It's National Small Business Week and throughout the triangle the message will be to support local. Here in Apex, the Town of Apex's Economic Development Department is kicking off a week focus on small business week in Apex with a Love Local spotlight. Owning your own business is similar to the feeling a child has when they step in adult shoes and take a step. It's an exhilarating & unknown outcome, yet the curiosity generates action. A child can't fully grasp the magnitude of their growth over their lifetime. Their growth will be emotional, physical and mental, again, similar to the journey of owning a business. Did you know in 2021 there were 934,604 small businesses in NC, representing 99.6% of all business, employing 1.7 million people. What can 1.7 people do together? Support each other. By using your footsteps to walk into local businesses for goods & services your support is allowing businesses to thrive & employ a huge workforce. That workforce is comprised of your friends and your neighbors! It's a loving local partnership that continues to fulfill, fuel and inspire us each day! In May, we celebrate 16 years in business- which is enough time to complete the K-12 & collegiate experience. We are frequently asked to share our back story, which starts with a scientist & an artist, and continues each day in the heart of historic Downtown Apex. The short version of this story is lies in our relationships with each of you. We want to provide good & services that define your brand by offering our creativity to your projects. Our name is a huge clue what's behind our brand. Partnership is the root of mission and our core values of collaboration, creativity, certification & community guide our actions. Hence the name; Promotional Partners. We are an agency that helps our partners increase brand awareness, recruit & retain talent, show appreciation, fund-raise, celebrate your culture & values and offer quality, sustainable & impactful solutions for brand's of every shape, size & industry. Visionary Assurance, United Purpose is our tagline because relationships require trust, communication & collaboration to be productive. By forging a strong foundation, together we're able to execute a united vision. Our purpose is to be your local advantage partner, supporting your vision in business by crafting creative campaigns that convey your brand message. ( Thanks to 621Productions for the video in the visionary assurance, united purpose link) Over the years we've share numerous posts about our journey as business owners. Here are 10 of those stories: What's the fuel behind growing the business? Lessons learned & lessons shared- such as the power of 3 little beans & building strong networks Harnessing the fear factor drives you forward Break some rules, challenge norms; a little unconventional is good. Our personal side in this 2022 post. Why professional development is at the core of our business Our own personal story Apex's 150 celebration reflects that community means for us Ways we can support each other Giving back, supporting the community that helps us What's left behind with your footprint. We love supporting our local partners, for example this photo and most of the images on our website are from the talented DANIELLE DOUGLAS Small Business Week runs through Saturday. Check out the booth's during PeakFest , on Saturday May 6th, those business sponsorships totaling over $20,000. The festival commission gives back in the community through our grants program once our expenses are paid. Make plans to stop by the Apex Rotary Pancake breakfast in the am, learn about our club here. Stop by our Promotional Partners booth to learn about a local non-profit called Peak Beginnings and look for me in my bright orange PeakFest shirt to say Hi. This annual event is truly a celebration of community!

Peak Beginning is a local non- profit, here in the heart of Historic Downtown Apex, on a mission to equip children in Apex from economically disadvantaged families to succeed in kindergarten and beyond by providing free early childhood education. Recently this program was recognized by the Town of Apex with a 2023 Think Apex Award for their non-profit work in the community. Lane Tomey has spent a career in education. I first met Lane when she started the business alliance committee for Apex Friendship High School. Immediately I was drawn to service by her passion for students and achievement. She's a connector, and a relationship builder. I sat down to collaborate with Lane prior to their golf tournament to learn more about the program and how to share that message with golfers. I learned that she's put her passion for education & achievement into developing this local program because she says, "The "achievement" gap exists because of a lack of opportunity, not a lack of ability". Think about that statement, the reflect on these eight compelling facts: Economically disadvantaged children who do not attend at least 2 years of a pre-school program, start Kindergarten an average of 1.5 years behind and are rarely able to catch up. 3rd grade reading scores are used to predict the number of prison beds that will be needed in NC Currently, only 29% of economically disadvantaged students are meeting proficiency in reading at grade 3 compared to 56% of all other students. 90% of brain growth happens from age 0-5 and these early childhood experiences lay the foundation for school success. Only 30 percent of economically-disadvantaged students meet the state’s standard for career and college readiness on state tests. The cost of attending a full-time early childhood program in NC now exceed the cost of tuition at NC State Economically disadvantaged families face barriers to preschool access that include cost, transportation, and work schedules. Economically disadvantaged students who attend at least 2 years of preschool attend college at a higher rate and earn significantly more income as adults. Tomorrow, May 1, Peak Beginnings is hosting their first annual golf tournament to raise money for their program. Get to know this program as another one of the wonderful organization and people behind the story we've discovered in our own sesquicentennial journey of stories. Follow their work on Facebook & Instagram - visit with the May 6th in our booth, learn more about how you can support this program.

