Surely you've heard- America turns 250 this year. Is it the fireworks, grilling, or traditional favorites like ice cream and apple pie that make you long for the 4th? Long before our industry was defined as an ad specialty or premiums partner, mass produced merchandise was used to shape public opinion, political advertising & unifying supporters, as well as capture the spirt and pride of our national identity. In the American way, we're also skilled at capitalizing shared experiences. As early 1789, George Washington distributed commemorative buttons at his inauguration. In the 1800's brass and metal items supporting candidates were commonly found as lapel pins or awareness ribbons. Besides, who can forget Eisenhower's 1952 button " I Like Ike." Consider for a moment the momentum and evolution of promotional branding and messaging in the modern political season. Can you image a campaign without "swag" for their base of supporters? In fact, the roots of one of our industry associations, PPAI - Promotional Products Association International, was founded around the popularity of the pin & button trade initially being known as the National Association of Advertising Novelty Manufacturer's in 1904. In 1917 World War 1 utilized the power of print with buttons, pins, posters and collectibles such as paper fans, trading cards, and glassware adorned in red, white and blue themes to galvanize and unite American spirit. The flag, eagle and other commonly associated patriotic symbols were abundant for public purchase or distributed for free. Over the past nineteen years I've been amazed how quickly our industry adapts to consumer preferences. We also learn from others. Did you know our industry manufacturing partners converted parachute material used for war into the material to construct modern day umbrellas? Yep! Over the years, promotional products been a vessel for messaging around civil rights, voting, war, our space program and our nation's loss around the events of 911. Tangible branding offers high visibility, lasting power, an ability to swag consumer perception and unify groups simply through advertising with products immersed into our life. Are you ready for July patriotic celebrations? We have licensed America 250 products ready to drag and drop your logo into the approved licensed design work. Review a few options from this earlier January post. Patriotic themes are abundant, if you want to keep it simple and universal past the 250 milestone- ask about USA Made products or products that feature stars, stripes and flags. Collectables Matter If American's love to collect!. Use our talented graphic design team to create a unique America 250 logo. Buy USA MADE products . Whatever way you prefer to celebrate the 4th- we suggest you set up a time to plan NOW!

When your traveling, quick access to key items without weighing down your footsteps is an excellent travel companion. Blending a compact, sporty profile with versatile functionality, this sling bag delivers effortless everyday style for work, school, or casual travel—now crafted using recycled materials for a more mindful carry. SWISSGEAR helps you live life in motion. Review the backstory of the brand in our earlier post. Number 2 on our list of top 10 summer products is the SWISSGEAR Mini Sling made from durable fabric and features a sleek silhouette with a padded tablet pocket, a breathable padded Airflow back panel, and an ergonomically contoured shoulder strap with mesh detailing for all-day comfort. Designed with two organized compartments, it offers a roomy main section and a fully featured organizer panel to neatly store essentials like a phone, keys, and sunglasses. Thoughtful finishing touches include a front slip pocket, a vertical front zip pocket for quick access, side water bottle pockets, and a sturdy top web loop handle for easy grab-and-go use. Key Features: Made of a highly sustainable, durable, and lightweight polyester produced from recycled plastic Large-capacity main compartment with 10" tablet pocket Padded shoulder straps with breathable mesh fabric, built-in accessory pocket and thumb loop adjuster pull for the ultimate in carrying comfort and functionality Padded, Airflow back panel with mesh fabric for superior back ventilation and support Wide shoulder strap that attaches to either side of bag (Can be worn on both sides) with integrated elastic mesh pocket ideal for an energy bar Organizer compartment with a zippered pocket as well as a key/fob clip and multiple divider pockets for pens, mobile phone, ID cards and memory sticks Side water bottle pockets Deep zippered mesh pocket for cables/adapters Extra long zipper pulls Explore more options here. This recycled bag is also part of our ProudPath Collection.

