiR gives back, empowers & where they draw inspiration for their name and designs. Every MiiR product sold helps fund transparent giving projects. MiiR gives at least 1% of revenue to nonprofit organizations whose work empowers communities while benefiting the health of their natural environments. Drawing its name from the Japanese word meaning “friend” or “companion”, the MiiR Tomo moves with you through the world at the pace of together. When you are looking for ways to beat the heat- how about this Corkcicle can holder, which is on sale for only $19.49! Every CORKCICLE® purchase helps bring clean water to people in need through CORKCICLE’s partnership with charity : water. Never lose your cool. This is the last can cooler you will ever need. Arctican keeps cold cans cold for up to 3 hours. Simply freeze the cooling core base, twist it on, drop in a cold beverage and enjoy ice cold drinks for up to three hours. Includes sleeve adapter for glass bottles. Fits most 12 ounce aluminum cans and standard bottles Finally, this Frost Buddy knock off! Only $14.99 on sale or if you'd rather have Frost Buddy brand- we have that too! In fact, if you click the link to Frost Buddy- you'll find some compelling reasons why chilling out folks for summer sales is a smart way to sizzle up profits! Pop into the showroom to compare options we have on hand!

June 14th is Flag Day- Flag Day commemorates the adoption of the first American flag in 1777 by the Continental Congress. Flags are a promotional product with high visibility that can convey many messages. A flag can be made from several different types of fabrics and fashioned into various shapes. The surface is large, making it perfect for a lot of content or similar bold shapes. Flags can be sew with strips of fabric just like Betsy Ross, but normally they are digitally printed. There are flags for sales purposes- drawing in consumers or providing direction to festival attendees. There are flags, like the ones we use to represent communities, organizations, armed forces, states & countries. We fly flags at sporting events for spirit & unity, we hang flags outside building for unity & identity, we carry flags to convey a shared unity. There are numerous upcoming dates that represent the deeper meanings conveyed through a flag: The Town of Apex will host Juneteenth this weekend, details here. How much do you know about the back story and symbolism of color & icon for Juneteenth. Read here. June 14 is Flag Day & July 4th is rapidly approaching - did you know there are specific rules for caring for our American flag? Indeed. Read more here. The entire month of June is PRIDE month, the rainbow flag has a deeper meaning. The 2024 Olympic Games will have the flag ceremony, as the athletes from each country wear clothing that represents their culture, and carries the flag of their country. Flags have specific colors and symbols that carry deeper messages about the people represented by that flag. The examples in the list above represent flags that unite large groups of individuals. Sometimes a flag is for fun or sponsorship, like this type of flag. We have flags for the roadside, festival booth, farmer's market stand, flags that adhere to the top or side of your tent, flags to carry for sports teams, table top flags for information, body flags and we've even done garden flags! Our showroom has fabric swatches and examples of a variety of different types of flags to start the process of designing your own signature flag. Unfurl your message with a signature flag!

Do you recall your first pair of Levi's? When I was in the 6th grade, Levi's were the only brand our friend group was wearing. To my horror, my mom sewed down the red tag on the pocket of my Levi's because kids would rip off the tag. As kids, we had not realized the value of a dollar. This was the 70's- soaring gas prices & inflation, but as 6th graders we thought it would be funny to rip the tag off the pants - making them "unwearable". After- all it was the "only brand" that made you cool. In hind site, the riveted metal accents branded Levi's should have proved our jeans legit, but we are talking about logic and 6th graders! Styles come and go in popularity. Some fabrics aren't rugged enough to endure one season of wear. Levi's are not one of those brands- in fact, the history goes like this: Founded In 1853, Levi Strauss opened a wholesale dry goods business in San Francisco that became known as Levi Strauss & Co. Seeing a need for work pants that could hold up under rougher conditions, he and Jacob Davis, a tailor, created the first jean. In 1873, they received a U.S. patent for "waist overalls" with metal rivets at points of strain. The first product line designated by the lot number "501" was created in 1890. The company has grown, expanded and added to their lines- read more here. As a business owner, what impresses me is how this brand continues to evolve keeping it thriving over 170 years. It's a brand that conjures memories and offers a durable product- that's a story. The story is also about relationships- as individuals our relationship to a favorite pair of jeans or jacket; my husband still has his Levi jacket. Besides being part of our lives, jackets are the perfect place to add embellishments that share more about who we are as individuals through buttons, pins and patches; even embroidery on the surface. When you're ready for a promotion that is iconic, celebrating partnerships that matter- consider how a simple jacket can become a statement piece for your brand. In a recent post, I suggested that items, like a jacket or cap are the perfect place to foster messages of inclusion. Our graphic design studio, combined with abundant samples in our showroom are the perfect setting to explore concepts with our talented team. Let's forge a riveting story that showcases the value of your relationships.

