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What's the place you call home? In celebration of SBA National Small Business Week, follow our blog to discover our story. As founders of Promotional Partners, our journey started with an artist and a scientist, who also happened to be married. The business grew from a mom & pop with a vision, into a brand that delivers exceptional value. We remain nestled in the heart of Historic Downtown Apex. Watch as I reflect on what makes Apex "home" here. We take elevating your brand identity seriously, but this mom & pop have never taken ourselves too seriously. In fact, you never know what crazy thing might happen. Our six elements for crafting a strong story: Compelling characters! Be relatable, without complicated jargon. Create an engaging plot! Through clear messaging and intriguing marketing, products become a marketing medium. Add conflict! Yes, some conflict is good. A little friction and challenges help us evolve. We need a catalyst to absorb different perspectives that help us grow. Through continuing education, service, mentorship, leadership and sponsorship, we grow. Setting matters! An immersive experience is unparalleled. Make your theme clear! Entrepreneurship is a symbiotic relationship that relies on a community of champions. Organizations like a chamber of commerce or a civic organizations allow you to dial into the community. Create resolution! Loose ends become a tight knit community through partnerships, weaving a strong tapestry. Fortunately as the triangle community grows, so do resources. There are layers of support to help your business grow, from community college classes, to networking groups, to chambers of commerce and even municipalities to provide programs. Nineteen years ago we had no clients, no bank loan, no board of directors or program behind our brand. We did have community relationships, grit, and boundless belief we could blaze our own trail. Along our journey we've been supported by community champions. Our partnership story began and continues through your trust. By referring us to your connection, your our champion! By supporting our business, your also a champion of diversity partnerships and your partnerships allow us to champion others; communities rely on a beating heart. Join us for our May Anniversary Event, a celebration of champions! We'll provide you strategies to reward YOUR champions. Check your May newsletter for the link to RSVP or ask for details. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC #promotionalpartnerswomanownedbusiness

As we celebrate SBA Small Business week, we'll showcase our back story. Days quickly turn into months, then years. From the start, one of our core values has been certification. By investing in ourselves, we sharpen our skillsets. Over the past nineteen years, we've invested time and energy to be certified. We earned woman-owned designations that highlight our leadership structure. NC HUB Certification We became NC HUB Certified in 2007. What exactly is a hub certification? Discover the how this certification creates opportunities for historically under utilized businesses. Learn more about the HUB program in this post. MWBE Programs Several NC Municipalities have diversity programs, including the Town of Apex who launched a Minority and Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) program, in early 2023. The program is aimed at supporting minority and women-owned businesses. The program helps to find resources, provides a directory of qualifying businesses and advocates for underutilized businesses to enhance business. Industry Certifications Our industry certifications, span our entire team. Miranda and myself earning and maintaining the highest levels- PPAI's MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) and ASI's MASI (Master of Advertising Information). Once certified, 60 continuing CEU credit hours are necessary to recertify every three years. The classes span tactical communication, social and environmental responsibility, safety, cyber security, and business strategies for leadership, operations, managing growth, which includes scaling and exiting your business. Interested in more information about these certifications? Check out this 2023 post. Cheers to Miranda, who recently completed her three year update, earning another 60 credits to add to our company total of over 500 hours. We have a full list of our certifications and industry memberships on our website. Investing in certifications is another way we provide our clients visionary assurance, united purpose. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

Our identity started and continues with you. If you've been following our socials all week, Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn then you know we consider YOU a CHAMPION of our small business. As we reach the end of SBA National Small Business Week, we know the celebration continues, because of you. What started as an idea and a dream, has grown over the years; yet remains a love story. For nineteen years, our partners have been trusting our team to capture the essence of their message, their values, their distinguishers through a product media and compelling graphic design. To elevate your message, we provide visionary assurance, united purpose. ( Captured by our friends at 621 Productions, in Apex) In Wednesday's post we featured a recent collaboration, capturing how our process works. Explore our entire story on our website: Our Story About Us Why Partner Meet the Team Our Local Advantage Our Showroom Portfolio Gallery A few Case Studies Our testimonials Looking for more case studies? Follow our blog or set up a time to visit our showroom location. What's really behind each of our collaborations? People, stories and our love of creatively telling your story. Over the years we've ben fortunate to have many positive reviews, a few highlighted here: Partner testimonials: Testimonials from over the years: Our partnerships are greatly valued. Thank you for trusting us with YOUR story and YOUR brand identity. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC #promotionalpartnerswomanownedbusiness

