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Posts tagged advertising specialty institute
Winners: Counselor’s Distributor Choice Awards
0163 days
In a media release today, the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) announced the winners of Counselor’s annual Distributor Choice Awards. The list honors 270 of the advertising specialty industry’s best suppliers.
The prestegious Supplier of the Year award went to The Magnet Group. “The Magnet Group is recognized as much for its creativity and new product development as it is for having one of the most dynamic management teams in the business. It’s no wonder distributors rate Magnet as the very best,” noted ASI president and CEO Tim Andrews.
The winners were announced during ASI Orlando, which ended today at the Orange County Convention center.
Other winning suppliers include SanMar, Sweda Co and Gold Bond.
To see all of the winners, click here.
Promotional Items Industry Receives Global Attention
0355 days
On Tuesday, June 26, the promotional items industry received global attention as The Wall Street Journal’s front page featured a profile of Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Chairman Norman Cohn.
According to ASI, the piece covers “the undeniable ROI of ad specialties and the power and reach of a vital industry that employs over 400,000 people across North America.”
Cohn is the perfect individual to represent the industry; since he was 19-years-old, he has nurtured it. Today he has been leading ASI for 50 years.
ASI President and CEO Timothy Andrews asserts: “I think [the] piece is incredibly positive and, along with all the other coverage we’ve generated, presents enduring evidence of the brand-building business tools at the heart of our industry. I couldn’t be prouder.”
The Dressed-Up Hoodie
0393 days
by Brandon
in Promotional Trends
Throughout my teenage years, wearing a hoodie meant one thing: I was ready to relax and unwind. But, believe it or not, one San Francisco-based retailer is reintroducing the hooded sweatshirt as executive wear.
According to “Stitchwork,” an Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) blog, “…the dot com boom ushered in an age of executive informality, perhaps most iconically exemplified by Mark Zuckerberg, the gozillionaire founder of Facebook, whose trademark look is t-shirt, jeans, and, of course, a hooded sweatshirt.” Clothing company Betabrand is hoping to cash in on this new trend.
“Stitchwork” reports that the apparel company now offers “the Executive Hoodie, a hooded sweatshirt made of suit-quality merino wool.” It’s reportedly available in three varieties: grey pinstripe, navy pinstripe, and glen plaid.
Could the dressed-up hoodie be the next big thing for the promotional items industry?
Counselor Magazine Gets a Makeover
0401 days
One of the promotional items industry’s hottest publications, Counselor magazine, unveiled its first redesign in eight years with its May 2012 issue.
The new look and layout, according to an Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) press release, is meant to capture the attention of business leaders who work in a fast-paced environment. ASI asserts that the new layout “is more actionable and easier to read and contains four new sections packed with strategies and analysis along with award-winning products, fastest-growing companies, best promotions and top ad campaigns.” Wow!
Let’s take a look at some of the new features:
- Bigger physical size
- Table of contents for easy browsing
- Four brand new sections — News, Apparel, Case Studies, and Social
- Social media integration
- Focus on the promo products industry’s top places of work
- An updated logo and new, easy-to-read text
In addition to the print magazine’s redesign, the web version has also received a facelift. “The new CounselorMag.com features online exclusives, news, regular videos and an interactive experience unlike any other in the ad specialty industry,” reports ASI. “With social media integration on every page, CounselorMag.com invites readers to provide immediate feedback on articles and share best business practices with each other.”
Have you checked out Counselor magazine’s new look yet?
American Solutions for Business Increases Acquisitions
0457 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.
How to: Keep Your Customers Coming Back
0471 days
by Brandon
in Brand Strategy
An important part of business in any industry is being able to hold onto clients. For those of us within the promotional items industry, retaining clients is especially key; it’s imperative that your customers remember your name and continue to work with you in the future.
But, as with most things, that’s easier said than done. Thankfully the experts at the Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) were kind enough to share some tips on the subject:
To summarize, here’s some advice on retaining clients:
- Meet with clients every three months to ensure you’re meeting/exceeding expectations
- Agree to follow up on specific dates
- Be proactive; reach out in unique ways to remind your clients why they love you
If you follow these guidelines, you’ll see an improvement in how well you hold onto your important clients and customers. Good luck!
Backstage Pass: Stiches Swimwear Shoot
0484 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!
ASI Dallas: Everything Really Is Bigger in Texas
0499 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?
ASI Brings New Products from Orlando to Your PC
1506 days
Unfortunately, not everyone was able to make the hugely popular Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) Show in Orlando, which took place January 16 – January 18. Attendees watched a thrilling debate between journalist Bill O’Reilly and author James Carville, learned skills and information during educational seminars, and most importantly were introduced to exciting, new promotional items.
Couldn’t travel to Florida for the show? No need to fret — ASI has posted some of the show’s highlights on its YouTube page!
In this episode of “The Joe Show,” Joe Haley showcases some stand-out new products from the ASI Show in Orlando. We love the new items, which include wallet readers, golf kits, and more. Check out all of Joe’s favorite products in the video below:
My favorite? The Smencil Co.’s scented pens and pencils are great. Not only will their aroma attract customers, but they’re also made from recycled newspapers — how eco-friendly!
What are your preferred items from the ASI Orlando Show?
Survey Says: Promotional Products Industry Continues to Grow
0509 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!