Level up your game with a versatile partner. The key to adding value is offering the unexpected. This product is another quirky enough to work idea, brand and our 3rd summer product spotlight. Take your game to the next level with the SNAPS Hat Clip Golf Ball Marker—the all-weather accessory every golfer needs. Featuring a patented magnetic cradle, this lightweight polymer clip slides easily onto most adjustable hat straps, keeping your ball marker within quick reach. Designed for comfort and convenience, it lets you mark your ball, line up your putt, and snap the marker back in place as part of your routine. Key Features: Lightweight polymer clip – Designed for comfort and all-day wear Built-in magnetic cradle – Securely holds one standard-size ball marker Fits most adjustable hats – Quick and easy to attach All-weather design – Durable for play in any conditions Play through any condition! This product is our 3rd suggestion in our top 10 summer series of new products and brands to add more value for your brand identity.

No one wants coal in there Christmas stocking, but this COAL is good. Really good. How? Three ways. Commitment Design Purposeful When you're ready for headwear that exceeds your expectations, you're ready for COAL in your stocking. Our team seeks out purposeful brand partners offering, like us, more value. Coal Headwear is our 6th top 10 new brands to know this summer. It's part of our ProudPath Collection, with a focus on the environment through sustainable construction. You need to protect your head when you're headed outdoors- you might as well make a statement too. Brand Identity is your IT FACTOR! Aligning your brand story throughout your marketing & advertising campaigns is our visionary assurance, united purpose at work.

We've always like products that stick around- after all, staying front & center in the routine of your life is the power of tangible marketing. Earlier this year we captured the data in this blog post, outlining how sticking around creates a long term relationship between your brand and your target market. While I'm not normally hyper focused on germs, traveling always reminds me that I don't love keeping my toothbrush on a new sink. I search for a cup to use or bring my own holder. This toothbrush holder is so simple, so smart and so quirky, I can't help but wonder- why didn't I think of that solution? Maybe I could fly to an island instead of riding the ferry. The product is our 9th feature in our top 10 summer products- so new, it's not even on our website yet! Are you an innovative thinker, adding more value, solutions oriented? We know how to help elevate that message and help your brand stick around. This low cost, high impact product is also quirky enough to work- part of our innovative thinking at work for you. Visionary Assurance, United Purpose at work for your brand identity.

Growing up I often heard the phrase cute as a dumplin'. These dumplin's deliver a 10 out of 10 on cuteness, making this product our 10 out of 10 new summer products. May is mental awareness month and let's face it, we could all use some ways to calm down our tension during the day. As a desk buddy, in the home or even small enough for your pocket this darn cute dumplin' will deliver exactly what you KNEAD this summer. Watch here to see how it works. Pre-order now, stock will go fast when it arrives in July. Quirky? Yes! Low cost, high impact? Yes Cute? Yes Trending? Yes Visionary assurance, united purpose at work? Yes! Act now, embrace the squish this summer!

Together, let's elevate your brand. Memorial Day Weekend is the official start to summer- which means travel, vacations, and leisure activities like golf. In the next nine posts, explore products that make perfect companions to your summer. Some will be quirky, but all will add functionality that delivers quality and value. Each will hit on key features that can align with marketing your company. As your marketing partner, we know exactly how to position your message utilizing these mew products and brands. Let's explore the options in our Downtown Apex Showroom & Design Studio. To kick off this series of 10 products, today's post is built for travelers, dreamers, and doers. It's Wander & Roam, delivering elevated travel essentials designed for everyday life. Smart organization, clean design, and exceptional value come together to make every journey effortless. Together, we craft campaigns that offer our clients visionary assurance, united purpose. Explore the collection here. This bag is part of our ProudPath collection and gives back to 1% For The Planet. Put our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand identity.