A footprint is not just one impression, it's the steps taken along your journey; where you've been and where your going. In 1986 I began a career in education in Wake County Public Schools as an art teacher. While I thought my role was to share my passion for visual arts and encourage students to tap into their creative side, immediately my story took an emotional turn. Student's that struggled academically or socially, often thrived in the art room. Their talent allowed their thoughts & words to be seen through a visual story- creating communication & inspiring conversation. The deeper story that developed over nearly 20 years in education was the impact of an impression; the positive, negative or indifference we leave behind on one another. For us, being part of the community means engagement and going all in to support others. Paying it forward with introductions & referrals, volunteering & giving back to a variety of organizations through out the year. It's the culmination of our professional journey in business that's been the pathway to meeting amazing individuals & our reason for sharing sesquicentennial stories all year. Good news needs to be shared. We hope you'll follow these footprint stories and find an organization that draws you into their story and inspires action in you.

April is stress awareness month. Just because we are turning the calendar page doesn't mean stress awareness goes away. Searching for an executive level gift that also puts some fun in your day? The wizard pen is perfect! Whiz stress away with a fun fidget spinner on top that whizzes around with a flick of your thumb. Jumbo barrel for ergonomic comfort and black anti-fraud ink for writing excellence. Engraved silver imprint and etched center band give this pen the classic touch for a gift. Check out this video of one in action. Enhance the message & presentation with a signature box! Put our local advantage to work for your brand with captivating graphics. Never worry- we've got the WRITE ideas!

If you didn't know, since 1910 the Rotary motto has been "Service Above Self." Rotarian's are encouraged to to foster and promote a sense of service to others in the community; locally & globally. A community of individuals worldwide working to solve 6 critical issues: ​ 1. Disease prevention and treatment 2. Water and sanitation 3. Maternal and child health 4. Basic Education and literacy 5. Economic and community development 6. Peace and conflict resolution. Who's is a Rotarian? Any individual that wants to serve others. A Rotary club is a civic organization comprised of business & professional leaders providing humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, helping build goodwill and peace in communities around the world. Worldwide, approximately 1.2 million Rotarian's belong to more than 34,000 Rotary clubs. For the Apex Rotary Club, we are almost 60! We are civic group, but also friends & neighbors working on local projects as well as supporting international initiatives. This sesquicentennial story seemed fitting to share during National Volunteer Month, since I've made some amazing friends over the past 16 years through Rotary. While our club has been involved in many projects over the years- many locals know us for the annual Christmas Parade in Apex. We put in work months, weeks & days before the parade and it's an all hands on deck day- starting with the pancake breakfast in the am, followed by fun activities around The Depot in the hours leading up to parade. These events and others we sponsor or host during the year offer fun ways to engage and raise money for club programing. Recently our club was honored with a Think Apex Award! Club members Chris Hilt and club President Dan Gibson were on hand to receive the award from Mayor Gilbert, the Apex Town Council and former council-woman Dozier. Long-time member Cat Kearns shared these thoughts on what it means to be a member of our club. "I Love the community focus, the networking of friends, and the worldwide sister and brotherhood as well as, our own local club longevity looking into the future while honoring the past 60 years of Apex Rotary. What a story this club has to tell of members past and present." In reflecting on our past, I am reminded of Harvey Montague, one of charter members, who once shared with me that business leaders should be part of our club as a way to give back to the community that supports their business. Join us one Thursday from 12:30-1:30 at Carrabba's to learn more about our club & Rotary. Did you miss our last 150 story? Check it out here. I, Olivia, joined the Apex Rotary Club back in 2008

