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You! May 4-10- is Small Business Week Small businesses offer consumers more than a product or service. Surely you've heard the phrase, people "do business" with people they like & trust . Your business tool kit should include lots of multi-purpose keys to help unlock the right path  for growth. People are the gold in the toolbox, creating experiences that will help you navigate the adventure. It's no secret that intellect, marketing savvy and financial backing alone won't drive business development. The secret is adding people. Sure, financial security, savvy skillsets & intellect are all assets. However, human connection forms strong bonds. Trust, respect and mutual understanding creates value. Relationships bring consumers back to your business. Each person I've met over the past 18 years encodes another pearl of knowledge, a different perspective and layers texture within in my mind. Those combined experiences add emotional resilience and produce a mindful mindset, ready to take on another chapter in my journey. Thank YOU , for 18 years! We also love to celebrate the success of all of our valued partners- together creating a thriving economy in their local markets. All week, we have special incentives to celebrate Small Business Week! Plus, we are keeping this specials throughout the month of May. Some of these specials reflect woman-owned partnerships! Another bonus? All of these options are USA MADE, no tariffs!

When you've been tasked with making "everyone" happy- that's dauting! However, when you select one pen that can write many stories and become a medium for different messages- well that's impressive. We like creating simple solutions to complex challenges. We've got 22 ways to add your name to a themed barrel. These pens provide a low cost way to offer inclusion, have fun and highlight careers. We love sharing the WRITE choices for your branding needs. Explore the collection here .

Elevating your brand message is about creating a connection. By sparking conversation, we create the opportunity to layer your marketing message, providing long term use engagement with the recipient. Applying our skillsets to your marketing & advertising plan is similar to having an ace up your sleeve! In January, I shared the Dri Duck brand for its rugged, yet stylish options for employee gear to wear outdoors at work or leisure. Hard working brands like Dri Duck offer more than clothing options. Their hard goods collection, promotional items, are phenomenal choices for the home or office. You'll discover water bottles, pet bowls, coolers, multi-tools and lights for your next project in this line of products. Aligning your brand with quality is always smart marketing. By aligning your brand with innovation or problem solving, we create a lasting impression. This bottle has a pet bowl that unscrews of the bottom. Explore our collection , then ask us to curate the exact products for your project, design a box  and ship it directly the recipient! Top retail brands leave a strong lasting impact. We've always got a fresh perspective to apply towards your marketing & advertising goals.

This head first idea is the perfect solution for creating a buzz worthy moment. Our mind processes images quicker than words. When you've got something new to share, make your messaging moment stands out from the crowd. Not only is this bucket cap a full color surface for our talented designers to create something amazing; but it's reversable! Use that noggin', imagine the possibilities. For a new hire- before training & after training period is complete; like turning the tassel Promote a product launch Call to action- discount inside for loyal partners New member- Encode the secrets" to maximizing your membership New parent- wear it proudly Making a change at work- new service? Merger? New logo? Destination conferences can include a map or VIP entry experience. Are you beginning to see how this USA Made option could be useful? Besides the dual surface branding, we can do as few as 1 unit. Every week is a celebration of small business, because the SBA reports that Small Businesses account for 99.6% of all businesses in the state, employing over 1.7 million people in various industries, creating two-thirds of new jobs over the past 25 years! We love providing our partners marketing strategies to grow engagement & revenue! This type of suggestion is not only the mission & vision being our tagline line visionary assurance, united purpose- but it's another one of our quirky enough to work processes.

Today is storytelling day and I consider myself a storyteller. I've been spinning tales for years. As a teenage babysitter I'd weave together tall tales for kids, adding new chapters of adventure each time we gathered. Stories give our mind both a release & a burst of creativity, plus provide an ability to take an unexpected journey. If I'm not captivated by the first page, I'll never read the book. Life is a lot like a book; if it's not captivating, I move on. Key characters in our life keep us focused, balanced and provide us the confidence to open new doors. The key on a wayfinding map is intended to mark iconic locations we'll need on our journey. Perhaps if we knew the iconic moments that are ahead in our life, we might not take the journey. Early pioneers couldn't rely on map, instead the put their faith in people and relied on their own grit. 18 years into business ownership, my journey has taught me that the key to opening the right doors lies inside yourself. It's what you glean from relationships & stories that fuels the resilience & energy necessary to forge ahead another day. I don't possess all the keys to unlock "success." However, through my entrepreneurial journey I've learned that pots of gold are rarely paved with money, each individual along your path layers in another pearl and happiness comes does come in waves . Through family research, I learned I'm related to Pocahontas! Myth, fact, fiction or the Disney version, she clearly was influenced by the individuals along her path. Paths that lead to destinations have compelling stories. Unlocking the doors to your future and being content with the journey simply means you've found the keys to what makes you feel whole. Over the past 18 years, your stories & my journey have carved a unique key. Each facet in my key adds dimension and makes each new door I encounter irresistible. Always open doors. Destinations lead to new outcomes, which create results. Stay optimistic, hope is the elixir of life! I bet you'll discover compelling stories to guide your path forward.

