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On January 1, 2019 Washington, D.C joined a movement to remove plastic straws from use by banning plastic straws in restaurants and other service businesses. Restaurants, cities and airlines are part of a growing moving here in the US and abroad to phase out drinking straws. In fact the evening news featured a viral clip of a man assaulting a McDonald's employee for a straw. What's behind this movement? A desire to reduce pollution and reduce harm to marine animals ingesting them as a perceived food source are among the reasons. Sarah Gibbens, writer for National Geographic shared that in the U.S. alone, one estimate suggests 500 million straws are used every single day. One study published earlier this year estimated as many as 8.3 billion plastic straws pollute the world's beaches. What's the back story of the invention of straws? Read her entire post here. What are the alternatives? The ad specialty industry is an adaptive industry, pivoting on popular trends and solving brand challenges, are you surprised that they have a variety of options for reusable straws? However, The Final Straw is a game changer to better brand engagement. Partnering with innovative partners leads to unique brand opportunities for you.  Our partner at Leeds is both an innovator and a purveyor of major brands. Their recent partnership with FinalStraw, a manufacturer of collapsible, reusable straws, is an exclusive partnership bringing a popular Eco-friendly brand to the promotional products industry. What's so cool about this product? Click here for more information on FinalStraw. Ask us how to position this product as a game changer for your brand. UPDATE (1/6/2020): There is now FinalStraw 2.0 that comes with a collapsible cleaning brush!

Work attire has changed over the years, there are fewer suits and ties and more comfortable pieces. If you've been to our office, you've probably picked up on the fact that we have a casual dress code. That's why we enjoy the pieces offered by our partner, Trimark! Trimark offers lifestyle pieces that are inspired by what is already in your closet. The key is offering pieces that the receiver would actually want to wear. When choosing our own shirts, we went with a basic t-shirt with a subtle branding design. At first glance, you probably notice the North Carolina State outline, but at a closer look you can see "Promotional Partners" surrounded by other words representative of what we offer. Graphically Speaking: brand your apparel in nontraditional locations such as on the arm or down the side and consider a tone-on-tone look! Which are our Trimark favorites? Olivia This cardigan is a closet staple. The wash-and-wear fabric gives me a piece of mind knowing that I can wear this for years to come without it fading or shrinking with every wash. Plus, it's perfect for layering when the office is cooler than outside! Keith With the waterproof exterior that still offers breathability, this jacket is great for the amount of rain we've been getting. The interior offers a pocket for your smartphone and a media exit port to allow you to listen to music while protecting your phone. Plus the stretch offered allows you to layer up underneath if needed. Miranda This henley is the perfect everyday piece. It is both soft, comfortable and the tapered waist gives it a flattering fit unlike most henleys. Sara Wool that doesn't scratch your skin? Count me in. This cardigan can be worn and multiple times while still looking great! I love that it can easily be dressed up for work or dressed down for my weekend errands. Arien Aside from the subtle pattern offered by this half zip, I love that the fabric is made from recycled polyester! Being an EcoSmart product, it also feels good knowing that by purchasing this item, I am also helping two nonprofits! It's a win-win.

