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.

Olivia's always got a longer list of ideas than time to implement. Turns out that long of ideas is an essential part of her recipe for creating content on the fly. For example, our blog usually has an average of 15 drafts waiting to finalize when inspiration hits or the topic is relevant to client education. Just like a well stocked pantry of ingredients that can quickly become any recipe- all those drafts are future posts . Included in those drafts is today's re shared post. It caught our attention a while back for ways to save time and find inspiration. Learning never stops for the curious mind- which results in making our company adaptable to change and action oriented to tasks. Here is the Time-Saving Tips To Create Content Blog post: If you work on your company’s sales or marketing team, you may create content like blog posts, videos, or social media posts, then you’re probably familiar with the challenges that come with content creation - from finding the time to create the content and then having to keep up with regular posts. Maggie Georgieva, a product manager at HubSpot, understands that you may not always feel motivated (or have the time) to create. However, learning how to manage your time when it comes to content creation can improve your productivity and overall success. We highlight some of her top common sense tips in this post. Start with a template. There’s no need to start from scratch every time. Using a template lets you follow an outline and organize your thoughts. Many sites offer free blog post templates to help you get started and write faster. Build a routine. If you want to get better at creating content for your business, develop a routine. Make time for it in your calendar. Perhaps block off 1-2 hours each day for crafting your blog posts and videos. When you stick to your schedule, you’ll likely find you had more time to create than you initially thought. Maintain a running list of ideas. It can be challenging to come up with compelling topics. That’s why Georgieva recommends keeping a list of ideas handy. Try creating a shared Google Doc with your team and encourage everyone to contribute ideas based on a specific topic. This way you’re not scrambling for worthy topics at the last minute. Research and then write. Know the main points you want to include in your piece before you sit down to create your content. Organize the data and stats into a quick outline and include any keyword research in the process. Georgieva says this is helpful because when you get ready to create the content, you only need to create - not find - relevant data. Resist editing while writing. You may want to edit as you go, but Georgieva says this breaks your writing flow. Instead, let yourself write without stopping to correct typos or rephrase sentences. Once you write your initial post, you can always make changes. Update existing content. Another time-saving tip is to refresh the content you have already created. This is good for SEO and your audience, and it can also give you fresh content when you’re pressed for time. Georgieva suggests reviewing your current content and looking for pieces that could use a deeper dive or a new angle. Hire someone to create content for you. Sometimes your workload is just too heavy and your efforts can be better used elsewhere, Georgieva says. If you have the resources and budget to do it, hiring outside help can be a great option. Busy marketers, sales professionals, and business owners sometimes struggle with content creation. By following the tips above, you can overcome some of the most common challenges and stay on track with your content-creation goals. We'd like to add that creating a stock of ideas for content also makes it simple to pull together the content you need quickly! Since it's National Bake With Family Month, we are suggesting that families are a special blend of people; work families included. We hope you enjoyed this calorie free recipe for creating content. * Credit due to PPAI Media- Compiled by Audrey Sellars Her Source: Maggie Georgieva, product manager at HubSpot.

For many, our emotional connection starts with touch. Sensory cues like touch hold strong memories and pleasant memories evoke positive feelings. In a month associated with love, why not consider ideas that fit well in the palm of your hand? Drinkware remains a popular choice for branding because of it's usefulness. In fact, 2022 studies shows that it was one of the most popular items to receive in the Southeast. Brand engagement relies on being used & seen. All month we have been featuring products that are innovative & useful. Let's take a look at some drinkware brands that you should get to know. Are you familiar with these brand names? Palmpress produces hand-brew single servings (8oz) of delicious hot or cold brew coffee. Created by a team of coffee lovers who believe coffee products should be less wasteful, more beautiful, and made with better-for-you materials. Brewing does not produce waste (no pods or paper filters) and your coffee never contacts plastic. Approved by champion baristas. The PUL SmartCap is the ultimate upgrade to tradition hydration methods. Powdered by cutting-edge technology and science, the PUL SmartCap provides users with data-driven insights into their health and the tools to achieve and maintain proper hydration. Pul SmartCaps user SensorFlow Technology, a proprietary technology built in to accurately measure real-time hydration. Smart Reminders are also part of their innovative algorithim working with color-coded LED light system to train healthy habits. Perfect for those health goals & wellness programs. TAKEYA's mission is to inspire, energize and celebrate fitness enthusiasts everywhere, one refreshing sip at a time with their collection of advanced everyday hydration solutions. Their product lines features insulated stainless steel bottles, tumblers and travelers, The cold brew makers and pitchers are USA MADE! Which option do you FEEL right about trying?

