What happened in 1777? Probably a lot but without social media we don't have a Tik-Tok to rewatch! Duet & react. The United States Flag is all over the place, from schools, to front yards, and even stadiums, but did you know there is a day dedicated to celebrating it? Flag Day is right upon us, but not many people are familiar with the meaning. Flag Day is a day to celebrate the national flag of the United States. The United States adopted the stars and stripes as their national flag on June 14th, 1777. Ever since then we have taken this day each year to celebrate the flag. One of the best ways to celebrate flag day is to get your own American Flag to show off and celebrate. Do you know the best way to care for your flag? Read more in this post. Did you know we actually sell a variety of custom flags? No matter what your needs are, or what you want on a flag we are able to help out. Next time you are in Apex swing by our showroom and take a peek at our sample flags. Our graphics team would love to design something for your "island" or boat!

We all know zippers help keep contents secure. Do more zippers mean more security? Yes! Keep an eye on your technology gadgets with Tech Accessory Travel Bag - here are a few perks: Keep your technology close at hand Avoid twists & large knots in cords Don't lose those wireless earbuds! Make sure your ID is easy to access Hang up your pouch close by during a presentation Drop this into your travel bag or purse. We'd like your travels to be safe this summer. Stop by the showroom to pick up one of these tech organizers and then let us know how many ways you found it helpful to zip it!

Did the recent long weekend make you ready to hit the road for fun summer destinations? Before you hit the road, be prepared. Like a scout, always have all your essentials handy. Spontaneous weekend trips to the lake, the coast, a local festival or perhaps even antiquing in a local small town will all benefit from this utility tote. Why? It's extra-large! It folds flat, but opens to an impressive 15" W x 22" D x 14" H. The wire-reinforced edges provide extra stability, and 4.5" long grab handles make it easy to swoop up and go! It's not just large in size, but large in heart. It is part of the EcoSmart Collection, giving back to 1% For The Planet. Through this partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of all sales from this line are donated to environmental nonprofits. How much will fit? We tested it recently with showroom products one might pack in a summer tote. There was room to spare with packing 2 sun hats, a pair of flip flops, 2 beach towels, a roll up blanket, an umbrella, 2 water bottles - including one from Camelbak, a tumbler, a dry bag for wet gear, a cooling towel and an odor absorbing pouch, great for wet or smelly gear! Ready to try one out? Stop by our showroom for a sample. (Limited Stock)

Now that summer has us traveling, going to festivals or taking a walk in the park - we are reminded that women have a distinct fashion disadvantage over men - many clothing items have no pockets! Think about it - men's pants traditionally include a pocket for the wallet - but ladies' pants or jackets might include a change pocket, and carrying a purse in the park is a no-go. There must be a better way! What happens when we want to be hands free? A cross body tote is the answer. Hold your phone and a few essentials close by in this stylish tote, but keep your hands free to touch nature, hold hands with your loved one or even eat ice cream! Recently we gave out some of these sling style totes at our 15-year celebration. The size is compact but perfect for even the larger phones. Stop by the showroom next time you are in Downtown Apex. We will give you one! What's your favorite reason to use a cross-body tote to stay hands free!?

Promotional Partners has long since been involved in the local schools and their various programs, so it should come as no surprise when we tell you that we've hired another summer intern from Apex High School's AOIT program! A little snippet of what the program is about: "The Academy of Information Technology (AOIT) is a small, focused learning community within Apex High School. AOIT places a strong importance on career readiness and post-high school success. The program offers a rigorous course of study based on industry-validated courses and the integration of STEM principles into the classroom. In addition, AOIT uses interdisciplinary and teamwork projects to emphasize the importance of developing presentation, communication, and technology skills. Academy students are also offered a variety of on-site and workplace-based professional training opportunities." Want to learn more? Check out their website here! Oh, and have we mentioned that two of our team members were AOIT interns too? Miranda and Angela interned at Promotional Partners before they ended up working here!

