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There are all types of emergencies. A snack break might not rise to the level of a crisis. Then again, when you read these stat's you might think otherwise. It's National Snack Month, so chew on this: According to KCRA- About 62% reported replacing at least one meal a day with snacks. America's eating habits have always changed with the times. Snacking is a regular part of many consumers' diets. More than two in five global consumers (45%) say they often snack in between meals (“Snackers”), according to a YouGov poll across 43 major markets. More than half of consumers (58 percent) aged between 18 and 24 years old had eaten snacks instead of meals at home, compared to only around 42 percent of those aged between 45 and 54 years old. Fresh batches of snacks, ready to ship out for birthdays, anniversaries, new hire welcome, closing gifts or just to show some appreciation. We have options! Easy distribution with boxed kits with stories. Mailing tubes of all types of snack treats. Road trips that are both salty & sweet stories that travel with you. Desserts that will keep those with a sweet tooth happy. Including one of Oprah's favorite things. Snack attacks for parties - like the recent Superbowl. Personally- M&M's are our O's favorite! From sets to singles, we have options! It's even a smart marketing idea to provide snack containers & clips to keep you top of mind; according to the stat's at least once a day aye? Carry to work one of these solutions. Never worry again about a clean table. Maybe even a calendar of zero calorie treats! Have we made you hungry for a food promotion? It makes sense to keep your brand within reach.

Always! It means someone is happy! This is National Embroidery Month. Did you know that embroidery has been a decoration option since 30,000 BC? Yep, & that's a long time. Why is this method of decoration so popular and timeless? In a word, flexibility. This post explores some of the reasons embroidery is such a flexible option for decoration. Another reason embroidery is flexible- it's one of the few decoration methods where a file can be created easy, with or without a vectored file. Embroidery also provides some visual appeal through the texture of the stitching. Decoration can be directly stitched to clothing & caps or even patches! This image of hand stitched embroidery showcases the beauty of a stitched design. However, your stitched apparel will be done by a machine, not by hand. Thread spools feed into the machine based on the instructions in your digitized- DTG file. Basically the file becomes a map for the machine to follow to complete the design work. Some items are hooped to stitch, some are clamped. A standard left chest hoop is no larger then 5 inches in diameter. Most logos are about 3" inches wide, but can be larger & smaller depending on the about of detail in the design. The number of stitches to produce the logo generates the cost. The more stitches, loosely referred to as stitch count- the higher the price to decorate. Decoration is an art. The final art result starts with quality file for the machine to follow, plus the tension of the machine. Items like caps and bags must be clamped, a hoop won't fit. Every part of the process factors into the outcome. Even the apparel fabric. Some surfaces work better for embroidery decoration than others because of the pile, thickness or rigidity of the material. Another critical part of being a trusted partner means listening to what's important to you in the design work stage. Your message and vision are important. What looks sharp on a website or in print, may present challenges in the decoration process. We walk you through the process. Common Challenges include: Working with small imprint areas Preventing fill through design changes Full color logos with gradients- there is no way to show dimensional shading in embroidery What else is important? Your smile- happy clients are one of the best parts of our partnership. Here's a recent testimonial. "As a small business owner, I contacted Promotional Partners to assist in creating products for my staff to show my appreciation. Olivia was highly responsive to my needs regarding promotional productions for my small private practice. Olivia and her team listened to my mission and meaning behind our existing logo. They were able to align with my vision to develop a new refreshing logo for my practice. Now we have a beautiful image that is bright, happy and makes me smile each day when I see it. What started as a simple product purchase, ended up improving all areas of my practice with a new and updated logo! " Our partner, Lauren Stalte, owner of Little Bean Speech is passionate about her practice. Her personal story, is the driving force behind her desire to help kids reach their potential. She's created right blend of training & strategies in the comfort of home. She wanted to refresh her current logo. We were able to make some small tweaks to her existing logo, which had gradients and small details that might fill, creating a logo that worked in print, web and embroidery. Scroll here to see how we kept the message- little bean's grow! Reaching their full potential. Access to our graphic design team, comparing products & trying on clothing for fit in our showroom is part of our collaborative process. We love it when the finished product makes your smile. That's a valuable smile!

