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According to Entrepreneur, business cards are still a vital way to distinguish brands from their competitors. A unique business card design, shape, or feel that reflects your personality will stand out in the stack. In a face-to-face meeting or inserted into a mailer, business cards are often the first exposer to your brand. Business cards should make a powerful first impression. We offer a wide range of solutions that can be customized to reflect any company’s distinctive brand, plus many cards are USA Made! Let's explore some options: Corporate customers with high-end services or products- Consider elegant cards with a thick paper stock and raised printing. The shimmering effect from foil imprints can serve either as a stylish accent or the centerpiece of the design. Fashionable, trendy businesses: Offer business cards with a distinguishing-colored core that grabs attention. Some papers have a sparkly finish, or super lush thickness. Customers in creative fields: Propose an eye-catching shape – such as a circle or oval – to differentiate your customer’s company. There’s no rule that says you have to stick to rectangles! Ask about unique shapes that reflect your business message. Edgy companies promoting innovation: Recommend raised spot gloss. This specialized printing process really packs a punch whether it’s used to emphasize important elements or used as a design element on its own. Add QR Codes to a video, blog or website to enhance your story after you connect. A professional and creative business card leaves a lasting impression. To quote the author of the Entrepreneur article, “The physical exchange and engagement creates a connection that can’t be recreated by LinkedIn or your website.” Ready to put our design team to work? We can develop your logo or use your existing logo to create the perfect card for your needs. Compare paper options, review some of our past work and discuss programs options for higher quantity needs with our certified team. Besides, business cards are just one of the many places we add our creative touch!

Do you host a Superbowl Party every year or participate in a bracket for March Madness? Sure, there are themes that are universal such as Volunteer & Employee Appreciation Days, Customer Loyalty Day and monthly themes around health, stress, and wellness- but what's unique to you? Show some personality with fun campaigns around what you love. Afterall, is love only implied with a box of chocolates? Maybe this year's Valentine could be a build your own pizza kit. We post frequently about brand identity & authenticity - what's more authentic than having us collaborate, then craft your own unique program? Besides creating programs that showcase how your company is giving back, there are programs that are fun- showing your personality! Each year, we craft campaigns that will be remembered because of the fun & joy. From signature footballs & snack helmets to basketball for the office door or desk. The SuperBowl is coming up in February, how about you arrange to drop ship a kit to your employees or key accounts? Or you could send some spices and include a custom pizza cutter for meals all during the year! Who's ready to create some fun before kick-off?

Always! We love creative pursuits! Creativity opportunities are both serendipitous, (yep, look up a new word) and planned. How can you plan for creativity? By inviting play. When our mind is engaged with a new activity, such as solving a puzzle, we have to challenge ourselves to consider new possibilities. The more we invite play into our lives, the more likely you'll become a creative problem solver. One of our partners, Jornik, also a woman-owned company like Promotional Partners, believes that creativity is fundamental. We love that phrase. Creativity is one of our cornerstone values. Innovative ideas, images and discussion drive engagement and engagement drives collaboration; another cornerstone of our company, because collaborative discussions create solutions that drive results. Ready to play? Take a look at these 5 options: Ball of Whacks Shake a Word Robo Cube Fidget Toy Traveler Geo Puzzle Zen Stones January is National Creativity Month and January 29th is National Puzzle Day- so we challenge you to get out of your routine and create a new pursuit! Whether it's artistic or playful-have some fun. You never know when your creative burst of energy might lead you to an innovative idea!

Did you know this past Sunday was National Handwriting Day? Did you spend that cold winter day writing a letter or reflecting in a journal? Some of our team recall earning their "cursive license" in grade school, a fun way to mark the transition from using print to cursive writing for recording notes, writing stories and even sending out valentines! Script in different languages takes many forms from letters & symbols that look more like little works of art to the letter connected to form words in English. There's something powerful about the connection of pen & paper. Our signatures and handwriting are distinctive to each of us. Our team has noticed the more things change, the more they remain the same- just packaged differently to the consumer. Technology has made it simple to live paperless, but do we really avoid paper? Let's take a look at how handwriting is still part of our daily lives: Technology might make it simple to send an email, but a handwritten note is special. Making a digital list of things to do is handy- it doesn't use paper but it can lack the satisfaction of the tactile experience of crossing off a list, adding a thought to your gratitude journal or leaving a co-worker an inspiring message. Recording your impressions from a meeting in the form of notes creates good reference and also time for reflection. The perfect pairing for storytelling Studies indicate that writing creates retention of information- google it! Worried about the environmental impact of using paper? Yes, we have paper products, like journals with recycled content, environmentally friendly inks, layered with giving back to environmental initiatives to save the oceans & our planet; plus digital, reusable writing palettes like Rocketbooks. Adding the personal touch with paper and layering in your own signature style with the design of the product will leave an impression with the recipient.

