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Promotional Products News
Find out the latest promotional products news here. Be in touch with the promotional products industry for the latest products and news about distributors and suppliers.
‘Reshoring’ Brings Manufacturing back to U.S.
067 days
It’s a well-known fact that companies throughout the U.S. have both outsourced and offshored their manufacturing jobs overseas over the past four decades. Businesses have found it more cost-effective to produce their products abroad everywhere from India to China.
But a recent trend is bringing business back home. According to Inc. magazine, recently, manufacturing has begun to return home.
Offsite Networks is one such company. Its CEO, Anton Bakker, told Inc. that manufacturing locally has become more affordable. According to Inc., “…labor costs, which had initially driven Bakker to find cheap work overseas, were a smaller percentage of total costs. Meanwhile, an increase in other costs—like shipping, for instance—had increased. In other words, it was cheaper to manufacture locally.”
As more and more companies follow suit and begin to “reshore,” it’s becoming obvious that the whole cost of sending business abroad was not worth it. Obviously a big part of bringing business back home is a business’ bottom line.
But there’s another factor, too: Some people refuse to buy anything foreign-made. CEO Chuck Buck of Buck Knives cites that as a major reason for reshoring. “Hunters are rednecks, and they don’t like anything with that C word on it,” Buck told The Idaho Statesman.
Promotional items companies are not exceptions to these developments. Distributors like 4imprint, Branders, and Motivators all offer USA-made promotional products that can be purchased online or over the phone.
American Solutions for Business Increases Acquisitions
074 days
A Top 40 distributor, American Solutions for Business (ASB), recently announced that it has acquired yet another small business. The sales group, comprising six salespeople and three support staffers, was originally part of American Eagle Graphics.
But the acquisition is just one of many for ASB. According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), “…this deal completes a 12-month period in which [ASB] has grown its sales force significantly through acquisitions. In fact, the distributor firm now has more than 500 salespeople, an increase of 11% over the past year.”
Larry Zavadil, founder and CEO of ASB, told ASI that the growth is sustainable due to the company’s large investment in technology.
Source Smart and Safe with PPAI Turbo Test
080 days
Product safety rules and regulations are seemingly ever-changing. And while this is certainly nothing bad (we do want to keep our customers and clients safe!), it can be hard to keep up with.
Thankfully, though, Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has created an online roadmap meant to help you determine which rules, regulations and tests apply to your handouts. Check out PPAI’s new video regarding its new system:
If you’re a PPAI member, you can use the online service, dubbed PPAI Turbo Test, so you can “source and offer products with confidence.” You want to make sure you’re sourcing smart and sourcing safe, so utilize PPAI’s new Turbo Test today!
PPAI’s L.E.A.D. — Do Your Part
092 days
Did you know that Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) staff members and more than 50 other promotional products workers are meeting in Washington D.C. next week? You might be wondering what could be so important that it’s bringing together so many advertising specialty professionals at our nation’s capital.
On March 7 and 8, 2012, dozens of influential individuals within the promotional items industry are coming together for PPAI’s Legislative, Education & Action Day (L.E.A.D.). What’s the purpose of the two-day event? According to Motivators Inc., a promotional products distributor, “The goal is to educate members of Congress about the promotional items industry … so that they can consider its needs when passing new laws.”
Representatives from the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives unfortunately do not always realize what a big role the advertising specialty industry plays in America’s economy. Let’s go over the facts:
- In total, there are over 30,000 promo items businesses in America
- Over $16 billion in revenue is produced each year by the industry
- Almost half a million Americans work for a promotional products company
You can help drive these points home to your representatives by contacting them. Remember, it’s your responsibility to voice your opinion. Otherwise, it will never be heard!
Backstage Pass: Stiches Swimwear Shoot
0101 days
Ever wish you could see what happens behind the scenes at a swimwear photo shoot? Thanks to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), you can now see exactly what went on backstage at Stitches magazine’s bathing suit photocall. Check out the video below, hosted by Stitches Editor Nicole Rollender:
As you can see, a lot of work goes into such a photo op. From selecting the perfect location to prepping those beautiful models, a shoot can begin as early as 6 a.m. and last all day. Subjects not only don the season’s hottest bikinis and swimming trunks, but also bags, hats and more. After all, according to Rollender, “What’s key is really creating head-to-toe looks for your clients.”