How many times have you taken a break at work, discussed a problem and suddenly found a solution? It's not surprising that great ideas are sparked by human connection. Simply by engaging in conversation, the environment is ripe for the "give & take" of ideas. New perspectives result in previously unconsidered solutions becoming the right direction to proceed when solving challenges. Our team approach at Promotional Partners is grounded by 3 words - collaboration, creativity and certification. Our owner, Olivia, is not only our owner, but she is our teammate. She is open to ideas & new ways of doing things. She chooses to spend time both working in the business & working as volunteer in the community. She'd say these experiences have taught her the value of collaboration and make her a more creative problem solver. She was recently named to the Triangle Business Journal's 2020 class, which celebrates 25 Triangle Women in Business. This award signifies professional accomplishment, leadership and community engagement. Olivia's journey as a women in business is energized by collaborating! Exploring new ideas sparks her creativity and invigorates her, while adding value to her life professionally & personally. Read more about her award repsonses here. Besides developing the creative side of your brain, what are 7 more lessons she's learned from collaborating? Learn the value of embracing change. We are all creatures of habit, but by consistently putting yourself in a position to change, you're more likely to shed traits that are keeping you from goals, and adopt habits support your goals. Learn the value of being an avid reader. Reading material is all around us, novels, magazines, newspapers, blogs - there is a format for everyone. Reading helps you explore new directions. Even though you may not be able to converse with the author, you're still engaging with their ideas. Learn the value of being a teacher. You don't have to be a paid educator, host a podcast or write a blog to share knowledge. When you learn something new, share it with colleagues at work, friends at the park or during dinner with the family. Learn the value of being accessible. Not just physically, but mentally. A free exchange of ideas between individuals builds trust and forms bonds - be present. Learn the value of being approachable. Never be too important, fixed on titles or roles that you don't seem human. It's hard to communicate if you don't feel respected or are intimated. Learn the value of being a talent agent. Talent creates a culture. One can be smart, but their talents add to an organization's DNA creating the culture. By serving your community, you will be forced into groups & roles you can't control; outside your norm. By serving, you'll learn what makes people tick and learn how you will react & adapt to challenges. Hopefully you'll learn to easily identify what creates a stronger team and develops leaders that reflect your culture! We are curious, what have you learned from collaboration? * Be kind to our photos of Olivia- remember it's our pandemic best; work with that you can do!

The street looks quiet when I approach the office each morning, but it quickly becomes a busy destination for consumers and business people during the day. A hub can be the center of activity or the central part of a wheel. You might say that the location of our business in the heart of historic downtown Apex makes us at the fulcrum of the local economy! As a child of the 70's I grew up watching the Mary Tyler Moore Show, seeing women in leadership roles at work. Did you know? In a 2016 study comprised of the Raleigh-Cary Metropolitan Statistical Area, including all of Wake County, part of Johnson and Franklin counties found there were 25,000 businesses in the area and 5,000 of those businesses were owned by women! American women now comprise 40% of new entrepreneurs! This number has increased 3,000 percent since 1972; Mary would be proud! Today, 4 out of every 10 businesses in the US are women-owned! Not only is our company located in a pivotal location, but we've literally been a NC HUB certified business since 2007! Check your corporate relationship guidelines, you might be surprised to your business values relationships with HUB status companies. In fact, we can even partner with other HUB status companies to fulfill your orders! HUB Status in North Carolina means - Historically Underutilized Business. How does a business qualify? The business needs to be owned by minority owned, woman owned, veteran-owned or disabled veteran owned individuals; plus a few more qualifying categories. An interesting fact we learned during the process of becoming certified, a business can only have 1 point of qualification when submitting any required paperwork by the organization you are partnering, even if you qualify in more than one category. Besides being Woman-Owned, we have 3 other women as part of our team. Locally, there is a buzz about opportunities for individuals to live-work-play; did you know 3 members of our team live in Apex!