Gift cards have become a popular way to give to another. Cards offer an ease of purchase and remove the pressure of the selecting an ideal gift. Gift cards however, as a way to reward an employee for exceptional service or long term commitment seem a bit impersonal. What are 5 compelling reasons to not give gift cards in the workplace? Reason #1: Gift Cards Are Not Personal Gift cards do not recognize employees for their personal achievements or express to employees their manager’s appreciation. Recognition programs should motivate and reinforce desired behaviors. Annual awards, as part of an event generate excitement among recipients. Reason #2 Gift Cards Lack Emotion Employees do not make the same emotional connection with gift cards as they do with symbolic awards. Gift cards lack sincerity, creativity and a connection to the "why" behind the recognition. Reason #3 Gift Cards Provide No Memory Gift Cards are not memorable symbols of accomplishment. The reward is easily forgotten, leaving the recipient without a lasting memory. Challenge met, benchmarks celebrated and goals realized are among the top reasons we chose to acknowledge. Reason #4 Gift Cards Are Not Used 10% of gift cards are not redeemed; 25% are re-gifted for someone else. Employees can sell gift cards for a discount on a secondary market. Over time, employees cannot remember how they used the card. Reason #5 Gift Cards Provide Low ROI Recognizing an employee for good work or celebrating the number of years in business is about public acknowledgement. Typically awards are meant to increase employee performance in a key area or provide motivation to set new goals. Using symbolic, tangible recognition is personal, emotional, memorable and long-lasting which makes it the ideal choice to increase profitability. Leave an impression- Creating the best way to showcase your message is one of our specialties. The ability to consistently remind individuals of their investment and commitment are easily captured with custom pieces that offer a way to add to the layers with each additional benchmark.

As a child I was always “volunteered” for community activities. My parents explained to me that as part of the family & the community, I should be part of the programs that are at the heart of the community. From the church to school programs we were there. We picked up newspapers to recycle and carried bags of fertilizer. In my teens I became a candy stripe gal in an assisted living community, applying my music skills to harvest moon, my artistic skills to painting with residents and my “soft skills” to listening to the stories these wonderful residents wanted to share. Somewhere along the journey, I realized my heart was full when I gave back to others, becoming a lifelong volunteer. What draws me into service? Camaraderie-let’s face it, owning and growing a business does not leave a lot of time for a social life! Leadership development- learning by example and applying best practices, while discovering what paths I’d prefer not to take. Heart- While I am quick with a joke, it’s usually to mask the fact that I still cry when the others are mean to Charlie Brown. Impact- its true big things happen when small acts of kindness and collective efforts are combined. Attitude- folks that volunteer are generally happy, optimistic people and the community can always use more positive energy. Beside service to many local organizations, we have donated to and sponsored many community projects. While our investments vary from year to year. We have a core group of programs or charities that touch us personally. Typically our dollars are tied to programs that related to education, youth or community events. Looking back at our local invests from 2019 included numerous organizations. Many of these groups we have been investing in for years! Apex Chamber Peak Performer- Bronze level, Apex Cougar Club-Pride level, Apex Music Festival, Apex Chamber Candidates’ Forum, Apex Chamber Savor Apex, Apex Public School Foundation, Apex Police- Day Behind Bars for Special Olympics, Apex Farmer’s Market, Fuquay-Varina Chamber Women’s Summit, Fuquay-Varina Women's Club Auction, The Annual Halle Tree & Wreath Show, HopeLine Gala, Kraft YMCA We Build People, Life Experiences Auction, National Fire Safety Council, Oxford Hunt Swim Team, St Jude, WakeMed Gala, WCPSS Leadership Conference and Western Wake Women's Club. Since 2007 we have donated or sponsored numerous organization, many for several years, this list includes: Apex Chamber Bookbag Bonanza, Apex Chamber Golf Tournament, Apex Chamber Teacher of Year Banquet, Apex Police Christmas with Cop, Apex Police Department Golf Tournament, Apex Jazz Festival, Apex Elementary School, Apex Latino Festival, Apex High School AOIT Program, Apex Rotary Club, American Marketing Association, Blue Lights College Golf Tournament, Friends of Cary Elementary, Fuquay-Varina Awards Banquet, Habitat for Humanity of Wake County, Holly Springs Police Torch Run, Lufkin Road MS Booster Club, Methodist University Athletic Golf Tournament, Moncure School Race, MPS Society, Ogden Elite Football, Peak City Gala of Hope, Pretty in Pink-DECA, Peak Lab Rescue, Safe Kids Wake County, Triangle Flight of Honor, Triangle Flight Basketball Service Project, Triangle Women's Power Lunch, West Raleigh Baseball, Wake Christian Academy Yearbook, Western Wake Crisis Ministry Golf Tournament After-all, Winston Churchill said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." Giving inspires others to think about kindness and more than one's self, it helps us connect to those around us.

