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Happy National Hat Day! You know we love taking advantage of national dates for all things promotions - that's why we enjoy providing you these resources! Hold on to your hats because we've got some great ideas for how to use a cap for your next promotion. Caps and beanies offer a lot of flexibility for branding in the apparel category, but why? Unlike jackets and shirts, sizing isn't required. In fact, one size usually fits all which makes them perfect for a large group distribution. Instant unity or identification. It's easy to spot individuals in a crowd, especially if you're looking for someone in your group or you already recognize the design. Impulse purchases. Hats are great for merchandise tents and retail sales; purchase and wear Weather beater. Rain or shine, hot or cold - attendees will look for headgear. Commemorative. Its a collectible; making them perfect for a yearly event or just to serve as a reminder of your organization or as a symbol of belonging. What are some ways you could use hats? Brand launches Sponsor donations Gifts Identification for employees Fundraising Commemorative Do you know the differences in profiles? High Profile. A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is less fitted to the head with a high slope. Usually structured with buckram or other stiff fabric lining. Mid Profile. A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is in between that of a High and Low profile. Most often structured with buckram. Low Profile. A term used for a cap or hat silhouette that is more closely fitted to the head. Can be either structured or unstructured.

Regular folks are heroes every day. Our media outlets are featuring stories around the best of humanity, as individuals create ways to be a positive force. It's impossible to feature every positive story because a camera is not always there to capture kind words exchanged by strangers or a heartfelt thanks to an employee that's working in our local stores, restaurants, healthcare centers or paroling our streets. The positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic has been to slow down the pace of our lives enough to appreciate how much we like being around other people and how much social interaction makes us feel complete. When life resumes a normal pace, it won't take more than a light cycle delay for us to forget to slow down an appreciate the positive in your life. There are individuals in our communities that always think of others first- that's the idea behind the Town of Apex Think Apex Initiative. Using #thinkapex, share images or videos of goodwill & strength in the community from now until April 25, 2020 and help the town showcase the heart of Apex.

Something you might not know about me is I actually like to read, but time is not always my friend. When we vacation, I take a lot of books and usually can read about a book a day. I know right, that is not a lot of time for talking - something you'd more readily associate with my personality. What's my point? Some folks journal, some folks make gratitude lists - I read Promotional Consultant blog; everyday. There is always something relevant to me since the topics span personal development to leadership to industry insights. This blog post, by Audrey Sellers, captures how changing our routines can be a motivator for positive changes that we've resisted in the past. I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration for a positive change. "You don't have to control your thoughts; you just have to stop letting them control you." - Dan Millman The global pandemic has changed the way we live. Contained in our homes, we must reorient our approach to our colleagues, clients, family and friends. While you might feel a massive loss of control, there are some important takeaways to learn from this moment in time. Kristen Lee, Ed.D., LICSW, lead faculty for behavioral science at Northeastern University, says there are nine lessons we can draw upon for individual and collective fortitude. We share Dr. Lee's lessons in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today. Lesson 1: Intellectual humility is vital. We are not all public health experts. We are an evolved civilization with extraordinary advances in science and medicine and access to information. Dr. Lee says we must all consider the sources we rely on and how we transmit information across our spheres of social influence. Lesson 2: Time-outs are not always punishments. We are creative, innovative, agile creatures. Moments of distress call us to rethink our typical routines and identify new strategies for coping and living. Dr. Lee says this pause might prove to be a return to creativity for many who might find it has been squeezed out during typical routines. Lesson 3: We are more resilient than we realize. Humans are wired for resilience. Dr. Lee asserts that resilience can increase even during difficult times when we focus on activities that help to cultivate it. Join forces with people who co-nurture and provide reciprocal support. Lesson 4: Kindness is contagious. While fear and illness itself can be contagious, so are acts of love and kindness. When we focus energy on helping those who are most vulnerable in times of crisis, the positive effects spread and strengthen our collective well-being. Lesson 5: Challenges help us discover our strengths and resources. Dr. Lee reminds others that we have a host of internal and external resources to harness, including strong analytical and problem-solving abilities and people and places that provide solace and grounding. Lesson 6: The basics are not basic. The elements of air, water, earth and fire are unparalleled. Spend time appreciating nature and get outside as much as is safe and possible, recommends Dr. Lee. Watch sunrises and sunsets from your window. Find ways to take in the elements. Lesson 7: There are no wrong emotions. Pandemics can evoke powerful emotions, including fear, anxiety, shock and panic. Don't stress about being stressed. This is human, says Dr. Lee. Take time to name what is happening and consider what resources you can access to help you. Lesson 8: Self-care is essential all the time. Crises can show us that we were previously running on fumes. There's no health without mental health. Proper sleep, nutrition, hydration and exercise can go a long way towards boosting our mental reserves, notes Dr. Lee. Lesson 9: Mindfulness helps us combat mindlessness. When we focus on the now and engage in a non-judgmental stance, it strengthens our resilience and capacity to enjoy what is and cope with what isn't. As you continue to adapt during these times, reflect on the lessons above and consider how you can help share them with your team members. Share a change you're making, we'd love to hear from you! Source: Kristen Lee, Ed.D., LICSW is lead faculty for behavioral science at Northeastern University. She is the author of Reset: Make the Most of Your Stress and Mentalligence: A New Psychology of Thinking. Dr. Lee has also given a TED talk called "The Risk You Must Take."