Build you contacts without saving all those paper business cards. How? The Popl is the next generation business card. Using a simple tap, your Popl phone tag instantly shares your digital business card to both iPhone and Android devices. What's the best part? The other person doesn’t need an app or a Popl to receive your info! To pop your info, just tap your Popl to the top of an iPhone, or middle of an Android. Boom, all your info, is now saved to their phone. By using this technology you instantly have more connections, more leads, and more potential sales. Ready to try a Popl? We have some in our showroom! Learn more about this technology in this quick video. We want to know, are you ready for this type of technology?

Who doesn't love some silly fun? Imagine a group of kids or even adults trying to break this cup- well, they can't! That's unbreakable fun! Silipint®is a fun, eco-friendly gift made from patented, BPA-free, 100% food grade-tested and unbreakable silicone. The product is derived from sand, silicone manufacturing preserves less abundant natural resources. It's endlessly reusable silicone is a more environmentally friendly alternative to plastic. It's Unbreakable The platinum-cured silicone won’t crack, chip, dent, fade or scratch.That's reliable! It's Versatile Morning coffee or a beer for the ballgame, Silipint®is designed for both hot and cold beverages. It's Easy to Grip Non- Toxic. Microwave-Safe. BPA Free. Messaging: It’s perfect for events to add some fun. A promotional give away for bars & restaurants A commemorative gift Colorful, blended patterns- for diversity & inclusion Calling brand enthusiasts! Ready to try a sample?

When we use the phrase, "all in", it means one is vested in the outcome. At Promotional Partners, we jump & we embrace the uncertainty of what lies ahead, because it's an opportunity. Entrepreneurship is truly an " all in" venture. Owning a business does not come with guarantees or a sure footed path, yet it provides opportunities!. Opportunity is advancement & progress, but it's also how a set of circumstance make possible an outcome. Today's post is about going all in to embrace life & it's opportunities that create the fabric that defines us. Sixteen years ago, Olivia & Keith had never met many of the people that they now call friends. Similarly, organizations they've grown to support through service, sponsorship, donation or sharing a positive word of mouth is now part of their "all in" journey. Being a 5 year old that jumped off the 10ft dive, only days after learning to swim 5 feet across the pool, Olivia goes "all in". It's about the opportunity. Over the next year, Promotional Partners will be sharing stories about people and organizations that have enriched our 16 years in the Apex business community. Why? The answer is a sesquicentennial journey of past, present and potential. Have you heard? Apex is 150! This year the town is celebrating being 150 years old by reaching the peak through it's past, present & potential. Promotional Partners is currently 16 years of that rich history. By embracing our neighbors & community partners we remain excited by the present and look forward to discovering the opportunities that will unfold- maximizing our potential. Our future posts will dive straight into the story behind local partners. Who's our first feature? Apex CAPA Last Tuesday night Mayor Jacques Gilbert declared March 24, 2023 as CAPA Day in the Town of Apex, making this story the perfect place to start our sesquicentennial journey of past, present and future connections. Here's the proclamation. What is CAPA? Their purpose is to provide support and assistance through volunteerism to the Apex Police Department by partnering together to serve our community with pride and integrity. Their mission is to serve the Apex Police Department by assisting in administrative, non-police roles, thereby freeing up Officers so they may more effectively perform their duties. CAPA volunteers are also committed to serving the Town of Apex and community, as ambassadors and diplomats, by providing resources and services that enhance the Peak of Good Living’s quality of life. For the full story, visit their website. You've probably already met a CAPA volunteer or participated in a CAPA event. We know because over our sixteen years, our paths have crossed many times. We've seen CAPA at work through: Shred Day – Spring & Fall- a huge asset to our business Cleaning Up our local parks on the weekend Peak Fest – May- our festival commission appreciates their hours Apex Festivals- we attend in our leisure time- there is always a CAPA presence Charitable efforts for SONC, Special Olympics NC Torch Run fundraising events. Christmas activities on Salem, the annual Rotary Club Christmas Parade, as well as shopping with Christmas with a Cop in December support our neighbors & friends. Visit the CAPA website for a complete list of the local ways volunteers support the Apex Police Department & the Apex community through their service. We asked CAPA Volunteer President, Drew Ludlow why he's a member. Drew stated, "I feel that there are many reasons why people consider joining CAPA. Many Members empathize with our Officers and want to show appreciation and respect for their everyday heroic efforts. Some Members simply want to get involved and give back to the Apex Community. I think Members continue to be engaged because we have been successful at creating a close family environment within our group and the Apex Police Department. For me, it is personally rewarding to be part of something 'bigger'." Visit the Town of Apex's 150 website to learn about the past, present & potential of Apex. Follow #Apex150 **CAPA will be volunteering at our town's 42nd PeakFest May 6th Spring Shred Day Event is May 13th.