Do you know how many hoodies or totes do you own? If your like Olivia, you've lost count. Ask her how many hoodies she loves, and she'll answer two. Why those two hoodies? Comfort, fit & construction- top quality. Which two brands are these hoodies? American Giant, a homegrown brand that even boasts NC cotton Tentree, a sustainable brand that is planting trees with proceeds from your purchase. Ask us to try out a tote- sure thing. Make it well constructed with a bonus story- you'd have this tote. It's from Moop- a woman-owned company, and will be available in early March. Now more than ever, our partners are asking for gifts that create meaningful connections and make a real impact. What are the four key trends will be at the forefront in 2023? 1.Renewel: People are rediscovering the beauty in simplicity - a natural complement to the shift toward sustainable, long-lasting products. 2. Futureverse: Influenced by the ever-evolving world of technology, these sleek, high-performance products keep us connected wherever we go. 3. Care Culture: An increased focus on mental and physical health, products that support wellness will be especially meaningful. 4. Retail Brands create an instant connection, delivering a unique combination of on-trend style, premium performance and quality that people trust. Consumers are looking for gifts that match their lifestyle. Offering value in the functionality of the item for their day, as well as their values for how the item is constructed. More than ever consumers want to know the company behind the brand. The desire to get to know the brand behind the product has driven interest in purpose driven brands- meaning brands that give back to the community a local or global level. Purpose driven brands allow us to suggest options that align with your company values, mission and purpose. Retails brands are also popular for the trust that's already been established in the consumer relationship. Brands names are associated with quality. Our blog is rich with stories about brand name products, over 400 brand tips, to layer in to your gifting & promotional campaigns. When selecting products for trade show incentives or corporate gifting; consider building a profile around the type of recipient that will be using the products selected. What motivates you?

Chill! Cozy fleece, knits & outerwear make popular, comfy and on-trend gifts! Besides comfort, durability, retail inspired features & quality- there other factors to consider for your brand. Besides fit, what's the story behind your brand? How can you incorporate choices for products with partners that share your forward thinking? These partners offer a great impact to your purchase: Feel good about choices such as ProudPath™, with options for a variety of non-profit, charitable partners. Some of the products in this line are made with recycled materials, making them a sustainable gift that partners with 1% For The Planet. Tentree- is made with recycled materials & for every piece purchased, 10 trees are planted. A ProudPath™ partnerv& Certified B Corp, tentree is all-in on environmental and social responsibility. Roots73™ ( a Canadian based brand) donating $2 million to many well-deserving organizations. Like what? The Black Opportunity Fund and Brands For Canada, a nationally registered charity that supplies clothing, personal care & house-ware items to millions of Canadians living in poverty. Beside investing in charitable causes & wearing on-trend styles, your brand will turn head's because of the decoration options! Yep! Visitors to our showroom are always drawn to these products for the style & fit, but when learn about the unique ways they can decorate; it's game over. Not every process works on every fabric- ask us to craft a collection around the decoration method that works for your project & logo. HDX- Dimensional- permanent, dimensional rubber like patch that is adhered to the surface. Comfortable to wear, no backing & pun intended- it elevates your brand! Infusion- Sublimation- also permanent. The color is gassed into the fabric. It keep those soft hand shirts & hoodies super soft to the touch. Lightweight & breathable art on your chest, plus unlimited color per location. Laser Etch- the fabric burned out. The more pile to the fabric, the deeper the recess. Lighter color fabrics have a greater contrast to the finished product. Soft to the hand & no backing makes this process comfortable to wear. It's also a permanent way to capture your logo in a subtle tone on tone appearance. Laser etch is perfect for mixed media, shown here with embroidery over the top. Deboss- similar to laser has no color, is permanent, and feels good to wear- no backing. This process is pressed into the surface leaves raised areas of fabric around the decoration. Also considered a tone on tone way to decorate. Transfer- when you have lots of color- this is a solution that captures every detail. From gradients to large areas of color, your logo will pop with high visual contrast. On jackets or sleeves, it's going to be a way to easily make a team recognizable with large bold graphics. Embroidery- is classic, durable, colorful and adds some texture to the surface. This method of decoration been around since 30,000 BC! Additionally, specific items in this line are perfect for private label or hidden messages. The special areas add creative ways to grow your sponsor & donor dollars by offering the opportunity to add more value. Imagine the impact of on boarding a new team member with a customized welcome message inside the collar or jacket of their new gear. Increase the presentation factor! Ask us about adding products like these to a custom store for your brand enthusiasts for fundraising or for rewarding your team! Looking for kits to send out? Not a problem. We can easily add apparel to your packages that are individually wrapped & shipped to each person, a gift on their desk at work or a pre show introduction or post show follow up after your initial meeting. Pretty COOL ways to decorate & give back, right? We told you- Chill!