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!

Think about it; when you go on vacation you usually want to purchase a souvenir. Those items usually bear the name of the location you've visited. If you google the history of souvenirs you'll find souvenirs were relics from destinations preserving engagement with sacred and historic sites. Surprised? After-all, is modern society really any different than our ancestors? We all want to capture memories. Each December we participated in the annual Halle Cultural Arts Tree Display; which benefits the Western Wake Crisis Ministry. After participating for the past 12 years in the event, the question was how do we "step up"  our entry for 2019? After gaining permission from the Town of Apex to use the trademarked phrase (yep, it's trademarked) "the peak of good living" , we added some decorated pint glasses, tumblers and coffee mugs to our tree. We were not surprised at the interest in bidding on that tree. We posted images about our tree entry on social media and requests flooded our inbox for "the peak of good living" items. The popularity of those items helped inspire choices today. Our lead graphic designer, Miranda Schulstad, collaborated with the Town of Apex to design a logo for the town that would capture popular retail trends, evoke hometown pride and incorporate the licensed phrase, "the peak of good living". At the Halle Cultural Arts Center, you may purchase a piece of hometown pride. How does design work go from concept to print? Expertise, talent, and time are what drives a successful graphic design. While designs may seem simple, the ability to select the right font, determine how an imprint will print on a product, and a creative flair all need to work together with a client's vision. The repetition of creating logos and designing layouts for products contribute to our team's ability to quickly and expertly create a custom design. Providing a product that creates a souvenir that will sustain your memory takes an expert hand. It's exciting to see our graphics - at work!

While not everyone is a visual learner, a hot trend in marketing is an infographic. You've probably noticed we've been inserting them frequently into our blog posts and educational materials. Images tell stories quickly and we remember images. Images also make it easier to share a lot of content - less words, strong impact. You've followed the blog, you've visited the team in our showroom and compared your options for products. What's next? Now it's time to create the graphics!!! Like an infographic, our expert team is working with you to create a graphic that will appeal to your audience, convey your content and add some flair! Many of clients have a general idea of what they want to include-such as words, themes and images; however placing those elements still takes a trained eye. Often we are starting with establishing font preferences, design elements and adhering to your branding specifications. Basically our graphics team works to ask questions and provide visuals to figuring out what our clients find appealing, "pretty" . We need to determine what will convey their message and create a unified outcome. Fortunately, we've been offering in house graphic design for 12 years! If you consider there is an average of 2080 hours in work year, then multiply that number by 12= that is 24, 960 hours to experience at work for you!! Wow- take in that number. #knowledge A cohesive booth will get you noticed!

You've been to the showroom and selected the products you want for your branding campaign, but do they work with your imprint area? Many clients may want to include their logo as well as other content on their products. However, many imprints have very limited space. It’s important that the content be readable and have no printing issues. We have several tips that are important to remember when branding on the website. At Promotional Partners, we have the experience to know which things will and will not work in certain imprint areas. We will guide you through the art process and suggest a few imprint options to best utilize the imprint area. Adding this service, saves time once the order is placed, because the proof process with the supplier is seamless; a double check that the order is ready to print. Below is an image of an actual proof based on a virtual image we provided for Apex Cabinet Company. We advise our clients that a small imprint area has a stronger impact when your name is bold as with BF Designs. Normally we advise that adding phone numbers, websites and taglines often take a way from the imprint area. Working through the design work is a great reason to take advantage of our in house design services! You know I am a rule breaker; so I ignored our advise and added a tagline, BUT selected pens with a large imprint area and it just seemed the WRITE choice to make! Besides, pens are one of the highest impression items you can select, making them a right choice in branding.

Our NC partner, Suntex has been an innovative partner for many of our projects! When our clients want to insert their message into the fabric of their target market's day; well, the pun's intended - textiles are a great solution. Wearable items like caps, gloves and socks keep us comfortable. Similarly towels and blankets make functional gifts. Looking for proof? How about these stories: The YMCA has jumped in feet first with socks to acknowledge donors and texting gloves for youth volunteers as gifts. We've done fuzzy feet for senior living centers, contractors and healthcare practices seeking a unique gift to connect their brand to comfort. Zipper pulls were added to town apparel for "a dash more" when it's not an option to stand out from your competition. Need to instantly become part of a celebration? Stock shapes and custom are the perfect solution. Patches are a great way to remember the experience. Fleece items like beanies, scarves and headbands make nice employee gifts. Headwear, well caps turn heads and get noticed. Caps, headbands and beanies are unisex and size less. We can wear items our head daily which translates into high impressions. Students at Apex Friendship High School sported these headbands at the annual Apex Rotary Christmas Parade to show unity as a group. Hands Down- texting gloves and hide a band products are perfect for numerous recipients. In the winter, not having to remove your gloves to use your smart device makes touch finger gloves a prime branding space. In the spring and summer the ability to insert your license, a key or a special message from a loved one, into a hidden pocket of your wristband make a hide a band the perfect solution. Towels! One can't go wrong with a towel promotion. Golf towels like these done for the Apex Police Department's annual tournament for Special Olympics are sure to be a hit with recipients. After-all, how many kids dream of growing up and being able to carry a badge? Identification- Is important for organizations working in the field, making sure individuals know who is there to assist like these caps for Curamerica's Global. Oversized bag tags are a great way to ID luggage. We have done tags for luggage, convention ID badges, golf bags and while we haven't done it yet, we love the idea of highlighting your blood donor type. Stitching your message into the fabric of your vertical markets just got easier with this line!