Why do retail brands matter now, more than ever in the branding space? Because an increasing number of consumers want to know the people behind the brand. Read more here in one of our recent blogs. One of our top brand partners, PCNA recently provided these insights. The pandemic has changed a lot of things – including the way we give gifts. It hasn’t just gotten more common – people are being more thoughtful about it, too. Retail brands have always had appeal for the style, quality and performance, but now the emotional appeal is part of the equation: People know brand names; they trust brands and they often identify with a brand. Chip Canner, PCNA Director of Brand Development, provided us the scoop on how the trend is changing the promo industry. Q: Brands have always been popular in retail, but they’re really starting to get hot in promo. Why now? A: “Gift giving has gotten more personal, and in no small part because of the pandemic. People and businesses want to build more meaningful connections with those around them, and it’s easier to create those connections with gifts from retail brands people know and love. Think about when you receive a gift from a brand you like and trust. You’re very likely to use it and keep it.” Q: Why do partners like us turn to PCNA for gifts from retail brands? A: “A few things, actually. We have a large, diverse selection – over 50 in all. And we’re constantly partnering with new brands, because we want to carry something for every type of project or end user. Whether it’s Herschel, Skullcandy®, tentree, mophie® or Klean Kanteen, distributors know we’re the destination for retail brands.” * At Promotional Partners, we hope you have been following these brand stories on our blog and in our newsletters. If not, click the links to learn more about each of those brands. Q: With so many retail brands in the PCNA portfolio, do any standout in your mind? A: “I’m a big fan of the ones that give back, and we have lots of those. We do our best to partner with brands whose values align with our own, so naturally we carry a lot of eco-friendly brands, Certified B Corporations and companies with giveback programs. For example, tentree plants 10 trees for every item sold. Klean Kanteen is 100% Carbon Neutral in its manufacturing and delivery. It just feels good to offer distributors so many brands that are making a difference.” Q: What tips would you give about finding the right brand for a project? A: “PCNA.com is a great way to find what you’re looking for. Our Retail Brands section lets you view curated collections based on different types of end users, from executives and professionals to outdoorsy types. The Brands They Love Want to see all our retail brands in one place? Set up time to visit our Promotional Partners showroom, hop on a virtual visit, ask for an electronic look book or new product video before you plan your next promotional campaign!

Banners are extremely popular because of their ability to immediately convey a message to passersby. They are also cost-efficient, easy to assemble and dismantle, and extremely durable. They can be single- or dual-sided, have wind vents added for over the street signage on electrical poles, be reduced to boulevard signs for repeating messages about upcoming events or to promote holidays, and can be made out of non-traditional materials such as mesh to be more durable in outdoor conditions. Our design team makes sure your banner stands out from the crowd and reaches as many people as possible by incorporating these six tips: 1. Start Branding at the Top The most valuable real estate is at the top of your banner - this is where passersby naturally look first, and what they are most likely to remember about your banner. We place your logo in a prominent space, so your audience immediately recognizes you. 2. Keep Text Minimal Too many words can overcrowd your banner and overwhelm your audience. Keep your message concise and to the point. A few keywords are all it takes to attract passersby and strike up a conversation. Images can be powerful additions if used strategically. 3. Brand with Company Colors Include your company colors on the banner. Remember, less is more. While your color scheme is helpful in reinforcing your brand identity, you don’t want your color palette to distract from your message. 4. Use Quality Graphics When it comes to selecting the perfect graphics for your banner, steer clear of low-resolution images. Instead, we want to apply high-resolution graphics that are crisp and clear, with vibrant colors that will pop. Don’t overcrowd your banner with too many graphics. Using just one high-quality graphic is all you need to catch the eye of passersby. 5. Don’t Forget Your Contact Information Your banner should give your audience all the information they need to contact you in the future. Be sure to include and make highly visible your website, phone number, and social media information. You may even want to add a QR code, so that your contact information can be easily scanned and stored to a smart phone. Keep in mind, content varies for use. A sign hanging over a busy intersection does not need the same content as one a pedestrian passes on the sidewalk. 6. Choose the Right Size Banners can be printed in a number of different sizes for a variety of different purposes. Keep in mind that a banner that is too small for your environment risks going unnoticed, while a banner that is too large can end up being overwhelming and intrusive. Make sure the banner size you choose makes sense for the setting you plan to use it in. By applying these tips and changing out your signage regularly to keep your message fresh and noticed, our graphic designs will keep you top of mind and your message remembered. When you are ready to plan - set up a time to visit the showroom, compare the options of materials for printing and work directly with our design team to bring your vision to life. If you can't make it in person, we can video chat on a variety of platforms, while we show you our huge virtual showroom. * This image was a huge mesh installation for the side of Apex High School to make the class of 2021 feel special! Interested in a case study from our archives? Click here.