Today is Arbor Day; do you know the roots  of this story? As the pioneers moved into Nebraska Territory, the absence of trees made it hard to find shade, heat & build their homes, and have the necessary windbreaks they needed to keep soil in place. Then in 1872, J. Sterling Morton took his advocacy for trees to another level, proposing a tree planting day known as Arbor Day. It's estimated that 1 million trees were planted that day, which might be a stretch, but it's a fact that by 1920, forty-five 45 states and territories were celebrating Arbor Day. The Forest Stewardship Council  (FSC) has been around for about 25 years and is devoted to promoting sustainable forest management. Read more about these certifications in this post. In fact, our forests need trees to protect our ecosystem. R ead more about the impact FSC is making for the planet. We're committed to offering you more value for your brand, like partners that offer products with products with responsible construction; our ProudPath Collection has 4 pillars - including journals with FSC construction. Just for following the blog, you've earned a free set up fee on our FSC journals through the end of May! To keep celebrating trees- we've got another perk for our followers. 10% off this line of wooden coasters till the end of May. Besides the discount, this wooden coaster adds more value. Through a partnership with Evertreen, a tree is planted with every order! In this  previous post we featured a dimensional option. Perhaps you'd like to become a modern pioneer and stake your claim on a piece of the earth! In this collaboration, we used our resourcefulness to source a Canadian made product, which saved our client time & avoided tariffs, left them with no worries about delays in customs. Let's learn from the pioneers and advocate for planting trees to protect our planet for future generations.

Pickleball is here to stay! It serves up fun for players of all ages. We first started sharing about this rapidly growing trend in this 2022 post. April is Pickleball Month- so let's serve up some of our own fun for our partner enthusiasts. Offering client loyalty & reward gifts, as well as incentives for employees to get outside and stay fit are perfect reasons to embrace this quirky enough to work idea for marketing. After-all there is nothing quirky about a trend that's got people moving. Did you know FIA Topline Participation Report for 2025, 19.8 million people played pickleball in the US in 2024—a 45.8% increase from the 2023 numbers? Those are some impressive numbers. Over the past couple years our lines have expanded to bags, balls, paddles, accessories such as socks, sweatbands, caps, visors, and oh so much more. Discover some of the many options we offer here . We offer custom options for paddles and other accessories. We stock lines that include- Woman-owned brands like Recess Limited edition- like the Go to Pickleball Bag - the official bag of the Professional Pickleball Association! On Demand gift sets - as few as 1 unit 3 in 1 bands , Hide a Band and Retro bags ! If your following our socials, you'll see these April & May Shower specials: As a blog follower, you have access to all the specials at once! We design in house too- our friends at Peak Pickleball were recently at the Think Apex Awards! Make sure to note you saw these on our blog and comment on our socials for extra perks. We love rewarding our partners!