The first week of May is SBA National Small Business Week, perfect timing to highlight a recent collaboration. Every business owner started with a vision, passion and a dream. As your partner, our role is to connect your story to your audience. Recently we were referred to Peak City Farms, with amazing lettuce- just saying! Try their produce and you'll become a loyal fan. Colby and Ed have passion, vision and are all around great guys. We extracted the elements they wanted to keep from their existing logos, to re-purpose and create a fresh new logo, adaptable for this growing company. Farming has a growing cycle, that aligns with the seasons, so we played out a color palette reflect seasonal change. What did Colby say about our collaboration? For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week (NSBW), to acknowledge the role of America’s entrepreneurs and mark the hard work, dedication and ingenuity small business owners infuse into their local economy. Family-owned Peak City Farms is passionate about growing crops, in harmony with nature, nourished by sustainable farming practices. The result yields amazing quality and taste in every bite. SBA Small Business week is about being champion in your community. Economy's thrive through strong relationships. We support other entrepenurers, referring Peak City Farms to another local business with specialized skillset to complete their vision for the farm. Partnerships are the heart of the business community. We're passionate brand builders. There's no doubt, promotional products are effective at shaping & changing consumer behavior, explore the data here. An experienced partner creates a logo that works across your marketing efforts; a critical step in elevating your brand identity. We craft "page turning" brand stories through six essential elements - that's visionary assurance, united purpose. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

"Wow, it just keeps going." That's the typical response when individuals visit our showroom for the first time. From the first step to the last, the impression our showroom leaves with you lingers. The power of promotional marketing & advertising is in your hand, it's what your wearing, it's human touch. I guess you could say, whatever sticks, leaves an impression. Check these data points. I'm passionate about my industry. Smart marketing seems effortless, the message simply resonates. A savvy marketer is a little like a magician, their able to take you on a journey. We've always been the ace up your sleeve. The first step into our 3,000 sq ft showroom & design studio is the foundational magic for a collaborative environment that results in award-winning campaigns. Consistently first time visitors say: Visiting was so helpful. This visit saved me time. I feel confident about our direction. It amazing to compare decoration methods, products and to actually try on clothing for fit and feel, everything looks great online. Who knew there were so many choices. I've never been able to sit down with graphic designers, watch them work and provide real-time edits from my input. You’re legit, clearly you know your craft, it’s clear you have expertise, Can I bring back my team? Is there anything you don't offer? I am blow away by the choices! How do you keep up with all this information? Your knowledge & creativity flow effortlessly. A showrooms matters. Our showroom experience is an "It" Factor. A physical showroom remains a powerful tool in our toolbox. Since 2007 we've provided direct access to professional skillsets and product access. Nothing beats one-on-one collaboration with our certified team of experts to see & feel products. Hands-on experience with our team builds trust and makes crafting campaigns seamless. In the showroom & design studio we’re able to focus on the details of the project and work out critical elements that would get lost in emails back and forth. Besides saving you time, our space is designed to inspire creativity and invite conversation that becomes strategy. Collaboration is intentional and purposeful. Investing in a showroom space provides a multi-sensory experience for our partners. Ever changing consumer trends require we balance new products with consistent requests. Given the saturation of choice in our industry, simply hosting an ecommerce website is a rabbit hole. Besides, expertise matters. We understand the canvas of our industry and know how to navigate the abundance of choice. Our skillsets determine the best product for your values, messaging, budget, quality, quantities and imprint requirements. Our partner’s advantage is our certified team of experts; that’s the partner experience. To realize possibility, the mind needs a chance to play. Our space is a marketing playground, intentionally designed to guide our partners through the process of creating a well-rounded campaign, ultimately strengthening their brand identity with our expert touch. Deeper engagement and stronger relationships develop with personalized planning; human factor. To understand how to promote your message, we get to know the vision behind the brand. Bonded by shared goals, we create visionary assurance, united purpose. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC #womanownedbusiness