The bond of unity does create a circle and circles imply motion. Working together, side by side with common purpose; advancements that seems daunting become easier. Today's Eco-alphabet has us exploring S, T and W. What types of organizations should you know? Science Based Targets The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is meant to drive ambitious climate action in the private sector by enabling organizations to set science-based emissions reduction targets. The initiative defines and promotes best practices in emission reductions and net-zero targets in line with climate science and provides technical assistance and expert resources to companies who set science-based targets. Sedex This trade membership organization provides an online platform, tools and services to help businesses operate responsibly and sustainably, protect workers and source ethically. Social Accountability International (SAI) This organization was created to support equitable treatment of workers and developed the SA8000 audit, emphasizing continual improvement on social performance, rather than checklist-style auditing. Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC) The SAC is a global, multi-stakeholder nonprofit alliance for the fashion industry, made up of more than 250 apparel brands, retailers, trade associations and more, all working to reduce environmental impact and promote social justice throughout the supply chain. The coalition developed the Higg Index, a universal framework and insights platform that measures and scores a product’s sustainable impact. Sustainable Green Printing Partnership (SGP) The SGP is a nonprofit that certifies printing facilities’ sustainability best practices, including and beyond regulatory compliance. Its certification program was created by the printing industry for the printing industry and takes into account the entire print facility, as well as its process, product and social areas. Textile Exchange This global nonprofit maintains multiple certifications for the fiber and materials industry. Among them is the Organic Content Standard (OCS), an international, voluntary standard that sets requirements for third-party certification of organic input and chain of custody. One of its objectives is to provide companies with a “trusted tool to communicate organically grown content claims.” Other certifications it gives out are: Global Recycled Standard (GRS), Recycled Claim Standard (RCS), Responsible Down Standard (RDS), Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), Responsible Mohair Standard (RMS), Responsible Alpaca Standard (RAS) and Content Claim Standard (CCS). USDA Organic The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates the term “organic” as it applies to agricultural products through its National Organic Program (NOP). The USDA Organic seal can be used on products that are made of at least 95% certified organic ingredients and don’t use GMOs. The products must be certified before using the seal. Products can also use a “made with organic” label without the USDA Organic seal if they’re made of at least 70% certified organic ingredients. Products can list that they’ve been made with organic ingredients without any certification, but they can’t be described as “organic” without being certified under the NOP. (Though textiles can be NOP certified organic and display the seal, the NOP doesn’t include specific processing or manufacturing standards for textiles.) Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP) This nonprofit aims to ensure that factories operate in a safe, responsible and ethical way. WRAP focuses on the ground level of the supply chain, certifying individual facilities, rather than brands or ownership groups. We hope you've learned about new sustainability efforts through our Eco-alphabet. Thanks again to our partner, ASI, for this research and summary. For use, safety and understanding the regulations & certifications behind product choices & partners matters.