This recent industry post, p ublished April 1, 2025, by Elizabeth Wimbush, Director of Sustainability & Responsibility for PPAI caught my attention. Reposting her article here. Which sustainability credential should you aim to achieve? Let’s go to the tale of the tape. B Corporation certification and EcoVadis ratings are becoming more and more prevalent in our industry. Why are they so important? How do they differ? And which one is better for your business? Considering that we’re in the middle of WrestleMania season , get ready for a sustainability smackdown – minus the sweat and spandex. In the world of promotional products, sustainability credentials can feel like a game of alphabet soup. You’ve got ISO, LCA, GRI and, of course, today’s main contenders: B Corp and EcoVadis. Both are heavyweight champions in responsible business, but they serve different audiences and have different impacts. Let’s break it down, promo-style. In The Blue Corner, We Have B Corp: The End-User Darling! If B Corp were a promotional product, it’d be a cool recycled material tote bag with a bold statement: eye-catching, mission-driven and a clear declaration of values. (It would likely also have a digital product passport, but let’s save that for another article.) B Corp certification is like the gold star for companies that “walk the talk” when it comes to fair governance, as well as environmental and social responsibility. It’s rigorous, holistic and importantly, public-facing. Certified B Corporations meet high social and environmental standards , demonstrating a commitment to balancing profit with purpose. The certification process, overseen by the nonprofit B Lab, evaluates a company’s impact across governance, workers, community and environment, with a focus on continuous improvement. Companies need to recertify every three years, so it’s not a one-and-done process. Whether you choose B Corp to woo consumers or EcoVadis to land corporate contracts, both frameworks can help your business thrive.” Elizabeth Wimbush- Director of Sustainability & Responsibility, PPAI Why B Corp Matters Brand recognition: Customers (and employees) love it. If your brand carries the B Corp badge, you’re speaking directly to conscious consumers who vote with their dollars and attracting employees who are purpose-driven. Credibility boost: Achieving B Corp status signals a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability, not just a greenwashing attempt. Competitive differentiation: In an industry where buyers increasingly ask about ethics and sustainability, B Corp helps you stand out from the swag pack, and being able to point to your company’s B Corp directory listing allows anyone to see for themselves how you stack up, including against your previous scores. Downside? The process isn’t for the faint of heart. The B Impact Assessment is comprehensive, time-consuming and requires ongoing improvement to maintain certification. It also doesn’t provide the level of supply-chain mapping that certain levels of EcoVadis subscription can get you, which is an increasingly important feature as demands for transparency increase. And In The Red Corner, EcoVadis: The B2B Power Player! If EcoVadis were a promotional product, it’d be a functional tech corporate gift – less flashy but deeply valuable in the right business circles. Think of it as the LinkedIn of sustainability credentials: It might not mean much to the general public, but in supply chain conversations, it’s a game-changer. EcoVadis is a sustainability ratings platform used by businesses to evaluate suppliers across environmental, social and ethical criteria. Companies undergo a structured assessment and receive a scorecard ranking their sustainability performance. Why EcoVadis Matters Supply chain credibility: Many large brands and corporations require their suppliers to have an EcoVadis rating. If you want to work with corporate giants, this may be a ticket in. Risk management: EcoVadis ratings help businesses track supplier sustainability performance, flagging potential risks and areas for improvement. Business opportunities: Companies with high EcoVadis scores often gain a competitive edge in B2B relationships, as many buyers prioritize working with highly rated suppliers. Downside? While incredibly valuable in B2B procurement, EcoVadis doesn’t carry much weight with everyday consumers. You won’t see an end buyer choosing between two promo companies based on their EcoVadis scores – it’s built for corporate procurement teams, not retail shoppers. Also, it’s not a certification, meaning it doesn’t provide a distinct marketing edge in the same way B Corp does. Choose Your Fighter The million-dollar question: If you’re in the promotional products industry, should you go for B Corp or EcoVadis? The answer depends on who you’re trying to impress. If your customers are end buyers, retail brands or the general public, B Corp is your best bet. It’s recognized, respected and an excellent marketing tool. If your customers are corporate buyers, procurement teams or supply chain managers, EcoVadis is your golden ticket. Many large companies require it to do business. How is this article relevant to your relationship with Promotional Partners? We know which of our partners are B Corp Certified and which are EcoVadis. When you have specific certifications you are seeking in partnership- we've got you covered.

