CERTIFIED B CORP MONTH: B CORP partner stories are abundant in our blog posts. Brands that are making a difference, provide you something to smile about well beyond the appreciation of a quality gift. It's those stories that shape the narrative of your brand message. Through your choices to imprint products, you are also telling your brand story to others. What is a B Corp? Hopefully you've read our posts about: tentree klean kanteen nimble and now introducing you to: bellroy - Helps you move through the world with ease and energy, while helping the world, and their crew, flourish. For bellroy the future is a place where people, animals and the planet can sustain – not sacrifice – each other. Progress for one has knock-on effects for the others, so supporting the whole loop is their focus. For example, if there’s something that works better for animals, but harms the planet in the process, their team will turn their attention to developing a solution that works better for both. Terra Thread - backpacks, bags and apparel are created for conscious consumers, corporations and NGOs who are looking to make a positive impact on the world with their purchase. Terra Thread puts people and the planet first, every step of the way from organic farms to your arms. Their mission is to lead a transformation in organic cotton farming, and give consumers better, more planet-friendly choices for everyday essentials. Their vision is to create the world’s most affordable, durable, sustainable, and ethically produced backpacks, bags and apparel, while having a positive impact on the world. Brands that are making a difference, that is the ProudPath difference. Take a look at this video to understand how forward thinking brands are making a difference every day for the environment & social responsibility.

Imagine a super soft fabric that's made with polyester recycled from plastic bottles, TENCEL™ Modal made from renewable beech trees, and organic cotton all sourced from the US - then you'll be experiencing Allmade. Compared to the average t-shirt, every Allmade® t-shirt helps you reduce your carbon footprint, save water, and reduce waste. Their story starts with regular people that bonded over a common thread to create a better shirts. After traveling to Haiti, they experienced first-hand the economic & environmental challenges experience by garment workers. The owners & team came back with the realization that by creating dignified fair wage jobs they could empower the people of Haiti to take care of themselves and their families. They returned from their trip committed to breaking the cycle of poverty and child abandonment in Haiti, while reducing our industry’s impact on the environment. Watch the story here. Take a look at some of our Allmade products here.

Spring is showing it's colors and tempting us with its warmth this week. However, let's talk ice! Not the ice associated with winter weather. We are talking about the perfect ice cube for your drink. Artisan Ice! This crystal gem ice cube maker will leave an impression. Besides- it's Friday, so isn't that the time for cheer? What's the W&P story? Founded in 2012 by Josh Williams and Eric Prum, W&P creates modern kitchen products that improve the way we eat and drink everyday. As college roommates and best friends, Josh and Eric shared a passion for crafting great food, even better cocktails, and memorable experiences with friends. It became their mission to empower others with these better, more modern, and fun-to-use tools, and W&P was born. W&P has 3 guiding principals: W&P re-imagines everyday interactions with food and drink through thoughtful design and engaging content. Their eye-catching products rethink the role of everyday objects and their passionate community drives an active conversation around the latest trends in food and beverage. Search the entire line here. Brands Matter! This idea also fits our quirky enough to work series. Are your services a "cut above"? Do you offer a sphere of influence? Have fun and bring cheer!

Think about it, when you need AAA to tow you, you are stuck in an airport for a delayed flight or the power is out- you want power! That's when it's okay to be obsessed with a desire for power! It's the type of juice that keeps us going. Check out this video about the jumper- flashlight. Besides, you already know we love creative innovative people- which is why we keep sharing brands like mophie that offer more advantages for your active lifestyle. Who exactly is mophie brand? We're Creators and Innovators Since their humble beginnings in 2007, as the creators of the iconic juice pack, mophie has become the industry leader and most trusted brand in mobile power collaborating with the world’s most coveted brands. We are a passionate and diverse team united in a shared purpose to enable creative possibilities by solving the need for power. Learn more here. What is the mophie advantage? At mophie, they are obsessed over the details in both form & function to deliver premium mobile power products featuring best-in-class quality and safety. mophie battery products are tested at three different stages of production to ensure unmatched capacity, along with reliable, long-lasting performance. When connected to your device, their smart charging circuitry determines the perfect amount of power while fail-safe circuitry prevents over-charging and overheating. Power Wherever, Whenever The complete line of mobile power solutions spans portable power banks to wireless chargers, all designed to eliminate your worry about low or dying device batteries at home, in the car, or on-the-go. The award-winning products incorporate the latest features and connectivity options, plus wireless and fast-charging technologies for the perfect charge every time. Search the entire line here. What's a critical moment in life you need access to power?

As creatives, our team enjoys how the collaborative process weaves together your brand story. Before a logo is crafted to represent your brand, it's important to learn about your vision, mission and purpose. Extracting the look & feel that's important to face of your business is more than creating a brand guide to your color, font & placements. Developing a brand includes understanding your style - the look & feel that's your brand identity. The next step is designing! A Brand Refresh Story Sometimes your logo has unintended challenges. Half tones & gradients are a common issue when decorating product because some types of decoration can't produce those visually appealing elements or will add cost. Here's a recent story around Little Bean Speech, seeking to refresh their logo and apply it to textile products using embroidery. A Brand Launch Story Our design team rocks! Each time we consult with a potential new partner seeking graphic services, we will advise them of key areas we avoid in the design process. Take a look at our collaborative process at work through these two partner stories. The Chris Murray Team and Puppy Auto Wash The next step is creating a campaign. Your Voice Matters Your audience engages, watches and responds over time. The modern consumer wants to connect with your brand through keywords, mentions and comments. Being recognized for your appearance is one layer, adding credibility & reliability to your message is the voice behind your brand. We apply our industry knowledge at each step; knowing the partners & products that align with your values. Your Appearance Matters Besides the quality & usefulness of a product, the decoration method is what attracts the eye. There are so many choices for decoration. We stay on top of all the latest trends and in the graphic design process to limit issues when your ready to market & advertise. What types of projects? Create tent designs that capture attention & draw in attendees Designing compelling trade show booths Sharing the fun of telling a story Raising awareness & gaining participation for fundraising The unity created through celebration The bonds created through strong visuals in the community Custom products for recognition efforts Every project is about you- our partnership is crafted with visionary assurance, united purpose.