An ace up your sleeve could be seen as an unfair advantage - we'd prefer to see this as planning ahead; strategic! Today's post is not about debating whether a hidden ace is cheating or strategy- instead it's about leveraging your assets for a winning hand. Like a gambler playing the odds, assets at your fingertips create successful outcomes. Strategic marketing requires planning. An experienced partner makes large tasks seem effortless by applying their knowledge. Recently I sat down with a new client who asked if she should go on our website and pick out what she wanted to order? I replied, "only if you want to miss out on all the value behind our relationship. " She responded that promotional products are waste of money: I just need something for an upcoming event. To which I replied, " I agree, without a marketing strategy- it's just stuff; which is a waste of money. Collaboration yields a planned strategy, it's the magic of our partnership. Sometimes we don't suggest you use a product , because there' s no strategy. A magician has more than one way to connect & create wonder. A master magician or experienced card player adapts to the audience. Cutting through the visual noise requires a full hand of knowledge & masterful innovator. Our creative hub, the artistry & magic of our team is located in Downtown Apex. Inside our 3,000 sq feet showroom & design studio we've stacked the deck with products, people and expertise to create magic for your brand identity challenges. Visionary Assurance, United Purpose is your ace up the sleeve.

On the silver screen superheroes are larger than life. While everyday heroes quietly championing us behind the scenes. Similarly, as people rather than a persona, we don't wear a symbol on the chest or wear a cape. Instead, like the persona of a fictional character, our character is demonstrated through our actions. How we support others and where we invest our time is a reflection of our values. A hero is also a metaphor for a champion. We all need more champions in life. Champions are mentors, coaches and friends that find ways to invest in the activities that bring them joy and balance in life. We feel centered when we give to others. It's giving back that inspired me to start our Promotional Partners Cares program back in 2020. It's also a deep love of community, watch here, that motivates me to put a spotlight on programs making a difference locally & globally. Community is borderless; it's about finding heart everywhere and determining what skills, funds or voice you can add to the mission at hand. Loving our local community is part of our "DNA." I encourage everyone to find the areas in their communities where their passions & interest can make an impact. My passion for community was the motivation behind our 2024 "Pearls of Wisdom" series, capturing woman in my network making a difference just by being authentic and championing others. Each is a super hero in their own way to me. Sometimes becoming a hero comes down to simple choices. Our team is pretty darn good at storytelling, the visual aspects and the details that matter. If your cape isn't visible yet, let's priortize sharing your authentic self; we can even put a symbol on your chest. Sometimes the quirky is necessary to capture attention and focus energy around a cause. Not sure where to dial into the community? After 19 years, I happen to know a few folks. As a connector of dots, I'm passionate about aligning people with shared goals. As an idea engineer, I'm passionate about exploring new pathways to increase the reach. Superhero or champion, my mission is helping another. Where is the footprint of Promotional Partners in our community? It's easiest for me to update that information on my personal LinkedIn page, under projects. In 2025, what did we support with our time, talents and resources? Let's partner to create moments that uplift others; cape optional.