Increasingly, our suppliers are positioning the safety aspects of their line, mentioning phrases such as Prop 65 Compliant. Many of our supplier take regulations up a step. For example, did you know that our preferred displays provider is not only compliant but approved, meaning they don't have to label their products safe for use because each product has been approved to the most rigorous safety standards. What's the benefit to you? Let's say you were hosting a conference in California, you don't need to worry that products you plan to use are not compliant with regulations by your venue space. Why should we focus on safety? It's an important part of our relationship to select the "right partner". We have numerous choices. Our website is selective, featuring our favorite and best supplier relationships. Each of the suppliers featured is dedicated to quality, safety and like us, value. When I say value I don't mean price, I mean value. Do you know where your products come from? We do. We also like to break down jargon to provide education and make sure you understand what's in your products. Words like safety, ethics, environment, compliance, and socially responsible are words that we take seriously. Your brand reputation is critical so we are committed to partnerships with suppliers that apply high safety standards and conduct business in ethical and socially responsible ways. By vetting our partners carefully we are able to reduce risks to your brand, your business and the people who interact with the products you select. If your company would like more information about product safety, inspections in oversea factories and compliance to regulations or that maintain certifications; just ask. Adherence to the Code of Conduct within our industry also extends to principles in the areas of human rights, labor, environment and anti-corruption. Why do we care? Not only should you know about where your products are made and sourced, but the human element is core to who we are as a company. We've chosen, since 2007, to focus on an ability to take our conversations offline. The technology tools we provide our clients offer seamless access, but it's the personal touch that we've always provided as a value add. It only makes sense that our supply chain is based on positive choices by our most trusted suppliers. Our company maintains safety aware certification, through our PPAI certification program. This designation requires we stay current, through safety & compliance course work, regarding current safety protocols. We also have a super power in our company. Yep, that's Keith he is our super hero when it comes to technical information around safety. How did he get to be our hero? Over 20 years in the environmental testing industry- including testing for the EPA.

Education is one of the bedrock values of our company - the more we learn, the better partner we are for your brand. Our company is comprised of a certified team - each of our team members is at a different point in the education journey, as their industry experience grows and coursework is mastered. It's time to turn the tassel again, but with a twist! This time instead of earning another level within the PPAI certification program, we've added to our certification levels with another industry partner, ASI (est.1950). Yep, we are members of two industry organizations, putting those resources to work as your partner. Olivia has been certified since 2012, Miranda since 2020 and both of them have once again elevated their knowledge base with another certification level. ASI Awards MASI & BASI Certificates Earned Olivia, MASI Miranda, BASI What's the certification all about you ask? It's the Ad Specialty Professional's most prestigious education award for ASI partners! The Advertising Specialty Institute has awarded Olivia with a Master of Advertising Specialty Information (MASI) certification – the industry equivalent of a master’s degree and Miranda the Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information (BASI) certification – the industry equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. MASI holders are recognized as the true industry experts who have cultivated profitable and collaborative relationships with distributors, suppliers and decorators. This designation is a testament to their contributions to the advertising specialty industry. To date, more than 2,500 graduates of the Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program have received their certifications. BASI holders are recognized as industry experts who have the knowledge they need to thoroughly understand and navigate the promotional products marketplace profitably and develop solid relationships with their colleagues that will help them prosper in the industry. “We are so proud of the graduates of the Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program,” said ASI President and CEO Timothy M. Andrews. “We launched this program to provide members with the skills they need to out-think, out-perform and out-service the competition. We couldn’t be happier so many members are seizing the opportunity to set themselves apart through quality education.” To date, over 30,000 industry professionals have registered for free classes offered by ASI. Each year, the company invests $1.3 million to educate its members. The Advertising Specialty Institute Certification Program is the industry’s only free certification program, created on a user-friendly digital platform. About ASI The Advertising Specialty Institute is the largest education, media and marketing organization serving the advertising specialty industry, with a membership of over 26,000 distributor firms (sellers) and supplier firms (manufacturers) of advertising specialties. About PPAI While a majority of the Association's 14,000+ member firms (based on 2020 figures) are located in the United States, membership includes firms in Canada and throughout the world. Most member companies are suppliers and distributors of promotional products and services, including specialty advertising, business gifts, premiums, incentives, awards, prizes and commemorative's. PPAI® membership break down: Distributor members: 89% Supplier members: 9% International members: 1% Other: 1% Vision: Promotional Products are universally valued and essential to every brand. Mission: Be the voice and force to advance the Promotional Marketplace for the benefit of our community. PPAI Professional Development Certifications are the most visible and respected in the industry. Truly the “mark of a professional,” earning and maintaining these designations signifies an individual has reached and continues to meet a higher standard of professionalism, knowledge and experience within the industry.