A guaranteed meal is a huge incentive to keep kids in school, with a particular impact on girls in countries where they may otherwise be kept a home. A well- nourished child is more likely to learn & grow into an educated adult with a bright future. Ending childhood hunger lifts children, their families and entire communities out of generational poverty. Every FEED purchase supports their on- the- ground partners working to alleviate hunger crises and chronic malnutrition. These partners have relationships with producers, growers, kitchens and distribution channels to provide school meals to kids who rely on them, sometimes as their only meal of the day. Watch founder, creative director and CEO FEED Projects, Lauren Bush Lauren, discuss social entrepreneurship and world hunger. Why We Love FEED Every FEED product provides school meals to children – sometimes their only meal that day. Since 2007, FEED has helped provide over 126 million school meals, working with three partners and in over 20 countries – that translates to over $14 million in support. Mission-driven since day one and B Corp certified since 2022. As a B Corp, FEED prioritizes all their stakeholders — people and planet — in everything they do. Style. Function. Impact. Purposeful Partnerships Matter. The FEED Organic Cotton Rivet Tote is more than just a tote – this tote helps provide 3 school meals to kids around the world. This stylish and versatile tote is perfect grab-and-go size for shopping at the market, carrying books, or a trip to the office. Features include an open main compartment for easy access, an exterior side pocket perfect for your daily essentials, and the FEED brand giveback message is printed on the interior. Crafted using 8oz. 100% GOTS Certified Organic cotton and stylish copper rivets – this tote is both durable and classic – designed to be kept in rotation and out of landfills. There are additional styles and colors, we can't wait to get in our samples. Nourish the body, mind and soul! Keep following our social media for how purchasing this bag before the end of February will help benefit local students, at Wake Tech through The Nest.

Fostering a senses of belonging can start with simple products that add visibility in the workplace. Many of our partners reach out to use for simple ways to showcase the broad diversity that's reflected in their workforce. Why? Inclusion; to foster an environment of belonging, engagement, equity and empowerment. Through policies and practices these partnering brands are motivated to create a workforce that reflects the diversity of the people they serve with products or services. Those values, with partnering companies, then fuel a desire to build a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment within not only their organization, but outside in the communities they serve. For some partners that is a local initiative, others a national or even global goal. Broad goals, need high visibility. DEI councils are growing within larger organizations and larger partners may have as many as 10 different councils meeting within their organization. Each council has their own logo & color palette, which means graphically speaking- we need full color content space. Stickers are one of our go to items for full color, becoming any shape & size; plus low cost. The point of products for each council are to be seen- so we also like to suggest products that will be worn and used year-round, long after a month long focus such as PRIDE Month. Here's a snap shot of some of our favorites include trends from 2023, still going strong in 2024. Councils within an organization are intended enhanced collaboration, innovation and discussion among their workforce. Food is one of those workplace perks that always bring folks together. Besides, it fits our quirky side too! When you're ready to craft a program- ask, we have numerous ways to apply our graphic talents, marketing & industry knowledge to building the right program for your needs.

Do you have favorite scents- floral, spices, special foods, the essence of a place you like to visit such as the beach or the mountains? Smell is one of our 5 senses that has a strong effect on our other senses- through smell we can recall sights, sounds and the touch of places or experiences. Why not consider how this unique tool can become part of your next well rounded campaign. How? By using scratch & sniff stickers! Bring an extra layer of engagement to stickers by adding scents as an educational tools or for sensory experience. What's the science that makes scent infusion work? There are several methods to infuse scents into stickers, but the most common one involves microencapsulation. Microencapsulation is a process where tiny scent-filled capsules are embedded into the sticker’s surface. When the sticker is scratched, these capsules break open, releasing the scent. Other methods include incorporating scent directly into the ink used for printing or applying a scented coating over the sticker. Each method has its pros and cons, but microencapsulation is favored for its durability and the longevity of the scent. The science behind scratch and sniff stickers is relatively straightforward. When the sticker’s surface is scratched, it ruptures the microcapsules containing the fragrance.  This mechanical action releases the encapsulated scent into the air, allowing it to be detected by the nose. The amount of scent released can depend on the number of capsules broken and the strength of the fragrance used. Why Use Scented Stickers? Scented stickers are powerful marketing tools that can create a memorable experience for tradeshow attendees or customers. Brands use scratch & sniff stickers on product packaging, promotional materials, and direct mailers to engage customers’ senses and enhance brand recall.  For example, candle labels with a scratch & sniff feature allow customers to sample scents without opening the packaging. In educational settings , scented stickers are used as rewards and motivational tools. They can also be incorporated into learning materials to create multisensory experiences that enhance memory and learning.  In therapeutic contexts , these stickers are used for sensory integration therapy, helping individuals with sensory processing disorders. Don't worry about durability or safety: Scented stickers can retain their scent for several months to a few years, depending on the quality of the microcapsules, the strength of the fragrance, and storage conditions. Proper storage, such as keeping stickers in a sealed container away from light and heat, can extend their scent longevity. Most scented stickers are safe for children and pets as they are made with non-toxic materials and fragrances. However, it’s essential to check the manufacturer’s safety information and ensure that the stickers are used under supervision to prevent ingestion or misuse. Yes, scented stickers can be customized with a wide range of scents to suit different applications. From fruity and floral scents to more specific smells like baked goods or seasonal aromas, businesses can choose fragrances that align with their brand and product offerings. Let us show you how to leverage their appeal to enhance customer experiences and boost brand engagement. This idea defiantly is one for our quirky enough to work series! Besides, these are USA Made, a place for us to apply our graphic design talents and provide another low cost marketing tool with high impact!