Is it time for you to reset your thinking about fabric content? When you are looking for a favorite tee to wear, you are likely going to reach for a tri-blend. What makes this type of fabric soft? It's the blending of 3 types of yarn; to create the triblend. However, a triblend is not the only soft tee option. Maybe it's time to reconsider your options. Twice a year our partners at Sanmar launches a new collection. Included in the spring launch is the Re-Tee. Born from scraps, worn with pride. 100% recycled fabric and never redyed. It's made of 60% recycled cotton and 40% recycled polyester and eliminates the water intensive redying process, which reduces waste and saves resources. What does the savings look like in your life? This is also a soft tee! Ask us about trying a sample! Looking for more new styles?

Let your individuality take center-stage. You don't have to be an artist or a graphic designer to have a vision. Sure, it might be harder for you to put the concept into a design, but that's what we do everyday. What would you do if you could design your own products? Would you use photos from a trip to capture a memory of a reunion with family & friends? Maybe if you owned a business you would use this type of product to market yourself- a walking billboard? Sublimation provides opportunities to truly express yourself, creating unique branded items for fun, for promotion, to use as props in videos or photos or as rewards for a loyalty or wellness program. The ideas are only limited by your imagination. Here are a few options to consider: A tech backpack to use for the office, travel or commuting and include a felt journal for daily gratitude, reflection or goals. Full zip hoodie for a recent graduate, loyal customer or to promote your new tagline & logo. Pull over hoodie for spirit-wear or team building; reward your brand ambassadors. Unique Tees for a promotion at work - maybe a themed sale or fun at the car dealership. Pot holders or drawstring bags for new homeowners with a map to local parks, restaurants or shopping. Perhaps make it a set. Felt coaster sets to local businesses in a downtown area that loves foot traffic. This would be a fun way to co brand with your neighbors and remind recipients you are only steps away. An apron with signatures of your culinary class buddies or with your most requested recipe to give to another with the ingredients - that's a unique gift. Mail a luggage tag with a VIP ticket to an event you are hosting for an upcoming conference. All butterfingers when it comes to handling your phone? Make the phone grip work for you. Sunglasses protector sleeve with safe driving tips or what to do in an emergency. Honor the moms & dads of the world with a special image or message on a tea towel, then donate to local senior living facilities and make some for the staff too as a way to say thanks! Create a survival kit for healthcare professionals or first responders with this felt amenities pouch. Design a commemorative pillow for students to use on a bus trip. Add an image of the destination and a place for trading signatures with friends. Next time you write a thank you note, consider slipping in a colorful pencil/pen grip! Enjoy a drink with friends at the lake, the camp ground or in your backyard with this mason jar sleeve combo. Overwhelmed yet? Not us- there are even more options than we've shown here. We love graphic design projects. Let us help get more creative with your next promotion.