Normally carrying a flask might suggest you've got a problem- in this case, this flask demonstrates how much you care about hydration, style, minimalism and the environment. The uniqueness of this brand and this bottle make it our seventh top product in our top ten feature of brands and products to know. The A6 Tritan™ memobottle™ 12 oz is designed for effortless, on-the-go hydration. With its slim, paper-inspired design and compact one-inch profile, it fits neatly into pockets, handbags, and backpacks—perfect for commuting, travel, or daily use. Crafted from durable Tritan™ plastic, it offers the glass-like clarity of glass with lightweight, shatter-resistant strength. The stainless steel lid provides a secure seal, while BPA- and BPS-free materials ensure safe, long-term use. Both boiling water and freezer safe, this modern hydration essential combines minimalist style with practical versatility. Hand wash recommended. Explore the collection here. Key Features Made from Tritan™ plastic – Lightweight, shatter-resistant, and glass-like clarity 12oz (A6 size) – Compact, slim design fits easily in bags, laptop sleeves, or pockets Stainless steel lid – Provides a secure, stylish closure BPA- and BPS-free – Safe, durable construction for everyday hydration Food-grade silicone seal – Prevents leaks and ensures freshness Boiling water and freezer safe – Built for versatile use Easy to clean – Rinse with warm water and detergent or use Bottle Cleaning Tablets What qualifies this brand to be a ProudPath item? As a purpose driven partner, memobottle TM is a Certified B Corp, meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance and using business as a force for good. This is a brand that prioritizing giving back- providing someone in need with five months of safe water access through a partnership with Water.org. Over 50 million days contributed since 2016. This partner represents- visionary assurance, united purpose at work. Besides, it's also quirky enough to work!

When I think of a tablet I immediately recall the cartoon series B.C., with messages etched in stone. Stone tablets were likely not carried very far due to their weight, so the message was limited to the viewer in those surroundings. A modern day tablet also provides a surface for recording messages, but unlike stone, it's made our lives faster; connecting us to information anywhere. While an electronic tablet might be more efficient in the workplace for communication, the artist in me loves the feel of using your hand to chisel a message. Raw material that comes from the earth such as clay and rock provide a natural medium for innovation, creativity and customization. The material provides limitless possibilities for a mini masterpiece. One of our favorite creative partners, uses the raw materials of crushed quarry stone and resin to form "works of art" for the table top and wall. Their line has a huge selection of stock shapes for inspiration for awards, functional desk items and custom designs! The crushed stone they use not only natural but creates a USA Made "batter" that is poured into molds. When custom work is created a project starts with image renderings for suggestions, then patterns for molds are create, while the type of rock and colors of rock are selected. In the final steps these mini sculptures are painted and assembled. Our desire to communicate a message to individuals and others has been around since, well B.C.. Modern messages are often captured in recognition pieces for the desk or the wall. These pieces serve as symbols of company goals or benchmark achievements. Recipients of awards are honored with recognition among their peers when an award is presented and then the award displayed in a key area of their desk or office, serving as a reminder of goals. Below are unique custom pieces from our case study collection: The Ripple Stone was used as part of annual fundraising for the Wake Tech Foundation's annual ripple campaign. The wink, Spencer for HAP Innovations captures securing benchmark dates and highlighting company culture/values Abrigo was created to capture their new hexagon shape in the award selection to tie into the company's re-branding of the company's name and logo design. The desk pieces serve as an acknowledgment for the achievement of sales goals. Both items are stack-able, allowing for the addition of layers of future years. None of these pieces take up a lot of desk space, but there is a huge impact to the recipient and surrounding employees - a message captured in a mini masterpiece! That's our visionary assurance, united purpose at work for your brand identity.