We're all familiar with the term night owl, but Day Owl? Perhaps the twist is shedding light on environmental responsibility. It’s never been more important for businesses to get serious about environmental and social responsibility. That’s why we’re so excited to introduce our newest retail brand partner, Day Owl. The Day Owl Mission Day Owl (with your help) is building the first completely circular bag company. Headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the brand makes products from 100% recycled materials, repairs and refurbishes them to keep them in circulation for multiple owners, and when the bags are used up, Day Owl uses them as input materials for new bags. Even better, as a certified B Corporation, Day Owl meets the highest standards of social and environmental performance. In addition to supporting dignified jobs around the world, the brand also creates meaningful opportunities right here at home. First Mile® Recycled Canvas Day Owl operates in the company of its sister organization, First Mile®, which formalizes waste collection networks in low-income communities and bridges the gap for global brands to purchase from these responsible supply chains, while diverting plastic waste from our oceans and landfills. The brand builds its products from these recycled materials. Made from 100% recycled textiles, even the brand’s “new” bags aren’t new. On top of its sustainability initiatives, Day Owl also works closely with nonprofits like WORK, which aims to help families in Haiti out of poverty through good, dignified jobs. Day Owl Backpack Recycling 95% of bags ultimately end up in a landfill. Day Owl Backpack Recycling is an industry-leading way for your customers to demonstrate to their end users that they care about people and planet. Upon receiving their Day Owl backpack, users can send an old, unused or broken bag back (even if it has logos on it) and it will be cleaned, repaired and put to good use. Want to give new life to your old bag? Claim your free recycle kit here! New Styles Are Here! We couldn’t be more excited to introduce three new Day Owl styles: Day Owl Cord Pouch | 9007-02 Designed to organize all of your cables, adapters and miscellaneous must-haves. Plus, it’s sustainably made from durable, recycled materials that create jobs around the world. Day Owl Slim 14” Computer Backpack | 9007-03 Designed for lighter, leaner days, the Slim backpack is minimal on the outside and functional on the inside. With a padded sleeve for laptops up to 14” – not to mention top, front and side pockets – it has enough space for all the essentials. Day Owl 15” Computer Backpack | 9007-04 This backpack features a padded laptop sleeve and a spill-resistant bottle pocket for water bottles up to 750ml. The floating top pocket is perfect for glasses or other small items, and the flat front pocket has room for all your accessories. It even has a secret side pocket for your keys, phone or wallet. Click here to shop the Day Owl collection. If you recall the 70's ad campaigns around "Give A Hoot Don't Pollute" featuring an owl - then you might find this brand name an oxymoron too!

Safety is serious business and warning signs are items we design & produce. Safety signs in the workplace are used to make sure everyone is aware of potential hazards and are fully equipped to handle an emergency. Whether your workplace is a warehouse, store, office, or other location, this communication is essential. If you are in a busy downtown area, like us - crosswalk safety signs are a must! Signs are always USA Made! Let's walk through popular safety signs. You probably have heard of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), with rules around promoting safety in the workplace. Tip: Start by figuring out where those "out of the ordinary, unexpected or not readily apparent" hazards are in and around your facility Here are different types of hazards to look out for: Dangerous machinery or moving vehicles Areas with a risk of falling objects Uneven or slippery surfaces Sources of extreme heat, open flames, or flammable material Toxic or caustic chemicals Electrical or high voltage hazards Potentially dangerous fumes or a lack of breathable air Sharp objects Additional types of safety signs you may need to communicate important information: Signs marking fire escape routes, fire exit locations, and fire equipment Reminders to wear appropriate safety gear (such as face masks) Location markers for first aid kits and emergency equipment such as an eye wash station Signs highlighting prohibited behaviors like smoking or unauthorized access Now that you’ve identified all the hazards that could warrant a safety sign, decide on which hazards should get a safety sign. Posting too many signs is a common pitfall - too many can be overwhelming, and the safety component will be lost. Read to design some visual communications? Let's collaborate and design. The A frame sign featured here is one of our designs. Safety first!

Summer is coming, and along with the sun here in NC comes the humidity! Whether it's heat, humidity, rain, or snow, we have top quality options to meet all your outdoor label needs. Even stickers that are used for products around water and heat-like carpet cleaning. Below are just some examples of outdoor labeling we offer: 1- to 4-color process color printing Reflective stock that bounces the light back to the source, creating high-visibility in low-light, dark or poor weather conditions Gloss lamination is provided to our outdoor labels to protect them against moisture, scratching and outside elements while adding an extra sheen to enhance your label design Matte lamination provides the same great barrier against the elements…plus it’s the perfect choice for labels that need to be written on by employees or visitors Sunscreen lamination has added protection from fading and cracking. It protects labels by combatting UV rays and may extend the fade resistance of some inks Besides outdoor conditions, there are indoor items that just need a little extra protection - think freezer labels, shampoo labels and any other label that may need a shield from the elements. Labels need to stick around for long term messaging. Make sure you consider all your adhesion and protection options when selecting products for your next project. We have samples of all types of labels to compare in our showroom and besides stock shapes, we can do custom. Labels are always USA Made! Put our graphic design team to work for your next project.

The COVID-19 pandemic put safety messaging on center stage but communicating safety messages is not new. June is National Safety Month - are you prepared to share messages about safety with your employees and customers? Simple, but effective items for messaging in your location include: Posters Hard Hat stickers Wall and floor decals Dispenser stands Tamper-proof labels Equipment labels for hazardous products or warning signs Consider using QR codes if your message has information that should be reviewed. Adding a QR code is a quick, touchless form of communication when individuals are waiting in line or frequently in a locker room area to change in and out of uniforms. Graphically speaking - it keeps your message cleaner and more visually appealing because there is less text. Incorporating them into your design work can be a boost to your marketing efforts. How? Check out this post about the easy-to-reach benefits! Ask us to apply our graphic design talent to custom designs! Compare options in the showroom and bundle your needs for a lower price, drop ship or ask about program kits to multiple locations with print collateral explaining how to use your kit. Don't forget that signage is always USA Made!