Reusable Straws! Product growth has been tremendous in reusable straws. What is the origin of this trend? A sea turtle's nose; no lie. In 2015 a marine biologist in Costa Rica made a video showing her team removing a plastic straw from a sea turtle’s nose cavity and that 8-minute video racked up over 38 million videos on YouTube. The outrage to the video’s content, along with the voice of millennial and Gen Z consumers embracing sustainable and eco responsible products has ignited the rise of reusable straws in our industry and re-ignites a desire for products made in our industry to bear a social responsibility to the environment. Not sure if this trend is real? We have access to over 275 supplier carrying reusable straws in their line and usually more than one choice. In 2019, the desire for this type of product made it one of the top 5 most requested items within lines, boasting an astounding 402% increase in product queries from 2018. What makes them popular? Besides the environmental benefits, it’s a low price point item that offers a functional solution and high impression if used daily. Hopefully, with all of our educational materials you know the holy grail of promotional success is gauged by the number of impressions generated with brand engagement, which in turn provides the recall and retention to your brand when a consumer is ready to make a decision; top of mind advertising. There are many options for reusable straws from silicone, wheat based, stainless steel, collapsible, and more! This reusable silicone straw comes with a case that makes it easy to travel with. The decorated case takes your brand on the go, reminded the end user of your company with every use. Another great option is a stainless steel straw that collapses. This particular straw comes as a kit which includes a travel case, silicone mouth piece and a cleaning brush for convenience. Want to see more of the straws we have to offer? Visit our website!

Somehow technology keeps getting smaller, lighter, faster and more powerful. Whether it's form fitting earbuds or power banks that pack extra punch, get ready to discover next-level performance. Here are this season's hottest tech trends: Wireless Everything Everyone agrees – the fewer wires in our lives, the better. Big Tech is making sure the future is wireless. It's estimated there will be more than 1 billion wireless charging devices by the end of 2020 (Digital Trends). We're on a mission to bring the convenience of wireless technology to everyday products. If you've ever dreamed of a Bluetooth® speaker in your water bottle or a backpack with built-in wireless charging, you're in the right place. Hassle-Free Earbuds As true wireless earbuds skyrocket in popularity (thanks, Apple®), we're making sure they're easy enough for anyone to use. Our new models pair automatically, meaning they're ready to use right out of the case, no manual connection required. Speaking of cases, we've even got earbuds with a case that does double duty: It can recharge your earbuds and can be used as a wireless charging pad for your phone. Tech You Wear Tech is being integrated into clothing, too. The cozy Shefford Vest comes with a charger that delivers power to built-in heat panels. Despite its cool tech features, the Shefford is definitely low-maintenance. It's incredibly easy to use and an easy care product for the laundry. It includes three temperature settings to let you control the heat and it fully machine washable (minus the power bank, of course). Eco-Friendly Materials The sustainability trend gained serious momentum last year. This year? It's a full-on cultural movement, with demand for eco-friendly products at an all-time high. Tech has joined the trend with products like wireless charging pads and Bluetooth speakers made with wheat straw, a durable material made with the rigid stalk that's left over after wheat grains are harvested. Retail Packaging The line between retail and promo has never been more blurry. The use of retail-style packaging is an easy way to make a big impression before a gift is even opened. The Bottom Line There's never been a more exciting time in technology. The trends, the styles and the products are constantly evolving, and we're here to bring it to you first. Thanks for joining us on this crazy ride – it's going to be fun. Be sure to check out our new catalog: January 2020 Trends In Branding And Promotion.