Today is National Inspire with Art Day! We all know that you need inspiration to create art, but did you know that art has the power to create inspiration in others? Art can be used to inspire awareness or education in a way that is interesting to the viewer without being overtly practical. Take a look at these banners – they all tell the viewer a different story. During the spring, there are graduation banners around every corner telling the community of this year’s graduates. This banner for the police department tells of how much money has been raised and how much is left to hit their goal, inspiring the public to sponsor the department or donate what they can. Oh, you forgot it’s National Doctor’s Day and you’re on your way to a check-up exam? Good thing this office invested in a banner to share with clients that it’s a special day, and to inspire them to wish their doctor a happy day! Banners are also a great way to inspire thought-sharing and to gain insight into what people are thinking. This “Think Apex” banner was on a table at Apex’s Peakfest, inspiring passersby to jot down their thoughts. In case you haven’t caught on – art is a great way to inspire a feeling of school pride, of hometown pride, of giving back to the community, without having to say a word. Want to read about how to build a better banner? Click here! What’s the most interesting banner that stands out in your mind? Let us know in the comments!

As you may know, education and continuous learning are core values of Promotional Partners Inc., and our team strives to constantly uphold that value. Because education means so much to us, we have always invested in local organizations that seek to educate and broaden one's knowledge and experience across a multitude of topics. After much thought and reflection, we have determined our 3rd Annual Give and Spotlight: Wake Tech Foundation! Prepare yourselves for a year of education and information regarding this charitable organization! Today is only the beginning of us sharing why Wake Tech Foundation is such a great organization. Read on to gain just a snippet of what the foundation does for the community. Wake Tech Foundation is a registered nonprofit that seeks to make education and access to education as widespread as possible, to ensure that the local area continues to be an educated and desirable place to live. Since its inception, the board officers and donors have worked to establish a bountiful resource for those who want to figure themselves out before attending a four-year university, those re-entering the workforce, or even those who want to learn something new. The foundation uses the donations it receives to fund scholarships and provide tuition assistance to current and aspiring students of Wake Tech Community College. There are different types of scholarships offered at the foundation to meet the needs of all kinds of students, including annual or endowed scholarships, or a Scholarship Spotlight that provides the awarded student with a leadership opportunity. From 2020-2021, $9.7 million was raised by the general public towards the scholarships, student support services, technology, and faculty/staff innovation! These donations allowed 1,504 grateful students to receive a scholarship and have another chance of controlling their livelihood. We're so excited to teach you about Wake Tech Foundation, and we can't wait for you to order our featured items! If image isn't showing, please click here to be redirected.

