Buzz Worthy
Archive for August, 2012
Counselor Magazine Reveals the Best Places to Work in 2012
0261 days
Earlier this week, Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) publication Counselor magazine published its annual list of the “Best Places to Work.” Eighty-five companies ranked on this year’s list.
According to Counselor, the businesses listed all “have happy employees” and exhibit “high levels of communication and a culture of motivation.” Of course communication includes keeping staff members filled in about the state of a business and its goals and operations. But Counselor asserts that making sure employees feel heard is also imperative.
Those companies also put a huge emphasis on motivating their employees. “Indeed, incentive programs are often at the heart of how these companies not only insure peak performance from employees, but also loyalty,” reports Counselor.
Companies that made this year’s list include Proforma Albrecht & Co. (at number one), ePromos Promotional Products, Inc., Brand Fuel, Motivators, Inc., and Mid-Nite Snax.
Check out all the companies by clicking here.
Midwest Drought to Impact Promotional Items Industry
0265 days
The Midwest U.S. is currently seeing the worst drought in 50 years. And while the lack of precipitation is obviously affecting the cost of produce, did you know it may also impact various categories of promotional items?
Counselor magazine reports that “Because corn and its byproducts are commonly used in everything from candy to cosmetics to cups, the effects will go far beyond food items.” Suppliers from around the nation are pointing to an increase in corn prices in particular.
According to Counselor, since June 15, 2012, the cost of corn has risen by approximately 60 percent. Furthermore, “corn futures have reached a record high of $8.49 per bushel.”
However, according to Mid-Nite Snax Executive Vice President, Craig Fraum, suppliers who planned ahead should be OK. “For the remainder of 2012, we have pre-ordered all of our corn at an excellent locked-in price,” Fraum told Counselor. “This will allow us to be extremely competitive in the marketplace this holiday season. As for 2013, I feel prices will increase industry-wide.”
Has the Midwest drought affected your business’ bottom line?
Can Promotional Items Help Sway Voter Opinion?
0272 days
In politics, distributing logoed products is nothing new. With hundreds of millions of dollars spent on giveaways leading up to a big election, one can’t help but wonder: Can promotional items really help sway voter opinion?
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) and Counselor magazine, items like branded apparel certainly do have an impact: “more than two-thirds (67.4%) of respondents have taken an action as a result of receiving a promotional item, with more than half visiting a candidate’s website.”
A smaller percentage of both men and women — 34 percent and 24 percent, respectively – said that they’re more likely to vote for a nominee after receiving a political giveaway. Furthermore, the study revealed that nearly 25 percent of Democrats have contributed money to a campaign after receiving a promotional giveaway. So while website hits and donations don’t necessarily equal a vote, ASI’s findings do highlight the importance of promotional items in raising awareness for a candidate and his or her fundraising efforts.
“It’s clear from ASI’s election survey results that candidates need to pay close attention to how they brand their campaigns and get out their core messages, since what they choose to sell or give away can sway voters to pull a lever, give money – or choose the other guy,” ASI president and CEO Tim Andrews said.
Have you ever voted based on a promotional item you received?
ASI Canada Celebrates 25 Years
0282 days
Our neighbors up north have reason to celebrate!
According to an Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) media release, ASI Canada is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. And to commemorate the occasion, it’s adding new fall shows.
Let’s take a look at the schedule:
- Burlington — Aug. 13
- Toronto West — Aug. 15
- Toronto East — Aug. 16
- Edmonton — Aug. 20
- Calgary and Vancouver — Aug. 21
“We’re popping the champagne to celebrate a quarter-century of providing the best education, the best national shows, the best regional events and the best technology in the business throughout Canada,” said ASI Canada’s Fred Oesen. “We’re looking forward to another 25 years of helping connect suppliers and distributors to boost everybody’s bottom line.”
John Deere Promotional T-Shirts Recalled
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Promotional t-shirts bearing the “John Deere” name and logo were recalled last week due to high levels of lead in the shirts’ imprint.
The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) reports that the tops, which were distributed by Michael Walker Advertising Co. in Stoney Creek, Ontario, contain unacceptably high levels of lead. “Lead is a toxic metal,” reported PPAI, “and a range of serious health effects can result if ingested.”
Fortunately, there have been no reports of incidents or illness from the t-shirts.
Karl Walker, Vice President of Michael Walker Advertising Co., said that the issue was discovered after his company tested the shirts. “The ink used in the imprint was not complaint with children’s products standards. At that point, we contacted Health Canada to begin the recall process,” Walker said.
One-hundred and twenty-one t-shirts sold at John Deere dealers and at the company’s headquarters between May 2010 and April 2012 have been recalled.
If you’ve got one of the shirts at home, discontinue use immediately. To contact Michael Walker Advertising Co. for a refund, call toll free at 800-668-6693 or email Karl at karl@michaelwalkeradv.com.
Congratulations, ASI!
0289 days
Did you know that the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) owns three award-winning magazines? The American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE) bestowed seven awards to the institute’s stand-out publications yesterday.
According to an ASI media release, “Stitches, Wearables® and Advantages® magazines, which serve suppliers, distributors and decorators in the $18.5 billion advertising specialty industry, were honored in the 34th annual Azbee Awards of Excellence competition conducted by ASBPE.” Competing publications include Computerworld and Bloomberg Businessweek.
Stitches, a magazine edited by Nicole Rollender, received the gold award for Original Research in its “State of the Industry” issue. Wearables, Advantages, and Stitches all received additional regional awards.
ASI President and CEO Timothy M. Andrews said he’s proud of his team for “routinely producing one outstanding issue after another, providing print and online readers with a wealth of information to help their businesses thrive and increasingly creative ways to connect to the business community at large.”
“ASI magazines are the only industry publication to ever win a national editorial award,” he added.
Help us congratulate ASI by leaving a comment below.