The start of a new year brings the opportunity for new ideas, methods or goals. Employees are not often excited to attend an annual meeting because new ideas mean change and for some, change is hard. In fact, many individuals will sit in the same seat, with the same group of people for every meeting- that's pretty stale. An ice breaker is the perfect way to shake up the group. Bring back a moment from their youth with an ice pop! Place the pops in full color sleeves, but order the sleeves in several versions for distribution, forcing different groups to naturally form! Branding that is quirky has a place and helps to break the ice, forming new patterns of behavior. Is your brand looking for new markets this year? A custom sleeve is a perfect solution, offering a low price point with high visibility, high brand impact and engagement. A daycare, church youth program, sports league or a business offering summer camps for kids might advertise at a street festival or offer free the sleeves/pops to local schools as an incentive for reading or good behavior, in turn putting a spotlight on their business. Realtors, banks, mortgage lenders, car dealers and apartment complexes might offer to a college campus event or game as a way to connect to new markets for services. Safety is not a glamorous topic, but an important aspect to the workplace. Employees that work outdoors or in hot warehouses might enjoy the break along with a reminder about safety first tips! Run, walk, bike- no matter how quickly you finish; you are going to be hot! Not only would this be fun to receive, but a cool fundraising idea. Sell those sleeves as a location for sponsors. New school, new year, both teachers and students can celebrate milestones such as a senior year, new school program success or enjoy at field day in the spring. A retail shop might add a map of downtown areas to shop or dine, perhaps a QR code to visit website or coupon code to apply for a discount in the local shops. Keep following us in 2020, we will be exploring new product ideas to break into your next market! By the way, these are USA Made!

Societal norms, family values or individual expectations shape our choices when it comes to love. Pets however, love us unconditionally. National Love Your Pet Day is coming up on February 20th. Consider this, sixty-seven percent of U.S. households, or about 85 million families, own a pet, according to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). That number increased by 56 percent, since first surveyed in 1988. We are a dog family, a 4 legged family since 1987. Every weekend our lab, Holly, looks forward to trips to the local dog park. She "knows" it's the weekend and starts "lobbying" us to go to the park through a series of twists and howls. Your favorite pet might be a cat, reptile or bird, rather than a dog. Regardless, businesses that would like to connect with consumers in a more personal way might consider how pet products for the home or leisure offer that opportunity. Increasing the visibility of your brand to new consumers can start in the home with: Storage containers for treats Reflective items for walking at dark Pet mats for floor or as crate liners Lint rollers for furniture Window decals to alert to pets in your home Designing a campaign around your brand message is our passion. We like to generate ideas that get results.  Communicating your message in the right place, right time- it's sort of our "thing". We love extending the reach of your brand by layering into the daily routine. Strong ROI for your brand offers you something to bark, chirp, caw and meow about, adding revenue to your bottom line.

A cup that feels good in your hand, a pen with some weight that glides across the paper, a hand-crafted item with those little touches resonate with consumers. Offering less to your consumer base but increasing the quality will go a long way, from long term use to a higher perceived value of your brand. Quality branded items are also a way to offer perks to your employee base. Consider this, if you want more participation in your company’s wellness program, wireless speakers they can use at their workstation as well as the company gym will be appreciated. If employees have a long walk from the parking garage downtown or parking lot, a quality umbrella or nice rain jacket would make an ideal gift. January is traditionally associated with new goals and fresh starts. The growing demand for strong mental and physical health make simple additions in the workplace a keyway to recruit and retain talent. We all may not need copper insulated drinkware that keeps our liquids hot or cold for hours, or coolers that can hold ice for days - but it’s become the norm to expect more and quality products are appreciated by recipients. Whichever quality item you select, keep it simple to maximize the focus on where it should be: your brand. This design trend shows up in everything from bags to drinkware. Our stylish new NBN bag collection was designed to be the perfect canvas to showcase your brand. Meanwhile, the natural look and feel of bamboo gives Welly bottles a truly distinctive look.