This blog post title might take the cake and rise up to our worst collection of puns yet! Homemade baked goods are the best. Doesn't everyone have that one relative that's an awesome baker? Can't you smell & taste their signature recipes right now? It's National Baking with Family Month and the kitchen is a excellent place to insert your brand message. As we pointed out with the statistics in this 2022 post, only 19% of consumers have a kitchen product with a logo on it. However, statistics show useful items are kept & used for a very long time. After-all we are spending an average of 37 minutes a day in our kitchen. Here are 5 of our favorites: The Bake Someone Happy Gift Set- with a name like that, of course you'll bring smiles right? These would be perfect for closing gifts or for employees to enjoy time with loved ones at home. From french rolling pins, to serving trays to pot holders & baking utensils, La Cuisine is a trusted partner for your brand. Looking for ways to keep the kitchen tidy with all those ingredients? Be Home measuring cups and storage containers will keep your kitchen sleek & organized. Make your own dough for your pizza party! Make an impression, with custom cookie cutters. These are fun for any industry. Serve up those creations in hand crafted, artisan bowls or use baking utensils and make sure to include some of these Slowtide kitchen towels. No matter what you like the bake- you'd have to admit, we were on a roll with ideas! Note some of these products featured are USA Made & some give back to sustainable causes. Make sure we know what matters to your brand selections.

Umbrellas are one of those useful items that helps block out the sun at an outdoor event or sitting at an outdoor cafe table, as well as sheltering you from rain or snow. What are 4 ways an umbrella can add value for your brand message? Are committed to sustainability efforts? Then an eco-choice with recycled materials is perfect for you. Word play around your brand message is a smart way to market with an umbrellas. Are you offering positive solutions & happy vibes? Maybe you should consider providing a sunny sky on a rainy day to your recipients. Maybe you help your clients clearly see solutions. All in one solutions. Large canopy umbrellas are great gifts for the beach for families. If you own a business in a busy business district where consumers will stroll, branded canopies will capture your message. Here's an eco-solution to consider. Use the space playfully- not all imprints have to be your logo. Feature information such as: we have the best burger in town, voted #1 place to grab coffee, offering shelter for the thirsty! Protect their assets, even if that's golf clubs! HUGE billboard space. Get creative! Using the entire canopy, on top & below, you can share maps, photos and tell a story. Now that's something our graphics team would love to create! When you are in a hurry, stock graphics, to thank someone for their efforts- a great team gift!! Whatever umbrella fits your marketing campaign, there is no doubt that umbrella's are a smart way to grow awareness for your brand. Statically speaking, an umbrella racks up some impressive stat's over it's lifetime of use. Each time a consumer uses an umbrella, you are providing them protection! As a bonus, check out this post - what are 5 common myths around umbrellas?