From wooden, to plastic to extendable- there is a back scratch tool for everyone! Our backs don't get enough credit- we "break our back" with manual labor, we "pat ourselves on the back" when we want to acknowledge achievement and when we offer assurance and protection we "have your back". Being pinned up in the house, you might even have noticed an itch that could be satisfied by a back scratcher! Who has your back for maintaining your brand's identity and growing awareness? We do! In 2007 we set out to be a trusted partner to our clients. Engaging in the community helped us learn what you value. Listening to what you sought in a partner put us on a completely different path than other distributors. Instead of investing in working to gain customers that prefer the eCommerce experience offered by giants in our industry, we invested in developing relationships. By stocking and maintaining a showroom location with thousands of products, ready to compare with the touch your hand we found the experience lead to better communication, a deeper understanding of your needs and a stronger connection to your marketing choices because our clients were in touch with the experts. Does investing in a showroom over allowing an ecommerce transaction on a website mean purchasing is not easy? Hardly, besides face to face meetings, we ship samples and communicate electronically too! Our website purposely limits the number of partners and products to feature the best in our industry. When we are crafting a custom product or going outside our preferred suppliers, we want to compare & vet the choices for you; applying our expertise. What factors do we consider before partnering with a supplier? Longevity & experience in our industry Interesting & innovative products Quality products 5 star industry rating, earned within our industry. Simply put, their reputation was earned. Key differentiators we seek are strong communication skills throughout the order process and how they handle an unforeseen issue when it arises- it's not the mistake, it's how it's corrected. Afterall, you expect the best from us, we need to know someone's got your back! Safety compliance! When you give out a product with your name on it, your brand reputation is tied to that promotional campaign. Safety and compliance includes more than warning labels or making sure it's distributed to the intended audience, it requires our partners take a deep dive into product design, materials and components in the construction. You're in competitive markets, your reputation relies on what we advise as a partner to your brand project. When you're seeking practical products for the home, pets or office or would like to tap into your artistic or quirky side, this line is a great choice; no wonder they are called WOW! Safety is not a glamorous topic, however if you have concerns about product safety, we can provide paperwork outlining safety compliance. By the way, sleep easy, the back scratchers featured here are CPSIA compliant.

When my mom turned 50, my dad thought it would be a great idea to have me paint a wooden sandwich sign for the yard saying nifty, nifty mom is 50 and asking by-passers to honk in celebration! While my mom did not appreciate the gesture, our earth mom needs our attention. Honks are appreciated! Mother Earth is turning 50! An initiative started in 1970 turns 50 this year. How much do you know about the origins of a day that gave a voice to an emerging public consciousness about the state of our planet —and keeps us discussing the global health of our planet today. The focus of consumers on efforts to reduce waste, recycle, reuse and sustain are at an all time high. The long term health of the planet is about daily actions. While we are in an industry that is manufacturing, which is often associated with contributing to water and air pollution. Let's take a look at measures being taken by our partners. Many of our partners are: Reducing their carbon footprint with biodegradable plastics and cardboard. For example in 2019 Aakron Line, switched to biodegradable bags that take six months to a year to degrade, unlike traditional bags which can take up to 1,000 years. They have also partnered with a vendor who manufactures corrugated boxes that are made of 100% post-consumer waste! Changing out lighting in their factories for greener options or using low impact inks for printing. Simple changes add up for a large impact. For example, Pentel pens are amazing for signing documents, but consumers will love their Eco practices. Partnering with major carriers such as UPS. UPS offers Carbon Neutral shipping, sustainable packaging, Smart Pickup, and Supply Chain Optimization. Read more here. Water soluble inks are free of the toxic chemicals found in traditional inks, therefore, more gentle on the environment. One of our NC partners is a green pioneer- we featured their efforts in a previous blog post- take a look! Ingratiating recycled materials into the construction of bags, apparel, drinkware and print materials we use each day. Yes, the custom books & calendars are made from recycled paper! Keep following our blog, we will feature stories that champion efforts by our select partners that are honking loud and proud for cooperation to address environmental issues.

It's an embroidery term and just one of the many terms that our favorite North Carolina patch company, Suntex Industries, uses to describe how a patch is constructed. Each month we feature graphic tips and explore how we can make industry terms relatable to your order needs. Custom patches are a perfect example of how the contours or outline of a shape can be turned into a patch, while more challenging contours can be reduced to a cut to shape image. When a patch is cut to shape, there is still some fabric around the stitched areas, but the bulk of the extra fabric is removed to focus on the elements of the design. Patches are a popular way to show identification, showcase merit or provide unity to a group. Given the low cost and flexibility to design size and shape, this type of product is also a clever way to demonstrate support or remember a loved one. We recently created some peel & stick patches for a high school baseball team to adhere to their caps in remembrance of an avid supporter, gone too soon. A custom design and card can be inserted in an envelope to students sent home early from college, to local businesses to show support for buying local or to employees at home as a way to stay connected in spirit and unity. Custom projects are one of our favorite tasks, no catalog or website image required to select; instead your vision is created!

