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.

Focus on what you can do, not what you can't do- after-all it worked for the ant & the rubber tree plant; right? We enjoy collaborating with our clients. Our discussions are not just about projects, but about what grows & sustains our business and sometimes what feeds our souls. In May we officially kick-off 14 years in business. What insights have we learned along our journey? Embrace learning something new. Always invest in your professional development. For example, have you tried using video? What's the worst that can happen? Start small- maybe instead of posting for the world to see, you make some short videos about new products or services you can share with your trusted connections or customers. Your YouTube channel does not have to be public, ours isn't. Learn from losses. Business owners are hard on themselves, often wasting time pondering why there was not a connection with a prospect. Usually, the question goes unanswered, but revisiting your core frequently matters. Staying focused on your value proposition is critical. Focus efforts on the types of client that brings referrals and raving fans- that's your value. Maybe it's time to survey your client base to affirm what makes them loyal. Pace your expanded services. Once your company is able to accomplish your core business with proficiency & ease, you're ready to layer in new products or services. Listen to your client base, their trust and confidence is usually the reason they are asking you to partner on a new venture. Congratulations, you're ready for the next step. Don't trash competitors, it does not speak well of your industry. Competitors can be allies. Establish trust and relationships among your industry partners to outsource products or services not in your wheelhouse; which frees up time to go after new markets and focus efforts on the areas where you excel. Besides every industry benefits from providers of all shapes & sizes to satisfy the preferences of consumers. The goal is to identify and target your ideal client; not your competitors. Ask for introductions. The answer is always no if you don't ask. What's the worst that can happen- inaction? That was already the result. Sharing our insights, highs and lows in growing our business is always part of the collaborative process with our clients. Follow more about our collaborative process in these blog posts.

Since Promotional Partners opened our doors in 2007, we have been community focused- meaning we volunteer, we sponsor, we mentor, we give of our talents & resources by serving on various boards & committees and we give seek out ways to make an impact in the communities that support us! In 2020, we decided to create an "annual give"- not at the exclusion of the areas we already support but an extra way to put a spotlight on local organizations, doing great work within our communities. Perhaps some organizations you don't know, but we think you should know. Since Olivia started in education, many of our community investments have been around youth. Over the years, we have stepped up to leadership positions in the community 25+ times, sponsored over 30 different organizations - most for years, mentored 18 students, and shared our expertise as a speaker/panelist 15 times because we are committed to paying it forward. During 2021, we have already supported the Apex Cougar Club, Apex Chamber of Commerce, Apex Police Torch Run, Children's Flight of Hope, NC Fire Safety Council, St Jude's and all year long....we are working to support The Poe Center! How much do you know about the work of The Poe Center? Learn more here. How easy it is to give back to Poe? A no-brainer! Watch here. Why support your local community? It's pretty simple- big problems become small when we work together to solve challenges. Strangers become neighbors, colleagues & friends. Besides, working together connects us emotionally and the outcome of our efforts leaves a mark on future generations. Like a storybook- we all want to live happily ever after right? If you follow our hashtag, #YourStoryOurWhy, yes, you'll see marketing campaigns unfold. However, keep in mind that marketing relies on connecting people to messages. By supporting our local communities your story becomes our story. Businesses provide the goods & services that our communities need, so working as partners we sustain & grow thriving communities. Thanks to individuals working with us in 2020- we were able to continue in business. Will you help us make a difference this year? Ask for products that Give Back to Poe!

You've likely heard the advice to save time, touch a basic task once. Businesses of every industry move at a rapid pace, so what types of products can free up more time in your workday? Custom Labels are the perfect solution for small business owners, event planners, and sticker enthusiasts as a promote unity and highlight a cause with a simple, eye catching and low cost marketing tool. For many, deciding whether to use label sheets or rolls can be difficult, so let's break it down. Custom Labels on Sheets Custom labels on sheets are printed on label paper. They're available in dozens of size and shape configurations making them the perfect solution for spirit sheets for non profits or in education settings. There are different choices for materials, including white matte, weatherproof, brown kraft, and clear. Printed sheets are a great option for shorter label runs, and testing out a new design. We can also do singles- perfect for community events and a hit with First Responders. Custom Labels on Rolls If you're looking for a labeling solution that's more cost-effective at a higher quantity, you may want to consider custom labels on rolls. Custom roll labels are also available in dozens of configurations. Finish labels with with a protective gloss or matte laminate for an extra layer of protection and durability. Ask for us to break up larger jobs into smaller rolls to make them easier to carry. Consider asking for perforated sheets to make it easier to tear off and distribute stickers to be applied later There are different types of adhesion based on the surface and elements where stickers will be used and applied. Custom stickers and labels are an inexpensive way to address envelopes, mark charts, apply rules/alerts to consumers, increase visibility for your message and have fun. Our design team can make the customization process simple. Labels and stickers are still product with a quick turnaround.