Why We Love ChicoBag Earth Day is around the corner, so it's a perfect time to share this purpose driven partner. A Certified B Corporation that balances purpose with profit, ChicoBag is Climate Neutral certified and a member of 1% For The Planet, with one percent of sales from rePETe products going directly to environmental nonprofit organizations. Through the brands Pay-It Forward Program, ChicoBag offers the opportunity for customers to give unwanted bags a second chance. When you send the brand your pre-loved bags, they hand sort & decide whether they can be reused, or if they need to be recycled and transformed into something new. Commitment To Sustainability Climate Neutral ChicoBag is certified by Climate Neutral, an independent nonprofit organization that enlists businesses to halt the effects of climate change and setting a new minimum standard for corporate responsibility: achieving a net-zero carbon footprint. Certified B Corporation ChicoBag is proud to be a Certified B Corporation, which are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. 1% For The Planet Since 2020, ChicoBag has been a member of 1% For The Planet, an international organization that matches businesses with approved environmental nonprofits. One percent of sales from the rePETe line are donated to the brand's nonprofit partners, the 5 Gyres Institute and Climate Neutral. Why Choose ChicoBag As A Partner For Your Brand? Along with a high-quality gift that offers practical everyday function, you’ll be supporting a forward-thinking brand committed to a sustainable future. ChicoBag is a great idea for employee gifts, event giveaways or any organization that wants to demonstrate its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Shop ChicoBag here.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run® (LETR) for Special Olympics is the largest year-round public awareness and grass-roots fundraising campaign for Special Olympics. Known as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into the Opening Ceremony of local competitions, and into Special Olympics State, National, Regional and World Games. Annually, more than 110,000 dedicated and compassionate law enforcement members carry the “Flame of Hope,” symbolizing courage and the celebration of diversity, uniting communities around the globe. Here in North Carolina, nearly 2,000 law enforcement personnel support the NC LETR annually! The LETR for Special Olympics engages law enforcement worldwide, championing acceptance and inclusion for people with intellectual disabilities, starting first with their own communities. Over the years, the Torch Run has evolved and now encompasses a variety of innovative fundraising events, Since its inception, LETR has raised almost $900 million worldwide with over $30 million being raised for Special Olympics North Carolina. Today we put a spotlight on the work of the efforts of our Apex Police Department in our own sesquicentennial journey. Over the next year, we are sharing about organizations, programs and people making a difference. Why? Apex started celebrating 150 years on February 28, 2023 and that celebration is so big, it lasts till February 28, 2024. Did you know that The Apex Police Department is one of the top fundraising departments in North Carolina? Finishing in 3rd place in 2022, raising $60,779.19 in 2022. Consistently at the top of the list for their fundraising efforts! The department has a variety of ways to stay connected to supporting this event. On the Town of Apex site you'll find details about the department's efforts. Follow their Facebook page to stay in touch with all the upcoming events. Their next fundraising & awareness event is Cops on Top April 21 from 8 am to 6 pm at Chick-fil-a in Beaver Creek Commons. No donation too small. All donations go to help support the more than 40,000 Special Olympics athletes across the state of North Carolina. Support Special Olympics on Friday with donations or purchasing really cool gear to wear! Besides, when do you get to see a Cop on Top of the building? Some additional ways the department raises money includes the annual Polar Plunge in the winter and their annual golf tournament & Bike Ride each September- called a day behind bars! It's cool seeing all the local agency riders, with local riders supporting Special Olympics. They've even been seen going over the edge! If you've never see the local departments pass the torch running from Apex to Holly Springs to Fuquay-Varina and beyond, save the date for the 2023 NC LETR Final Leg! Law enforcement officers throughout North Carolina will carry the Special Olympics Flame of Hope across the state throughout May and early June. Traveling across North Carolina from six different points and spanning over 2,000 miles, the relays will culminate on Friday, June 2, for the Circle of Honor and lighting of the cauldron at the 2023 Special Olympics NC Summer Games Opening Ceremony in Raleigh. Did you miss our last story in this 150 series? You'll find one of the officer's involved with Apex PD dancing a PeakFest, one of our recent stories. On a personal note: The Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics, is one of our long-standing partner- programs we support as part of our Promotional Partners Cares Program.