What's more important- who you know or what you know? For us, the answer has equal parts. It's a bit like the yin-yang symbol- complimentary forces are necessary for a productive outcome. If you don't meet new people, you'll never increase your base of knowledge. If you only hang out with like-minded individuals, you never challenge yourself to consider new perspectives. Our owners are a bit of a yin-yang relationship. Two vastly different personalities, preferences and often approaches to a situation. Yet respecting each other's opinions, super powers and experiences, our owners grow by challenging each other's perspective. A husband & wife team- that shifted career leadership from the beginning. Yes, we've always been woman-owned & NC Hub Status - which was Keith's idea! Did you know that the second week of February is National Networking week? Growing your connections is essential to business development. Fortunately, abundant opportunities exist- from social media platforms to membership organizations to just making friends in your favorite local coffee shop. In fact, being located over Common Ground Coffee, has created both the environment & opportunity to make friends with a variety of people over the past 16 years. Social media allows us to actively listen to what our connections are saying and see what's important to them through posts. These platforms also provide quick access to growing networks outside your normal footprint. Similarly being involved in the community through membership organizations and service, as a volunteer, has created relationships outside our industry & outside our existing family & friends. By making new connections, we are able to connect the dots! Who should meet & why. Back in Sept, we hosted about 20 ladies for a networking coffee on National Women in Business Day- just to network. Most attendees had never met. A few were surprised to find mutual connections, but everyone that attended came away with new relationships. We will be networking again on March 8th- celebrating International Women's Day. As a woman-owned business, we find it exciting to see women in leadership roles- carving out their potential & inserting their voices. If you'd like make new connections-sign up to attend our March 8th Networking event. Additionally, if we reach at least 30 attendees, our Promotional Partners Cares Program will donate $300 to an existing scholarship fund set up by the Cary Women's Club through Wake Tech Community College. This scholarship is awarded by the club to women over 30, retraining for their next career. (A fun fact, Olivia was first introduced to this scholarship by her mother in law, who was a long time club member and champion of the scholarship program for women.) Together we will pay it forward for other women preparing to reinvent themselves in the workforce. Will you join us? Sign up here. Is this event only open to women? Heck no, Olivia is a career rule breaker. The only requirement is attendees celebrate a woman's voice in leadership roles. Remember, Keith & Olivia learn from each other; evolving along the way. Besides, like the childhood rhyme, "my friends are your friends and your friends are my friends- the more we get together, the happier will be!" Maybe a bit corny for adults, but true. Life should have more time for fun!!

What happens when you spend 16 years in the community? You meet so many great people & organizations. As a result, a little seeing a cute puppy in a basket, you want each puppy you meet in your life! Sigh, that's not possible. Not born with a trust fund, and still growing our company, unfortunately we can't fund every worthy program. It's hard when we make connections along the way & can't support every program or organization. However, we can share our voice. This year our Promotional Partners Cares Program will evolve to include 150 stories. Rather than putting a year-long focus on only one local organization, we will share investment stories & ways you can support community partners we've met over the years! Yes- we will be supporting a core group of local organization through our service, sponsorships and donations. Historically, our community partnerships & investments have been centered around education, kids & families. Why? Our community future relies on our next generation. We learn from our past, we carry those experiences into our present and we grow in the future. Since 2007, we've been actively involved with organizations that align with education, kids & families. In the present, it's our collective community footprint that matters! Starting February 28th, as part of the Town of Apex's 150 year celebration, we will be introducing you to 150 partners in the Apex community through February 2024. We will feature individuals & organizations that define Apex's past, present and future. Follow these stories on our blog, connect with us on our social platforms to share these stories in your networks. After-all, you never know what will inspire your connections. Connect with us on FaceBook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Share these stories. Speaking of saving puppies- we have one from Peak Lab Rescue of Apex! She's all grown up, but she an irresistible puppy! She'd even made it to some of our other blog posts & social media posts. Having fun at the park- and it's the NC year of the trail, so we encourage you to head out and about, Apex has many trails to discover. You might even make some new friends along the trail.

Surely you've heard the jingle, all work and no play makes John a dull boy. National Recreation Month has only days left to celebrate- but enjoying your local parks system is an option all year long. Keith and I try not to be dull. In fact we enjoy the Apex dog parks almost every weekend. Our Peak Lab, Holly, makes it clear with her howls, nudges and barks that she expects to go! For several years the Town of Apex has been promoting recreation month to residents with items designed to get them outside to play and a pretty awesome video! Outdoor items like flying discs and inflatable beach balls help remind residents that bond dollars are being put to good use in local parks. Did you know that flying discs are among the many items you'd enjoy outdoors that are USA Made? What else- water bottles, flyers, straps to hold your keys while walking, divot repair tools, fly swatters, hand fans,and ice cream scoops. Connecting with consumers where they work and play is a great brand builder.