There are all kinds of ways to create gifts people will love – and make an impact, too. Looking for something specific? ProudPath™ retail brand partners and products can be found in these five categories. Purpose Partners: Certified B Corps that balance purpose with profit and other forward-thinking retail brands that are all in on environmental and social responsibility. Brands That Give Back: Retail brands making a difference with charitable foundations, nonprofit partnerships, volunteer efforts and more. Responsible Sourcing: Taking responsibility a step further with supply chain transparency, including certifications from third-party organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council®. Ownership Diversity: Brands that are changing the face of traditional business, including women-owned businesses. Along with the opportunity for you to support a small business, these brands create products that put a premium on craftsmanship. Eco-Friendly And Sustainable Products: Products made with materials that are better for the planet – recycled plastic, organic cotton, FSC®-certified bamboo and more. Brands + Products The most expansive portfolio of environmentally and socially responsible retail brands, the biggest collection of eco-friendly promotional gift options. It's never been easier to create gifts people can feel good about distributing to your clients and business partners. What's the impact of choosing these products? We are glad you asked, keep following our blog for details about the impact of these brands, your contribution and the difference for the planet. Pick up one of these bags featured on the home page at the Town of Apex EarthFest -a 1% For The Planet product made with recycled water bottles. **Search our blog by key words such as: FSC, B Corp, Sustainable, Woman-Owned, and Give Back

Bags and re-usable products that solve environmental challenges! Spring has sprung, and everyone is eager to get outside again. That means more camping trips, trail hikes and picnics in the park. As people spend more time enjoying the great outdoors, they’re turning to outdoorsy products to complement their adventures. Pack for adventure with Mother Nature in mind. These popular eco-friendly styles will deliver fun & function: Arctic Zone® REPREVE® Backpack Cooler with Sling | 3860-77 Camping trips and long hikes are best enjoyed with cold drinks. This fully insulated eco-friendly backpack cooler is made with REPREVE® rPET, the world’s leading recycled fiber. It features a padded back panel and shoulder straps for comfy carrying, plus a removable insulated sling for shorter adventures. Bloom Bamboo True Wireless Auto Pair Earbuds | 7197-66 Nothing beats taking a walk with your favorite playlist. These stylish Bluetooth® earbuds feature accents made from FSC®-certified bamboo. On top of quality sound, they feature built-in music controls, voice assistant activation (Hey Siri/Google) and dual microphones for hands-free use. They’ll provide five hours of playback at max volume, and the case can fully charge them in 35 minutes. Tentree Space Dye Classic Hoodie | TM18218/TM98218 Stay cozy on chilly spring mornings with a hoodie that is sustainable and stylish. Made with a soft blend of organic cotton and recycled polyester, this classic pullover features on-trend heathered fabric, a kangaroo pocket and a whole lot of comfort. What's special about the Tentree brand? Sustainable Styles, For Now & For Our Future. Would you like to win one of our Apex EarthFest Coolers? Click here to learn more.

Plastic straws are being ditched by many restaurants and food service partners for re-useable options. It's the final straw for many consumers - saving the turtles and other ocean creatures has become a high priority. Plastic pollution and marine debris is a serious problem that isn't going away without a global shift in humanity's relationship with single-use plastics. At Promotional Partners, we love innovation and what's more innovative than creating fabric from single use plastic bottles? Yep, using ocean-bound plastic transformed to create clothing fibers that leading brands use to make products for consumers is a super innovative way to recycle plastic! What's the brand? Repreve! An unforgettable reusable bag that was designed as a simple solution to combat single-use waste, and has since grown into a movement. Partnerships & Giving Back are important to Promotional Partners. We've partnered with another local woman-owned business in Historic Downtown Apex to put a spotlight on efforts to convert to sustainable choices. The Town of Apex is hosting the 1st Annual EarthFest on Saturday April 23rd. Owner of Elk Local Foods, Lora Neel & our owner Olivia Scott partnered up for local visitors of EarthFest to win some cool sustainable coolers. There are two styles offered to winners: A tote style cooler or this stylish 12 can cooler, both are a great size for carrying all your lunch necessities. Both bags are made with recycled material and through a partnership with 1% For The Planet, one percent of sales of this and all EcoSmart products will be donated to nonprofits dedicated to protecting the planet. How can you win? It's simple. Attend EarthFest and then stroll downtown to support local businesses. When you make a purchase at Elk Local Foods, you'll score a sustainable beeswax lip balm, with a case made from potatoes, and be entered to win both cooler bags. You'll also learn more about ways to be sustainable by attending the event. Your bags will be supporting efforts with 1% For The Planet and you'll be supporting 100% local, woman- owned businesses, so mark your calendars! How are you supporting environmental efforts?