There are 5 major reasons that consumers like brand names. Let's take a look at some popular brands that serve up some great ideas for holiday gifting- specifically to brand loyalists. Drinkware is always a popular category for gifts. Useful Inexpensive when you consider the number of impressions generated Works for any demographic Plenty of decoration options for captivating graphics or large wrap imprint areas Given the time of year, today we thought it would be fun to feature Snowfox brand. If you not familiar with the brand, it's Snowfox insulated stainless steel partyware was created with one thing in mind - having fun! And what could be more fun than perfectly chilled drinks that stay that way? Inspired by a Southern California lifestyle, their stemless wine, beer and cocktail glasses were designed to look and feel like sipping from premium glassware, but with all the benefits of insulated stainless steel. Easy to hold. Cold cocktails, of course! Snowfox's products all come packaged in premium, fun and high quality gift boxes! This e-catalog features some top brands for gifting this season such as: DYLN - learn more about the brand here Polar Bottle - learn more about the brand here Hitch - learn more about the brand here Swig - made by women, learn more about the brand here Takeya - learn more about the brand here Vinglace - learn more about the brand here Looking for something that's perfect for high performance or Eco solutions? Check out our next couple blog posts.

As our 2022 Cares Program winds down for the year, we have some fun ways to add to the current total of $1340.00! Join us on Small Business Saturday, November November 26 for a special pop up event, with other local businesses in Historic Downtown Apex to support local partners. Having a footprint in the community is important to us. In fact, community is one of our core values-along with being collaborative, certified and creative. Certification for us is important because it means we are continually striving to be your best partner through continuing education courses. Certification is education- so, for 15th year it seemed fitting our year- long Cares Program initiative support an education partner. This year's focus is Wake Tech Foundation. Learn more about the impact of their programs here. Please join us from 1-3 pm for our Shop Local Pop Up Event from 1-3 pm. Learn more about Wake Tech Foundation and our friends at Apex Public School Foundation - supporting local Apex schools. The first 25 attendees will score a Shop Local can cooler, earn a poker chip ball marker offering $15 off your next order & add $15 to our Cares Program total for 2022! That's an instant $375.00, which will push the total to $1715.00! During the event, we will feature branded products that help donate over $10K of high end products, build schools, supply cash for apparel or school supplies through a national give back program. In addition to your discount, orders with the featured these give back products will add $15 to Apex Public School Foundation till the end of December. Aren't the shoes fun? Yes, we offer an assorted group of custom shoes- numerous styles of footwear. Keep following our social media & blog for more information about how you can win a pair of custom shoes with your logo or design! This will be the 15th year of the Halle Tree & Wreath Exhibit, and our 15th year participating. Since it will be the last month of our 15 year business celebration we thought some shoes that capture your footprint in the community would be fun to design & win. Besides, your bid at the exhibit will help raise money for Western Wake Crisis Ministry. We want your pair to be extraordinary! Some concepts here to inspire you! Keep following our social media to learn more- Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn