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Today is National Dog Day! Dogs Rule! ( at our house anyway) We have plaque at our house, saying "If you want the best seat in the house, you'll have to remove the dog." Our dogs sleep in the bed, lie on the sofa; life's tough! We've had a lot of dogs over the years and more than one at at time. Both of our boys have dogs they inherited from our pack or added as new. Since 2010 our pack has moved from pure breeds to rescues, each loved for their own unique personalities. According to The American Pet Products Association, almost 85 million households have a pet and over the last 30 years pet ownership has gone from 56% to 68% of all households. In fact, the American Veterinary Medical Association suggests that 36.5% of American household own a dog- that's 43,346,000 households- Yikes! What types of businesses would want to connect with dog lovers? Besides the obvious- pet related businesses offering grooming, boarding, outdoor adventures, day care and training consider these types of reasons: Rental properties that are dog friendly Parks or properties that want to remind you to pick up your dog waste Realtors helping with the family move Banks or retail that see dogs stopping by for a visit with their owner Senior Centers that allow pets to be part of the family College Graduates- looking for a companion in their new home Breweries that have a place for dogs to play Restaurants with outdoor seating Dry Cleaners or Carpet Cleaners that specialize in removing dog hair or stains Are you getting the idea? By offering branded toys, packaged treats or pet calendars featuring rescue stories from your community your making a brand connection that will be something to wag tails! You might even consider sponsoring fundraising efforts for a local organization!

Where do you spend your leisure hours and professional hours? Spending time repeating the same experiences whether at work, leisure or as a volunteer tends creates expertise; insights only you understand from being in that world. Our clients generally know that my background is a former WCPSS parent, art teacher and PTA leader. What did almost 20 years of investment in schools provide me? Insights into how to stretch a dollar while providing an engaging activity, raising awareness and accomplishing goals without breaking the bank. Recently a school asked me for a strategy to engage and welcome new families to the school. The goal was to provide families with a welcome gift pack at orientation that would be relevant to both the student and the parent. What did we suggest? A pencil or pen- offering some school spirit in an affordable, but practical way for new students. A webcam cover with personality- keep your eyes on what's new at school by following the school website, PTA news and electronic updates from your teacher's classroom page. A microfiber cleaning cloth-  offering a full color surface for spirit, photos, maps or even a QR code to a video link outlining the key locations within the footprint of the school. This type of product will work for elementary through higher education. Take a look at a cleaning cloth showing just how close access to higher education can be in Wake County via the Wake Tech Community College system; a large footprint! Full color dual sided lanyards offer spirit and function with ID for staff or students. Double sided bookmark rulers, zipper pulls for a jacket, bike tags for identifying bikes at school, pedometers to record steps and coin pouches for treats at lunch or the school store were all part of a Walk To School program at Olive Chapel Elementary; designed to encourage students to walk to school. Low cost ideas for schools is second nature to us!

You have management buy-in, you’ve created your strategy and you’ve built your program. Now it’s time for your big recognition event! Where should you start? Click here to download a sample event planning checklist. A recognition event needs to be memorable. How do you elevate the event? Creating a theme for the event has a natural memory hook but there are also some key tips for the individuals involved such as: The right person needs to make the presentation. This doesn’t need to be the highest-level executive. The presenter should be the highest-ranking person who can personally attest to the accomplishments of the employee. The presenter needs to be able to tell stories that evoke emotion in the recipient as well as all employees. Managers must be trained to make a great presentation. They need to know who is being recognized and why they are being recognized. They need to be able to talk about the accomplishments and focus on the positives of the employee. Consider a video story to include remote team members or to focus on specific accomplishments. Tie in the corporate symbolism. If an award is symbolic to the organization, the manager must be able to explain the symbolism and how it relates to the organization. Ask others to make comments. Colleagues who know the award recipient can add comments to make the presentation even more memorable. Inviting colleagues to the event also lets them see behaviors of the winner that they can emulate. Ask the recipient to make comments. If your recipient is willing, let them say something! This allows them to thank people who have helped them as well as the people involved in the event. Close with a sincere thank you. Thank the recipient and all who attended. Looking for a wow factor? Ask us about adding color!

Did you know that viruses spread through contaminated water? Rotarian's around the globe have committed to ending polio for over 30 years! Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a paralyzing and potentially deadly infectious disease that most commonly affects children under the age of 5. The virus spreads from person to person, typically through contaminated water. It can then attack the nervous system. Clean water, sanitation, and hygiene education are basic necessities for a healthy environment and a productive life. When people have access to clean water and sanitation, waterborne diseases decrease, children stay healthier and attend school more regularly, and mothers can spend less time carrying water and more time helping their families. How Rotary makes help happen Through water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, Rotary’s people of action mobilize resources, form partnerships, and invest in infrastructure and training that yield long-term change. As a Rotarian, part of the Apex Rotary Club since 2008, it's exciting to see our industry bringing a product to market that ties into efforts to support clean water solutions to communities worldwide. Big news! Leed's and drinkware company Welly recently established an exclusive partnership to bring environmentally-friendly, insulated bamboo drinkware to the promotional products industry. Leed's began carrying Welly bottles in August 2019. "I created Welly to help the environment and give clean water to people in need," said Ben Kander, Welly Founder and CEO.  "I'm thrilled to partner with a company like Leed's, who understands the critical role of environmentally-friendly products in the promotional products channel." Welly's mission is to reduce reliance on single-use plastic by providing a reusable alternative, as well as bring reliable access to clean water to communities in need. Welly donates 3 percent of sales to charity: water, a nonprofit organization bringing clean and safe drinking water to people in developing countries. With its first contribution, Welly helped bring clean water to Mai Welay, a rural village in northern Ethiopia. "Welly has such unique, compelling products, plus their work with charity: water is inspiring," said Heather Smartt, Global Category Director at PCNA. "There's a strong demand for earth-friendly, sustainable products in this industry and this partnership allows us to continue providing our distributors with the innovative and socially responsible brands their customers are looking for." At Promotional Partners we are excited to share this product with you as a way to shape the future of our global community. 3 percent of sales of Welly support efforts to bring clean water solutions to communities world-wide.

Increasingly we have clients asking us about Eco-conscious solutions for products and inquiring about which of our partner give back to causes that benefit us all. We enjoy partnering with suppliers that want to be part of change. Our partners at PCNA have introduced their EcoSmart® program. What is this program all about, how did it start and how has it evolved? The seeds for the EcoSmart® program were planted over 10 years ago, when Leed's became the first promotional products supplier to offer Eco-friendly products. Today, it's about more than products; it's about building on our legacy as an Eco-friendly leader, identifying new opportunities and creating products that are both good for the planet and good for business. Eco-Friendly Products Interest in Eco-friendly products has never been greater. This demand comes from a changing culture where plastic waste reduction is celebrated and laws banning single-use plastics are popping up all over the U.S. and Canada. As a result, PCNA is fully committed to providing the industry's best selection of products made from recycled materials, as well as products that are reusable alternatives to items normally thrown away after one use. To make that happen, they have partnered will some amazing retail brands that are out there making a real difference. Our Parkland bags are all made from recycled water bottles, while FinalStraw makes super-cool reusable straws. Beyond a large product assortment, they are dedicated to being your go-to source for browsing and buying Eco-friendly products. Taking Action: 1% For The Planet and More EcoSmart® is about more than products. It's about taking a hard look at their business practices and finding small ways to reduce our environmental impact. They have taken some positive steps and have a list of initiatives taking shape in the near future. Currently, PCNA donates 1 percent of sales from all EcoSmart® products to 1% For The Planet, an organization that enables businesses to directly support environmental nonprofits through financial contributions.  They are honored to join visionary companies like Patagonia and New Belgium Brewing in supporting environmental organizations that are on the ground making a real difference. They are also making small changes to our normal business operations. What types of changes? Their catalogs and other marketing materials are now printed on FSC-certified paper from responsibly managed forests. It's a small step towards a bigger movement. The Bottom Line We're fortunate to be in a position to make a difference. Through the EcoSmart® line we hope to inspire our customers, colleagues and friends to join us in making better choices for the planet. Shop EcoSmart®

If you are planning on spending time in the summer sun, you might want to pay attention to the new suggested regulations for sunscreens. Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a rule that would update regulation requirements for most sunscreen products sold in the United States. The proposal focuses on ensuring that sunscreens are being correctly designated as safe and effective and that two all-natural sun-blocking ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – are added to the list of actives that are safe and effective. The FDA also proposed that the maximum sun protection factor (SPF) level increase in order to offer the best skin protection. Sunscreens that have an SPF of 15 or higher are required to have broad-spectrum protection. The FDA states that labels need to be clearer for consumers, identifying information such as active ingredients on the packing to make sunscreens more like other over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. It’s also suggested that these labels include a notification of a skin-cancer and skin-aging alert for products that haven’t been proven to prevent skin cancer. The FDA’s goal is to update OTC, nonprescription sunscreens that don’t already have FDA approval with the latest scientific research to ensure access to the most effective methods of skin protection. This announcement is important since FDA guidelines for sunscreens haven’t been updated in several years. How can you ensure you’re getting the best protection? Choose mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, especially sunscreen lotions made with non-nanoparticles. Look for broad-spectrum products with an SPF of 15 or higher, so you gain protection from both UVA and UVB rays Protect sensitive and overlooked areas like the ears, lips, eyelids, and edges around clothing. Apply sunscreen about a half hour before sun exposure. Our partners at The Lip Balm Company believe in making high-quality products that put you and your customer’s needs first, which is why we’ve created a line of Broad Spectrum mineral sunscreen products that contain non-nanoparticle zinc oxide as the active ingredient. Partnering with groups that are up to date on consumer safety is important to us! Stay informed about the FDA’s OTC sunscreen proposal here.

When folks see blue lights and hear a siren, they usually start to stress- fearing a ticket or worse! However, law enforcement officers spend countless hours leveraging positive community engagement, rather than tickets. Well, maybe some fun tickets including some from Chick-Fil-A for free ice cream. The coupons are for kids caught wearing their helmets, receiving a helmet ticket! Now that is a ticket I can get behind. What's positive community engagement? How about meeting with homeowner groups, citizens for coffee with a cop, shopping with local kids at Christmas, joining the fun with residents for all our local festivals, fundraising for Special Olympics and providing programs to help protect the community? An important component of community policing is for the public to become educated about rules that are there for their safety, and programs to help them stay safe such as shredding days for old documents/numbers or lock or lose it- keeping your car doors locked to prevent easy access theft. An important education tip in our busy downtown district- knowing the rules of the road for bikes and pedestrians at cross walks. A fun stress squeeze like this mini police car offers a fun way to keep messages top of mind- mine's on my desk. What else can you do with stress squeeze? How about blood donor events? The new super squish heart   providing slow motion stress squeeze is perfect for making a fist and fun! Check out our Facebook page for more videos, including mellow fellow- a smiling stress squeeze. That smile is a great message for healthcare, smiling professions like photographers, dental, orthodontists, and anyone with satisfied customers!

There is billboard space waiting just beneath your feet. Floor mats serve a practical purpose for safety and facility appearance. Most consumers would easily recognize that floor mats are helpful to reduce moisture from rain or snow or to wipe your dirty shoes before entering a building; but what about other reasons to use mats? Mats can be cushioned to reduce fatigue for professionals who stand on their feet all day ( co brand to reduce costs and get your logo inserted in someone else's space) Add a personal touch to home decor (which is a great gift for real estate, interior decoration or home services) Generate spirit or share a welcome message Provide brand unity to your facility space Create a call to action - contest, seasonal purchase, reminder of company goals, even the signature of every employee in the department- pledging to provide outstanding service. Floor mats are Made in USA! Can be custom shapes and images to enhance your message. Photo rich place to share a story in your trade show booth or waiting room area. Easy care and long lasting. Cheaper in the long run than rentals and YOU control the content rather than the rental company; who's not thinking about the application or the message. Quick turn - you only need 1 unit. Apex and Fuquay-Varina Chamber members qualify for 10% discount off their purchase. Indoor, outdoor or just for fun. We have you covered! Ask us how long lasting, USA mats, with no set up fees and as few as one unit can help to define your business space.

Guess what, Keith and I are considering going to The Pimento Cheese Festival today. What makes that amazing? I hate pimento cheese - I mean I really hate it! They are calling for rain. By the way, if you are not southern, callin' for rain just means rain likely What's not amazing is how popular festivals have become to cheap fun. In fact, rather than boredom or laundry- I will attend this festival! After-all, who's not only looking for something to pass the time, be entertained and see something new? I am also working, yep; always wearing my promotional cap. What's engaging attendees?? What makes an event successful? It's fun for the attendee, as well as engagement with exhibitors and performers. As a bonus, if it's located around brick and mortar business district, there will hopefully be increased sales for the day. What types of items increase booth traffic? Fun and Useful Items- take a look at some options Made in the USA! - Informational magnetic, cups, balloons, straws, candy - Personal Care Products are perfect for protection themes, wellness messages and are also often Made in USA product choices. - Outdoor products, such as sand buckets, flying discs, even shoelaces and dog collars are a great way to encourage activity and connect your message to families and kids. (These ideas are also Made in USA!) Consider this: Fundraisers- each side can be different, ask a question and provide the answer School Spirit- highlight what's cool about your school Sport's Team Pride- mascots, team colors- full color - of course Awareness Hometown Pride Follow me to... Walk for..... Run- Walk- Bike- movement is key to good health Touch me- your feet/toes; 10 times everyday for better health Our business pairs well with your feet, 2 times the fun, your companion to..... Next time you are at a festival, put on your promotional eyes- take notice of cool messages being shared with attendees.

In a world that revolves around online shopping, it isn't uncommon for people to turn to a quick internet search for their buying needs. The promotional marketing world is full of details some may not even think to question. Why do we choose to be different? We choose not to be e-commerce. Sure, we have a website that shows you our offerings, but that is only a glimpse into what we have. Our clients have been re-educated to know that a huge value we offer is our ability to navigate your choices, make sure your art will work for the imprint, stock is available, there are no hidden costs, production and shipping time will meet your in hands date, products are safety compliant and quality matches your expectation based on the e-image Assurance- we partner with suppliers, that like us, care about your outcome, your satisfaction. "The devil is in the details"......knowing how to avoid pitfalls takes experience. What are examples of the devil in the details? A client wanted to re-order an umbrella, the style previously purchased was no longer an option. We showed them a couple choices, instead they selected an umbrella from one of the supplier sites we'd shared; we advised them to look back at our suggestions. Why? This client needs to print in PMS match colors and multi-color imprint for adhering to their brand guide. By switching them to the umbrella we suggested we were able to save them over $300.00 on the order. Removing PMS match charges, multiple set up fees, run charges per color; plus the name brand piece was a lower unit cost. It happens around 25% of the time, an order needs to be processed with our Partners Quick Turn Service. A client needed shirts embroidered by next Friday, but they also wanted to see samples. Because we have a showroom, we were able to deliver a couple choices to them on Friday to compare and we proactively shared the digitized file with the decorator to make sure no edits would be required. We placed the order on Monday with delivery on Thursday, just in time to look sharp for a group event on Friday. ART! By offering our clients expert and experience design services, we save time and produce better results. One of our local school partners partnered with us for floor mats and signage to direct students and parents. Many of our clients think the want their products designed one way, but once they see choices they realize they want something completely different. By having Miranda and Sara work through design work BEFORE placing orders, we saved them time and money. How? Supplier proofs are a double-check, it's meant to ensure the file is correct not for further changes. Why? Our supplier partners process 1,000's of orders a day. When edits at the proofing stage are required, time and money is involved meaning orders may not arrive when needed. You may have noticed the Burke Brothers Hardware tent at the Got to be NC Festival. Their store is located across from the Raleigh Fairgrounds, as your source and expert team for "everything". In fact they say, "If you can't find it at Burke's, it doesn't exist". While the tent design seems simple and the product straight-forward, we were able to compare tent options and accessories between suppliers. Miranda was able to show the owners several design choices before going into production. The result was a tent that "pops" outside.

Building unique campaigns are part of the fun of our industry. Our client base is diverse, and within a day our hands touch many projects. It isn't unusual for us to have worked on over 30 projects by midweek - whether it be ordering, sourcing, graphic design, kitting or delivering. It's only Wednesday and this week we have: Created new logos Designed tee shirts Suggested seed paper items for an open house project Sourced the perfect shirts for corporate, schools and EMS teams Create art for a patch project Ordered cups, pens, pencils, personal care products for summer like sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer and lotion, totes for markets Worked on local fundraisers Created and ordered ID badges, Door mats, outdoor signage, indoor displays, table covers Developed and loaded online stores for employees Kitted together items for mass distribution within an organization Delivered custom work vests Discussed themes and bounced around ideas for annual campaigns Create a custom solution to recognize donors.....and the week is not over! Miranda often says, "every day is an adventure". In between orders, we are busy with our own promotions. Sara's been working on our website, creating art to share our brand story, adding to our testimonials, case studies and photo gallery. Keith gets the nuts and bolts of the process- invoicing, compliance and deliveries! Inserted here is a new infographic outlining the process we use. As crazy as any day can be internally, we enjoy working as a team to resolve your challenges. The occasional chaos is worth it when clients appreciate our expertise!

Today is Mother's Day, so let's celebrate everyone's Mom- Mother Earth! Our partners at JournalBooks, an award winning NC Company, have been focusing on Mother Earth for years; celebrating with eco-friendly products. As a FSC® Certified company, JournalBooks tries to make their carbon footprint more of a carbon tip-toe. They take great pride in making products as environmentally friendly as possible by using vegetable-based inks, recycled scrap metal for wire binding and recycled cover materials. In pursuit of a sustainability dream, all of their filler are responsibly sourced and they offer 100% recycled EcoFiller as an upgrade. Going Eco-Friendly doesn't have to be expensive, the Eco Line is made strictly from recycled materials. Among the products in that line, the EcoTuc journal is a great option, with a unique ‘wrap-and-tuck’ design that keeps your notes protected. The Natural or EcoBlack cover can be switched up and inserted with a Natural front cover with an EcoBlack wrapped back! EcoBooks offer a more traditional design, with 4 size options, from large to small and 3 material covers. EcoBooks components are comprised of post-consumer 100% recycled materials for earth-friendly note-taking! Enjoy the convenience of the classic wire-bound journals with a guilt-free conscience with EcoBooks. Doubling-down on our sustainability efforts is the Eco Wrap, which is offered in two sizes, made of recycled materials and are refillable. Once you've selected your journal, don’t forget about a pen! The EcoPen and MiniEcoPens are made with recycled plastic and paper. The Eco Pen, a quality retractable pen made with recycled paper and plastic with a flat wooden pocket clip. Inspired? All of their products can be upgraded with imprints, custom filler, tip-ins and more custom options. Celebrate Mother-Earth today and plan promotions tomorrow that help save the world!