April is associated with celebrating the earth, trees and gardening, as well as a focus on mental health & awareness. We need the oxygen, and plants create oxygen for us. Google it - if you need more facts! What do trees, plants, flower gardens and park spaces have to do with your mental health? There's a lot of scientific literature supporting the benefits of adding more "green space" to your life. Key reasons include: Reducing stress & anxiety Boosting your memory & creativity & intellect. Here are some simple kits to get your recipient started on a wellness journey. Each is ready to ship out to each person on your list. Both are perfect editions to wellness programs, new hires, volunteer gifts, new interns to the company or key business relationships in the community. Start planting outside with this growing kit Then head inside - perhaps taking up Bonsai tree care is the solution to a stronger mind! What's behind this ancient Japanese tradition? Take a look at the kit . Even watch this video  about how to get started and the benefits! After all of the planting, weeding & pruning- sit back & relax with this Tiki inspired wireless speaker ! Since this item can be ordered as few as 1 unit- it's perfect for employee or key referral acknowledgements or added to your on-demand store program. Looking for more ways to add a green thumb to growing your brand awareness & engagement? Set up a time to visit our showroom & design studio. Ideas like today's post are some of our quirky enough to work options! Be #orginal Follow these blog stories. Explore our website. Follow our socials- Instagram , Facebook & LinkedIn for some April shower garden perks and mental health product specials this month. You never know when a spring shower will occur, so make sure you're following us now!

Own space anywhere? Point the way to go- wayfinding! Share good news! Welcome home. Actually mark the herb garden Spread some joy with fun saying in the garden Hometown & Home team pride When you've got something to say, we make it simple! A few as 1 unit, these garden stakes have limitless possibilities for creatives like us! The imaginative properties of this type of promotion also fit for our quirky enough to work series of branding & marketing ideas. Task us with something fun. Then let's design in our showroom & studio space. Point the way or mark your spot with these beautiful decorative wood garden stakes. Custom profiled & engraved, they are available in three sizes to fit any need. Besides the creative fun, each order plants a tree in partnership with Evertreen , making this product a win for your brand and the environment. Know what else is a win? Blog followers & social followers have just scored a discount on their April or May order!

Finding the force behind your brand identity relies on the right touch. Developing a brand takes consistency & a partner that understands how to create connection. Promotional branding relies on the power of touch. We make sure the touch points behind your campaigns drive the green! The past few weeks have been busy preparing our clients for charity & business golf tournaments. Before they get to the links, it's important to determine how to keep them standing out among the teams. Our Top 10 Requests Include: Quality metal divot tools-ball markers; multi- functional Unique towels that will be kept & used Name brand golf balls Umbrellas Tents Club protectors Can Coolers- including magnetic ones for the cart Tees & tee holders Cart signs- hole signs- pin flags Caps! There will be a flurry of activity that day- stay ahead of the pack by shipping your top clients a box ahead of the event or as a follow up to remind them of the day. Not sure what to pack inside? Watch this video . Let us design a custom box kit to ship that fits your preferences & budget. Our showroom is full of new samples to compare. When you need inspiration & we are closed, check out our blog. There's over 40 posts about golf !

There is no doubt that physical activity has taken on new strides in the fundraising world over the past few years, with growing enthusiasm for both the comradery & the thrill of some friendly competition. Runners wants rewards - medals take center stage as they cross the finish line. You might say the mark of your race depends on the quality & look of your medal. Fortunately our talented design team & certificated expertise, combined with years of producing custom metal work make this process simple. Let's break down the basics in making decisions. What type of medal depends on your aesthetics- in other words your preference to size, materials use to craft it, decoration process and of course budget. What other factors should you consider before making a decision? Speed - Custom work, tooling the mold for the metal and producing the medals is about a 4-5 week process. If you have spring events, plan early. Most metal work for price point is done overseas & you'll want to avoid factory shut downs for extended holidays. Yes, we have USA Made partnerships- the price point & options will not always be the same as our overseas partners. Yes- we have samples of custom work we have designed and produced here in our showroom, as well as samples of different types of metal, finishes and decoration methods. Because the decoration & finishing is part of the eye candy to the finished product. Popular choices include PVC, Die Struck or Die Cast Medal, as well as domes & flat printed discs. 2 dimensional designs are impressive as die struck and 3D designs are super exciting to the eye, but keep in mind those will add to the unit cost. Keep in mind not only the materials used, but the decoration method, ribbon style selected, size of the medal itself, lead time and set up costs for die molds all factor into the final cost to produce. Purpose! Medals are not just for runners- they make an impressive recognition piece. There are many styles & choices! Our design team & experience make the process simple! All these variables are exactly the reason we stock our showroom with samples to compare before you design & purchase. Access to our showroom & design team is your local advantage! Take a look at the medal we did for the Town of Cary of these medals & zipper pulls for the Apex Chamber- Run The Peak!