We pride ourselves on being a partner you can count on, with great products, expert decoration and the ability to turn your big orders on tight deadlines. Hopefully you've been following our posts about products that do more than build your brand, they help others. We also think that making a difference it important- giving back to others. From our socially conscious brand partners to an industry-leading collection of sustainable products, with your help, we’re creating change for the better. Here are 4 ways we are committed to making a difference. 1. Offering Brands With A Purpose Sustainability and social responsibility are important, which is why we partner with retail brands that share those values. From eco-friendly brands to Certified B Corporations to companies with giveback programs, our brand partners are doing their part to make a difference. Tentree plants 10 trees for every item sold. Klean Kanteen is 100% Carbon Neutral in its manufacturing and delivery. Welly donates over one percent of sales to provide clean drinking water to people in need. Karst makes tree-free paper from 100% recycled stone. Parkland makes bags made from 100% recycled plastic bottles. 2. Consistently Adding Eco-Friendly Products We’re proud to offer the industry’s largest selection of sustainable products, but it doesn’t stop there. Our Eco collection is always growing. Whether it’s comfy apparel made with recycled fabrics, stylish bags made with upcycled plastic bottles or Bluetooth® speakers made with natural bamboo fiber, there’s an eco-friendly option for any project. 3. Supporting 1% For The Planet Did you know that through our partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of all Eco sales are donated to environmental nonprofits? That means that when you buy these products, you’re helping to support: Well Aware, which builds clean water systems in Africa, providing sustainable solutions to scarcity and contamination. One Tree Planted, which is committed to global reforestation. One dollar plants one tree. Together with our distributor partners, we’ve helped provide clean sources of water for 8,500 people, planted 998,080 trees and upcycled 12 million plastic bottles! 4. FSC®-Certified Partnerships Our commitment to making a difference goes far beyond the products we sell. Three of our facilities locations have earned Chain-Of-Custody certification from the Forest Stewardship Council®, a global, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the promotion of responsible forest management worldwide. Chain-Of-Custody certification traces the path of FSC®-certified products from forests through the supply chain, ensuring that the FSC®-certified products you buy from us come from responsibly managed forests. What sustainable efforts matter most to you? Let us know in the comments!

Looking to change up your kitchen utensils? Tired of using the same serving spoons and forks that you’ve had since your mother-in-law gifted hers to you? Well look no further! Check out these new Eclipse Stainless Steel Serving Utensils that have an iridescent finish – a sure way to switch things up in the kitchen. You definitely want to have products that match your aesthetic and personal tastes, seeing as how promotional kitchenware is kept on average for seven months. Some of us in the office are having a disagreement about what our favorite feature of the serving utensils are – most of the team thinks the iridescent finish of the serving utensils makes it a cool and fun product, but I think the fact that it’s dishwasher safe is the true selling point for me. What do you think? Also, don’t forget about the third product in this line – the Eclipse Stainless Steel Bag Clip, so you can fold up your snack bags with style!

"Tequila" won The Champs a gold record, but margaritas go best with silver tequila! Back in 1989, our 2 owners Olivia & Keith visited Mexico. The resort had a mariachi band that performed nightly, offering some familiarity to American travelers by playing "Tequila", by The Champs, 2 many times a night! The use of tequila in margaritas is an immortal practice, and because February 22nd is National Margarita Day, it's another chance for us to pour some fun into your 2022 marketing calendar! Yes, classic products such as desk accessories, writing instruments, totes, and technology accessories are practical branding ideas, but the crossover to leisure-time activities can add some playfulness to the brand. Here are 2 inspiring ideas for 2/22/2022!! The BruMate MargTini makes a great gift because of its signature quality and its three layers of premium stainless steel to keep your drinks icy cold, not to mention being splash-proof. Complete the set by sending top clients or high-performing teams a Party in a Box to create their own fiesta, complete with a donkey-shaped piñata! Allow guests to refresh their drink with this 2-gallon Stanley Cooler. Start with mocktails at the office, then send employees or clients home with their own MargTini. Afterall, Employee Appreciation Day is coming up March 4th. Want to learn more? Check out this video about how tequila became the new celebrity drink of choice!* *Source: The New York Times

Made from 100% sustainably recycled stone, and without any bleaches or acids, Karst Stone Paper™ is rebuilt from first principles to be better than wood-pulp paper - more durable, more sustainable, and infinitely smoother to write on. Karst ensures that materials are responsibly-sourced, employees are treated and paid fairly, and leaders work for a greater cause than a profit margin. On top of creating paper & pencils that have a low waste impact on trees and water, Karst is 100% carbon neutral and committed to making a difference through partners like One Tree Planted. Ready to take a look at these alternative product solutions? Click here. Looking for more stories like this? Follow the Cause Marketing section of our blog or type B-Corp in our search bar.