May is our business anniversary month, incorporating in 2007. It's also the SBA National Small Business Week. Over 19 years, my brown hair has become mostly gray. Beyond my physical changes and the veneer of our building, lies a love story. A love of community. It's often said, beauty lies beyond the skin. It's what's deep inside that counts. Initially we were home based. Going into business for love. I wanted to support Keith's dream to start and grow a business. Initially I resisted, I loved teaching art. Eventually I came around, with a few caveats. I'm not a salesperson. I'm a helper, connector, educator, and community volunteer with a creative mind and a passion to learn. He supported me, trusting my marketing & advertising methods would generate revenue. His trust was a huge leap. He was used to being the boss; the CFO. Keith had caveats too. Working from home was not his jam. He wanted a physical space. In this post, I share how our business became a part of the fabric of Downtown Apex, how we evolved and how our partnership story grew from an idea, into a brand. Initially we were located off East Chatham, in one room above Anna's Pizzeria. Then we expanded to two rooms, then three rooms. Rooted by community and believing in community put us on the right track for peak performance. We grew out of our initial downtown space, so in 2018 we moved to the Salem Street Promenade. Along the way, we added a creative intern, Miranda. Apparently she didn't think we were completely crazy. As a woman-owned business, we maintain certifications. As a team, we continue to invest in learning, Miranda just recertified her MAS for another 3 years, adding 60 more CEU's to her toolbox of knowledge. Our story continues today in Downtown Apex. Discover the back story of our building here. Like a series of novels connected by one narrative, the saga of Downtown Apex continues to evolve. Over the past five years, we've added team members, hosted interns, and navigated unexpected growing pains to remain in Downtown Apex. We've worked through the demolition and addition of the Highline Building, the reconstruction of the Saunders Lot, and the addition of two new businesses within our Promenade building (Playa Bowls & Popovers Cafe); now the Streetscape project. Each change positions our downtown to thrive into the future; with new chapters and new stories. Our story continues in our current showroom & design studio, with an amazing team of professionals to support you, after-all, our story is symbiotic. Together, we grow with visionary assurance, united purpose. That's our story, our local love story! #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

There is a champion behind all small businesses, it's the people. Community matters. Championing your brand is our why. Being an advocate for other is the secret to strong communities. We've always paid forward introductions, connecting people, and supporting others through volunteering, mentorship, sponsorship, donations and service. Together we grow. Champions support one another. May 4-7 is SBA National Small Business Week. For more than 60 years, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has celebrated National Small Business Week, which acknowledges the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. Join the Town of Apex and other local small business leaders as we “Love Local,” celebrating our small business community. For PeakFest, our 2026 non-profit partner was Sage Crossing, learn more here. Thank you for supporting our woman-owned business for the past nineteen years. Visionary assurance, united purpose at work! Don't forget to pay it forward! Tag and shout out another business in the community. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

Visionary Assurance, United Purpose is more than a tagline for our brand. Each word is purposely selected to convey the essence of our client experience. Our core values of creativity, collaboration, community and certification are the foundation behind our brand. Our identity is rooted in community; a symbiotic story. After nineteen years of quietly creating graphic designs for an array of partners, we designed a signature collection of products to celebrate our hometown business. As a destination, the culture and beauty of Apex reinforces why the town’s known by its trademark phrase, the Peak of Good Living. The popularity around collecting destination mugs became the centerpiece of our growing collection of retail inspired products & designs. Follow our socials or review the why partner page of our website and you’ll discover we are community invested. Life is a series of choices. Our choices can either fulfill or drain us. The sense of belonging created through our connection to Apex enriches my life, making me grateful. I describe the feeling of home Apex embodies within me in this reflective post. Our objective with this collection was to capture the destination we call home. Each element in our original graphic design work captures the ways we’re tied to Apex; location, community service, events and relationships. Since planting our roots in 2007, we’ve been immersed in the fabric of what makes Apex special. In Apex, neighbors support neighbors and businesses; together we make a difference. We're lucky to be part of a community that cares deeply and puts action behind the heart. Apex, more than a destination for our business. Historic Downtown Apex is home. If it seems odd to equate a business to a home, ask any business owner how much time they spend investing in their business. It's immersive, personal, and similar to adding another child to the family. I've learned a symbiotic relationship exists between entrepreneurs & the community we serve, creating a thriving community. By feeding what matters in our community and caring for one another, we all grow. The secret behind our brand was founded by four core values. How we apply the values of creativity, collaboration, certification and community each day keeps our story growing & evolving. Guided by our values, our actions become the partner experience, resulting in visionary assurance, united purpose. May kicks off the runway towards our 20th year in business. Help us celebrate. Contact us to be part of our upcoming Partner's Championship Celebration. #ApexSmallBizWeek #ApexSmallBizSuccess #SBASmallBusinessWeek #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