I know Aerosmith sang about walking this way- but apparently there is no one way to walk; just more important that we do it! We know the benefits, but do we make the simple act of walking part of our daily routine? I'm not talking about the walk from the house to the garage to the office- I mean an activity with some length to it! Today is National Take a Walk Day, so let's explore some key benefits to walking. Why should we walk? 1. To burn calories! The distance, the terrain and the speed impact your caloric loss. 2. Strengthen your heart! Walking can decrease your risk of coronary disease. 3. Improve your blood sugar levels- just with 15 minutes 3 times a day! 4. Ease joint pain. 5. Boost your immune system - less sick days 6. Boost your energy level. 7. Improve your mood - couldn't we all use some of that right now 8. Extend your life. 9. Tone your legs. 10. Creative thinking!!!!!! I often get ideas when I walk, it clears my head, making it easier to see new options. Right now I am missing our work walks- a chance to socialize! It's a goal that we have to commit to when we return to the routine- 15; 3 times a day! Since we are not healthcare professionals, but marketers, I must share some ways you can promote walking with branded items. Such as: 1. Socks! There are socks for every style 2. Sneakers- what about a custom pair; perhaps a prize for a work challenge! 3. Golfing shoes- walk all 18 holes! 4. Custom laces 5. Unity- Support- show unity and support for a cause with a shoe tag! Maybe even support for local businesses- they could use the love! We can even create a custom kit to motivate your coworkers while stuck at home or add other workout components to inspire healthy goals. Consider comparing results on a virtual board or taking a virtual walk with a different coworker each day to get to know that person better!

It's International Pencil Day! Did you know Johnny Carson regularly played with pencils at his Tonight Show desk? Yep! These pencils were made with double-ended erasers to avoid any on-set accidents. One of our newest favorites among pencils are the Arcus pencils. What makes the Arcus interesting? Possibilities..... May we also point out, when it comes to ROI, a savvy marketer wants a "rainmaker". These vibrant & colorful pencils might be used to: Sort attendees at your event by grouping them by barrel color Discuss inclusion, diversity and values at your next HR meeting Remind consumers you offer opportunities for playful, happy & creative pursuits Highlight how your service saves money - similar to finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow! & many more Earlier this year, we talked about different pencil options you can use, read that post here! As a bonus feature today, we've included a couple of videos. Have you ever wondered how a pencil gets decorated? Or how to make a pencil? Keep pencils in mind next time you're in need of a fun and budget friendly item!

When I was a kid "everyone" had a pet rock. It didn't do anything, but still it added value. How? Probably the biggest value was our parents' amusement at how a rock in a box could keep us busy for 5 minutes, when there were plenty of rocks outside we'd overlooked thousands of times before. It's true that to add value, the recipient must appreciate the benefits a product will add to their life. Let's explore 5 new product trends that are getting attention. Let's shed some light on popular products, including products that illuminates your brand when used. Really, your logo will glow! What can be accomplished with your hand? A lot and when you are juggling work, the family or even trying to walk your dogs - wireless earbuds might make your life a lot easier. Straws continue to be a popular gift, not only for environmental reasons, but healthcare reasons as well. A reuseable straw that is easy to clean and compact enough to carry in your purse or work bag is essential to converting your plastic preferences to sustainable efforts. Are you ready for your bathroom scale to perform more tasks for your health? Would the data collected and sent to your phone be helpful to reaching your goals? Consider this - 71% of consumers own branded drinkware, which reinforces the popularity of this type of product for increased engagement among your target markets. A copper insulated tumbler that also holds a can has become an instant favorite. Would any of these products add value in your life?

We've become accustom to using technology in our personal and professional lives throughout the day, it's always within reach. Ease of access to information and communication keeps us tethered to our mobile devices and requires an assortment of accessories to keep us powered so we can connect with others or share information. This sensory connection is even more pronounced in the millennial generation, having grown up with technology in hand. Whether you call branded products swag or not, there is no doubt tangible advertising is swaying and shaping consumer behavior in ways other media can't touch. Yep, that was a double entrendre! Building retention, recall and response among your target markets for your brand is critical to growth. Why not combine the power of touch and the appeal of tech to generate engagement, create a call to action and create loyalty with your vertical markets? This video captures what's powerful about the touch of advertising and the impact of this form of marketing. Now that we have your attention, let's explore some new product trends you'll want in your hands: Gamers and graphic artists will likely appreciate the control offered by this Logitech Mousepad, an ultra low surface friction, is an ideal surface for subtle hand movements and quick mouse gestures, which gamers will love. Besides minimizing mistakes with a hand slip during a game, precise cursor placement is critical in design work! myCharge products combine innovation and deliver on versatility and results. They've integrated built–in charging cords and included powerful lithium polymer batteries for a quicker charge so you can ditch your dependency on cables and wall outlets. If we are going to play on words with the touch of a hand, then we've got to include a wireless mouse, including one in full color. If you are following us on social media- then you'll know which products our team can't live without. What's the tech product you can't live without?