What is Olivia up to now? Demonstrating products! Sorta. Watch to see. It rained all day, then we tried to video her trying out this Rite in Rain product; suddenly no rain! Did you miss this post that explains how the product works? Who likes an unexpected rainbow when the rain stops? Take a closer look. What's special about her pencil? It has a rainbow tip! That way you'll always find the rainbow. These pencils are not only fun, but great for themes of diversity and inclusion. Now take a look at what she is wearing. Did you know this comfy sweatshirt is made from recycled materials and with each purchase plants 10 trees? That's pretty amazing right. Read more here. Her jacket is seam sealed, stylish, lightweight for any weather and right now on sale! We have samples of popular jackets from this line in our showroom. Trying on your clothing prior to an order is one of the many benefits of our showroom experience. Good for the planet, positive messages & products that shed rain- with so much accomplished don't you deserve a reward? Tomorrow is National Drink Wine Day Sign up to follow our blog and we will enter you win a bottle of Promotional Partners wine. We will draw on Monday.

What four words? Visionary assurance, united purpose. We offer visionary assurance, united purpose. But what does that mean? We captured our story in this recent video. It’s about applying our team's creative talents into innovative strategies & visuals that put a laser focus on your brand; and the message your brand has to convey. Not one day. Not one campaign. Every day. Every project. You're ready to boost your brand message, you want a trusted partner. How do you determine trust? Technology makes it simple to find testimonials, reviews and recommendations that provide some insights for what to expect going into a new relationships. It's a place to start, however it's the collaboration; that's when our relationship starts. Since 2007 we’ve worked with brands of every shape & size, from global & national brands to local entrepreneurs embarking on their dream of operating a successful business. The scope of work is similar, yet different. For larger brands our graphic arm might be around designing a custom product, package, trade-show space or for an internal initiative around their core values. While a local businesses may need a brand refresh around a local initiative. Each of our partners has their own unique voice & brand standards. The graphics we create and the products we suggest are strategic, insuring your brand message resonates with your vertical markets. Our showroom is an essential part of the collaborative experience. When partners visit our showroom it becomes the trifecta- a creative boost of energy, talent & expertise all in one place. We love to see the reaction when we immerse our partners into our industry assets. Our partners draw inspiration from our certified team. Our partners tap into our collective talents, expertise & experience. Consistently our partner's reinforce that nothing beats the one-on-one experience. Their time is productive. By touching & comparing options for the quality, durability, decoration method, feel & texture, it's easier to determine how to prioritize budget. Time with our team reduces workload for our partners. We can work through design concepts quickly & efficiently without the burden of back & forth through emails. Rapid response and generating solutions creates more time in our partner's workday. Each step in our process provides peace of mind. We become united in purpose. Be assured, we have the resources & industry knowledge & creativity to craft award winning programs. That’s visionary assurance, united purpose. Note- thanks to our partners from 621 Productions for creating this recent video and our partners from PRS- Professional Restoration Services & The Poe Center for lending us their acting skills for the day! Trust starts with transparency right? You should know, yes- we can laugh at ourselves. Take a look behind the scenes on our filming day.

Being everything to everyone is an overwhelming & exhausting task. For a business owner, your list of ideal markets and connections might look like this list: New parents Technology enthusiasts Environmental & sustainability champions Those seeking to maintain their optimal health & wellness goals Attendees to conferences Individuals that enjoy cooking or relaxing at home Individuals that enjoy exploring the outdoors. Remember, it's the NC year of the trail. Wow, that is a long list! Relax- we do the heavy lifting by curating the best partners for your brand. Promotional advertising is all about touch & connection. By providing a product solution that is kept, used and appreciated- your brand message stays top of mind. When your brand is remembered and individuals reach out to you for goods & services as a result of engagement. That's brand power. One of the joys of our showroom location is to connect you to innovative product and quality brands. It's easier to know what you like, when you can compare your options. It's also important to consider the trends that are influencing consumers. Which brands? Which products? Check out this video clip of new products in our showroom space. Take a moment to relax. Look closer at new products in this digital flipbook, featuring solutions that will resonate consumers. Did you miss these recent stories? Wearable art, making a difference for the planet. That's a winning combination. Take art with you everywhere you travel or event in your home, with Slowtide brand, read the story here. Keeping our ocean's clean and beautiful, while providing eye catching totes. Explore the Out of the Ocean line & a partnership making a difference here. Brand name cooking essentials for the kitchen, are perfect for National Bake with families month. La Cuisine. Make it a gift set! Looking for ideas for the home? These inspiring products will be used & kept; after-all we spend an average of 37 minutes in our kitchen each day. Popular name brands, kitted for distribution or shipping? You got it! Read more here. When you are ready to compare- come on over. Connecting with you, one-on- one, that's our favorite part of the day! No matter who's on your list, we have solutions. Besides, it will give us time to relax and catch up with you!

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!