Partners and champions of your story develop naturally when community matters! We love seeing our partners grow. Together we can all do more. Support matters. Elevating your brand identity is our story; it's our why. Since 2018 we've created space at our PeakFest booth space to promote a local non-profit. Meet Sage Crossing, a non-profit dedicated to enhancing the lives of seniors through meaningful, service-based programs that foster intergenerational connection, nature-based engagement and compassionate caregiver support. What the heart behind their story that resonates with me? In the late 70's I was a "candy striper"- meaning I wore a striped uniform while volunteering in a senior community. By today's standards that facility was institutional, with dark corridors and overworked employees providing care to way too many residents. It was my first experience with dementia. Residents clung to dolls repeating their child's name and begged me to take them "to the station"; their mind locked in the past. Through those experiences, I also met amazing seniors with more left to give. I even learned to tie a bow tie, because that resident wouldn't leave his room till he was "properly dressed." Many of the seniors shared amusing stories that remain part of my formative DNA. Touched by these residents, I considered a career in senior living, only to have my supervisor advise me against the pursuit. She stated, "this line of work will eat away at your kind heart. You'll find it exhausting and depressing to continually deal with the loss." She was projecting her own frustrations. In 2021, I re-engaged with dementia through my own personal experiences with my mom, then my father in law. There is a void in senior healthcare and how society supports aging that's is not in lock-step with living. Dementia is an emotional journey for everyone involved- the caregivers, the family and the senior loosing a life they once controlled. As a society often we console the grief of loss by saying, at least you have your memories. What happens when you lose your memories and you can't process your day? The mind shuts down and senior cope by retreating from what they can't process. The senior is existing, but not living. Supporting seniors requires innovative thinking. In November 2025, Sage Crossing launched a group respite program as a first step towards a long-term vision to change how seniors live! The vision became a vibrant Senior Enrichment Center that empowers individuals with cognitive impairments to age with dignity and purpose, allowing them to experience a sense of belonging at every stage of aging. As part of their plan, the vision is a permanent location built through strong community partnerships that provide holistic care. When you visit PeakFest, step over to our booth. Learn how you can support an inclusive future for aging. Follow their socials Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for ways to support or donate here. Watch our recent social media story introducing this non-profit here. Learn how you can score a set of matching Apex mugs here. See ya at Town Hall Campus on Saturday May 2nd! #PromotionalPartnersApexNCCares #PromotionalPartnersApexNC

Every April, Earth Day and Arbor Day put a spotlight on the environment, however the modern consumer is how their future will be greener 365 days a year and for the years to come rather than focusing attention on the environment for a day. Does that mean we're on track for a greener future? When we started the business in 2007, very few of our clients asked about sustainable options and never asked about the packaging waste. In 2026, our partners are constructing more products with recycled materials, using packaging that can be recycled and changing operational practices for production changes to reduce their carbon foot print. There is also transparency. If you'd like a sustainability report, detailing ongoing initiatives and commitments to environmental responsibility- we can provide it! Our partners are: Re-thinking where they can reduce plastic Pursuing certifications that demonstrate their environmental commitment Setting concrete goals for zero waste in their manufacturing plants Expanding their portfolio of sustainable brands Actively seeking brand partners offering more value, balancing purpose with profit Partnering with carriers focused on carbon neutral efforts to off set emission's in shipping We prioritize partner relationships in the product lines we share with you. When our partner's give back their profits to organizations like 1% For The Planet that infuses millions of dollars into clean water initiatives, nature-based cardon solutions or plants trees through non-profits like Evertreen; you feel good about your investment. If sustainability and certifications are topic you'd like to explore, you're in luck. Get comfy and start reading. 166 blog posts include the word sustainable. 146 posts contain the word certification. 21 posts include efforts related to FSC, the Forest Steward Council 251 posts that include the mention of trees 318 posts around the key words environmental impact Frequently our 441 posts with cause marketing key words share brand impact stories, making a difference through charitable efforts and non-profit organizations And finally, 52 posts with the word earth Working together, we’ll continue making a difference. Responding to your concerns- that's united purpose. Aligning values, that's visionary assurance.