Is it intuition or simply the ability to see what lies ahead that will elevate your game? The secret weapon to leveling up your game might just be this rangefinder by Blue Tees Golf, making this product our 5th feature in our series of top 10 summer products. The Series 3 Max+ is engineered to deliver fast, reliable yardages without adding complexity to the game. With its dual-color display, golfers can easily switch between red and black depending on lighting conditions, ensuring clear visibility in both bright and low-light environments. The device locks onto the flag quickly and confirms the distance with vibration feedback, allowing players to move into their shot with confidence. Its intuitive design minimizes learning curve, making it easy for first-time users while still delivering consistent performance for experienced golfers. Slope-adjusted distances provide additional confidence on elevation changes, while a tournament mode ensures compliance when needed. The rechargeable battery supports extended use across multiple rounds, and the magnetic mount keeps the device easily accessible throughout play. The Series 3 Max+ focuses on what matters most: delivering dependable performance in a format that is easy to use, easy to trust, and easy to recommend. Key Features Laser Distance Measurement up to 1000 yards Auto Red / Black Display for All Lighting Conditions Slope Function with Tournament-Ready On/Off Switch Instant Flag Lock with Pulse Vibration Magnetic Cart Mount for Easy Access Fast, Simple, Intuitive Operation Clear vision is critical in golf and business. A partner that see the landscape and is able to help you navigate the course - well that's going to elevate your brand identity. Let's talk about how to keep your brand on the right course this summer.

Grip it. Spin it. Kick it. Stick it. Swap it. Pocket. It's definitely quirky enough to work! Ultra-slim and endlessly versatile, Snap Grip 5 works as a grip, stand, and magnetic mount. Today's our 4th product feature in our top 10 summer series. Use Snap Grip 5 as a one or two finger grip with full 360° rotation, kick it into a rock-solid stand, or snap it to anything metal. The glueless MagSafe® design makes swapping accessories effortless and, at just 3mm thin, it slides into your pocket without a snag. Built with a sleek metal trim and includes an adapter for non-iPhones & cases. What are the specific features? 360° rotation – Adjust for perfect viewing or photo angles Kickstand functionality – Folds into a stable stand for hands-free use Glueless MagSafe® design – Clean magnetic snap-on, snap-off attachment Metal and soft-touch construction – Combines durability with a comfortable grip Wireless charge-through compatibility – Works seamlessly with Snap Charge Qi2 Full phone compatibility – Works with most phones made in the last 15 years Universal charger compatibility – Easily removes for use with wireless chargers Includes magnetic adapter – Ensures compatibility with non-MagSafe® devices and cases Ultra-slim 3mm profile – Slides into pockets without bulk Unexpected- offering value, security and versatility. Make a permanent connection with this brand, take your brand identity anywhere this summer and beyond- making this our fourth product feature in our top 10 summer series.

What's the place you call home? In celebration of SBA National Small Business Week, follow our blog to discover our story. As founders of Promotional Partners, our journey started with an artist and a scientist, who also happened to be married. The business grew from a mom & pop with a vision, into a brand that delivers exceptional value. We remain nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Apex. Watch as I reflect on what makes Apex "home" here. We take elevating your brand identity seriously, but this mom & pop have never taken ourselves too seriously. In fact, you never know what crazy thing might happen. Our six elements for crafting a strong story: Compelling characters! Be relatable, without complicated jargon. Create an engaging plot! Through clear messaging and intriguing marketing, products become a marketing medium. Add conflict! Yes, some conflict is good. A little friction and challenges help us evolve. We need a catalyst to absorb different perspectives that help us grow. Through continuing education, service, mentorship, leadership and sponsorship, we grow. Setting matters! An immersive experience is unparalleled. Make your theme clear! Entrepreneurship is a symbiotic relationship that relies on a community of champions. Organizations like a chamber of commerce or a civic organizations allow you to dial into the community. Create resolution! Loose ends become a tight knit community through partnerships, weaving a strong tapestry. Fortunately as the triangle community grows, so do resources. There are layers of support to help your business grow, from community college classes, to networking groups, to chambers of commerce and even municipalities to provide programs. Nineteen years ago we had no clients, no bank loan, no board of directors or program behind our brand. We did have community relationships, grit, and boundless belief we could blaze our own trail. Along our journey we've been supported by community champions. Our partnership story began and continues through your trust. By referring us to your connection, your our champion! By supporting our business, your also a champion of diversity partnerships and your partnerships allow us to champion others; communities rely on a beating heart. Join us for our May Anniversary Event, a celebration of champions! We'll provide you strategies to reward YOUR champions. Check your May newsletter for the link to RSVP or ask for details. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC #promotionalpartnerswomanownedbusiness