Don't overlook these crucial components. No longer reserved for progressive, forward-thinking organizations, corporate wellness programs have become the norm for many U.S.-based companies (with more than 50 employees). A recent report sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and produced by the RAND Corporation found that over 80% of companies in the U.S. with over fifty employees offers some sort of wellness benefit. The benefits of wellness programs are becoming clear, especially as they become a subject for serious academic research. A recent report from Harvard Business School found that for American-based companies, medical expenses fell by $3.27 for every dollar spent on wellness programs, and that employee absenteeism expenses fell by $2.73 (Forbes, June 2019). Clearly these programs are good for employees and the bottom line. So what are the little things you can do to take a wellness program from good to great? Here are a few pro tips: 1. Use Branding Create a name and logo for the program. In this case, fitness also provides an opportunity for employees of GoPrime to position how much their company Gives Back into the surrounding communities. Unique branding adds program legitimacy and creates unity as employees solve challenges together. 2. Offer Participation Giveaways Don't underestimate how much people love free stuff. Incentivize program participation by offering the right gifts. Just be sure to sure to choose products that carry the health and wellness message. 3. Include Prizes People Want The right rewards will encourage employees to stick with it. Consider using a multi-tiered approach with prizes for different levels of achievement.

Is your conference this year in sunny California? Do you have a challenge at work that ends with a team rewarding a trip to the West Coast? Did you land an account or increase sales with a California based partner? Wearables are a hot market for branding. The workplace has become casual and adapted to comfort over conformity. What can your brand do to reward employees, while increasing visibility for your brand in the community? An employee might not post an image of their most recent award on social media, display it on the dashboard of their car or wear it to a little league game like they can with branded apparel. Feeling extremely adventurous? Think about all the possibilities custom shoes and belts offer. They are a fun reward that offers high impressions in the workplace, a creative way to acknowledge a team and increase visibility for your brand in the community. Graphically Speaking: Crowdsource the design, it will have even more meaning to the recipients.

Ah, the holidays - You'll probably spend your day watching 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS or dealing with a relative saying or doing something that offends another? There is a long list of topics that should be avoided in every family- politics, religion, marital status, pending family status, career moves and so forth. To avoid holiday drama many families caution one another on topics to avoid prior to family gatherings. In our industry there are important topics that are often avoided, such as product safety. Let’s face it, talking about safety is so technical that most of us avoid the topic all together. Like that relative that makes a remark that makes you wince, compliance is smart business and consumer protection is critical to your brand. What types of safety should you be considered about in branding products? One request frequently made by our clients, “will you make sure our water bottles are BPA free”. No worries, because our industry is making sure not only is your bottle BPA free but testing for over 950 other chemicals before we stock shelves with products. The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986, often referred to as Cal Prop 65, is a California law intended to protect the State’s residents and drinking water sources from toxic chemicals and to inform its citizens about exposure to them. For example, CBS News featured a story this past week about a children’s toy that seemed similar but had some hazardous differences. Fortunately for us, our global industry partners PPAI & ASI, monitor and have an open dialogue with trade associations, such as the Toy Industry Association, and the legislators who regulate chemicals who require stringent testing for toys and tracking labels from the factories. Our industry also provides us white papers and webinars outlining product safety guidelines, regulations and keeps us up-to-date on safety related issues. Internally we have a safety expert. Owner, Keith Scott spent over 20 years in the environmental testing industry as a scientist. All the jargon and technical aspects of safety that would confuse the average consumer make sense to him. Keith can drill down the specifics we need to know from our industry’s data. Given that this is a holiday week, there will likely be plenty of toys distributed around the USA and product safety is important to those distributions. Your brand depends on an assurance that products you select for decoration comply with environmental, social and product safety requirements and standards. Internally we vet our partners to make sure the products they offer meet ever changing regulations. Our supplier partners can provide paperwork that outlines the testing, production control, product materials used, as well as outlining the ethical standards expected for the workforce in their factories. The next time you purchase blankets, apparel, toys or promotional items such as drinkware, be assured we partner with companies that adhere to ethical practices but delve deep into consumer safety to insure your brand is protected.