In the end, it will all pay off in the form of a gorgeous cover story for Stitches magazine. Look for the swimwear issue which will be out in March!
Top Supplier 3M Promotional Markets Names New CEO
0109 days
3M Promotional Markets, a “Counselor” magazine Top 40 supplier, announced big news last week. The hugely successful company, which has increased its sales by 40% in recent years, has named a new CEO to replace retiring George Buckley.
According to the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), Inge Thulin, who is currently 3M’s chief operations officer, will step in as CEO on February 24, 2012. At that point, Buckley will serve as the company’s chairman until May 2012.
Up until 2011, Thulin served as the company’s executive vice president of international operations. He promises to maintain an aggressive approach to acquisitions as well as to new product development. ASI reports that “Already, besides its trademark Post-its and Scotch Tape, 3M manufactures thousands of other items, including televisions, security systems and cleaning products.”
We’re excited to see where Thulin takes 3M in 2012!
Relive the PPAI Expo 2012
0112 days
It’s the industry’s largest, most-attended trade show. It took place at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in stunning Las Vegas, Nevada. It brought together top-notch suppliers with curious distributors. But perhaps the most memorable part about the PPAI Expo 2012 was how much fun it was!
Now, you can relive the wildly successful event. The Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has uploaded a recap video of the PPAI Expo 2012 onto its YouTube page. Check out the clip below!
I recognize at least few familiar faces in the video — did you attend the PPAI Expo 2012?
ASI Dallas: Everything Really Is Bigger in Texas
0116 days
Last week, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Dallas Show broke records, proving that everything really is bigger in Texas.
According to an ASI media release, ASI Dallas’ attendee list grew to 1,556 distributors this year, making it an all-time high. And that’s no surprise — as the industry continues to grow, more distributors are attending the ASI Show in hopes of networking with top suppliers, viewing the best new products, and attending top-notch educational seminars.
Overall, over 800 distributors sat in for educational sessions. A favorite among attendees was “The Industry’s Biggest Speed Networking Session.” But the best part about the ASI Dallas classes is that, according to the media release, “All sessions were eligible for credits toward BASI (Bachelor of Advertising Specialty Information) and MASI (Master of Advertising Specialty Information) certification.” High enrollment shows us that the industry certification is a valued one.
There was also an increase in the number of suppliers that participated in this year’s show. ASI reports that ASI Dallas saw 125 new suppliers in 2012. This is great news for both distributors and suppliers — after all, “Partnering suppliers with distributors helps promote success within the industry and is the primary goal of ASI.”
Did you make it to the ASI Dallas show? What are your thoughts?
Survey Says: Promotional Products Industry Continues to Grow
0126 days
Did you know that the advertising specialty industry has grown for eight straight quarters? That’s based on distributor sales research released earlier this week by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI).
According to an ASI press release, total industry sales amounted to $18.5 billion in 2011, a growth of 6.2% from 2010. In the fourth-quarter of 2011 alone, sales increased by 6.5%, making it the biggest increase since the year’s first-quarter.
The research provides some reassurance in a time of economic uncertainty. According to Timothy M. Andrews, ASI President and CEO, “This latest ASI sales survey proves the ad specialty industry continues a strong rebound begun two years ago on the heels of the worst economic downturn in recent history.” Distributors are looking forward to a successful 2012 for what Andrews calls “a recession-proof industry.”
Let’s look at some of the most noteworthy statistics:
- 85% of major distributors reported an increase in sales, as did 70% of distributors overall
- The fourth quarter of 2011 was particularly successful for distributors; more than 50% saw an increase in sales
- Over 75% of distributors are optimistic about sales growth in 2012
Do you think ASI’s research is accurate? Share your comments below!
Number 1 Industry Traveling Show To Visit NY
0130 days
Are you a promotional items company that’s located in the Northeast? If so, you’re in luck! Everyone’s favorite magazine, Advantages, comes to life in New York tomorrow, Tuesday, January 24.
According to a statement by the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI), the Advantages Roadshow began yesterday in Boston, Massachusetts, and will continue traveling throughout the Northeast through the end of the week. Tomorrow’s event will take place on Long Island. Then the show will travel to New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland before jetting off to the West coast.
Why should distributors consider attending? Attendees will enjoy sales-boosting workshops, one-on-one time with some of the industry’s best suppliers, networking opportunities, and the chance to win a two-year lease on a Mustang convertible! Interested in registering? Click here to register today for free.