Promotional Products Weblog

In an article appearing on imediaconnection.com, Nada Stirratt stated that consumers are thrilled to be able to receive a freebie such as a sample or coupon. Therefore, many businesses should consider using promotional marketing to increase their customer list.

For example, a 2005 JupiterResearch study showed that the top reasons for making a purchase after viewing or receiving a marketing ad or email were the mention of sale prices and free shipping.

Stirratt pointed out that the increase in customers and results in sales and loyalty to your business. She went on to discuss ways in which a business can use promotional marketing such as coupons for visiting a website or using instant win games. For a full text of the article, visit Imediaconnection.

In a humorous article by Karen Heller of Knight Rider Newspapers, there are a vast number of promotional products being offered for the new movie “Memoirs Of A Geisha”.

For example, Banana Republic is offering a Geisha line for the holiday season, with certain itms such as a silk floral top, or a quilted bag.

Also available is a line of cosmetics that promote the “Memoirs of a Geisha” as well. Fresh Line has brought a new “shimmer powder with crushed pearl, $38 for 5 ounces, as well as Geisha bath oil with sake for $42 and Geisha flower petal face mask for $35.”  Heller continues the article by writing that the Republic of Tea had already offered Spring Cherry Green Tea which a picture of one of the actresses from the movie.

However Heller feels that these promotional products might be over promoting the movie, “The general rule, say industry wags, is the more promotional products, the lower the expectation for the movie,” she wrote.

In an announcement appearing on corporatelogo.com, the Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network elected three new board of directors.

These new board of directors will serve a 3 year term.

The purpose of the Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network is to foster growth within its members by “giving them access to mentoring programs, scholarships, a job bulletin board and networking and social events. The Network was created in Jnauary 2004, and contains 1,300 members. More information and the names of the new members of the board of directors can be found here.

Ballyhoo Promos is a small promotional products distributor that offers over 6000,000 promotional and advertising products.

The company was first started by Karen Kane in Rhode Island who headed the company for years. When her sister Beth Elliot, relocated to Clifton Park, another Ballyhoos Promos office was opened.

Ballyhoos Promos has become successful in creating products to promote other businesses. Elliot and Kane have a detailed website and numerous catalogs that businesses can choose from.

The main promotional products they sell include sportswear, clocks, coffee mugs, and gift giveaways.

A >statement appearing on corporatelogo.com, revealed that the Norwood Promotional Products company had hired an interim CEO.

The statement revealed that former CEO Tom Foller was no longer with the company and, instead Frank Bellis had been appointed interim CEO in his place.

Bellis stated that there would be no disruption of service, “Our focus remains solely on providing our distributors with the best possible service,” comments Bellis. “The continuity of our business will be in no way disrupted.” The full details of the statement released can be seen here.

One of the big names in sportswear promotional products, Next Inc. commented on the reason decline in its share price within the last quarter of 2005.

Robert Budd, CEO of Next Inc. stated, "Like our shareholders, we too are concerned about the recent decline of our share price. With management and the Board of Directors collectively owning significant shares, our interests are directly aligned with our shareholders. I am committed to building bottom line profits, which in turn should build shareholder value."

Analysis of the data showed that the company was able to report an increase in sales of 24%, and Budd has been recently hired as the company’s new CEO.

Promotional Products company Veltex Corporation announced this week that it the members of its board will be meeting on December 16, 2005 to discuss the dividends available to shareholders. The amount of the dividend to be handed will be announced on December 19.

According to CEO Javeed Martin, "We are proud of ourstrong growth accomplishments and very appreciative of our loyal shareholders' support. As previously stated, we firmly believe that VLXC shares are clearly undervalued based on our record revenue and profitability trends”.

Martin went on to say, “Therefore, it is certainly appropriate that our shareholders participate in our success by being rewarded with a very attractive dividend distribution. We look forward to another great year in 2006 and wish all consumers, distributors, associates, and shareholders a very happy and healthy holiday season!"

The Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York, Inc. (SAAGNY) and the Promotional Products Education Foundation (PPEF) announced this week that SAAGNY will be overseeing the Special Needs Scholarship Program.

The scholarships carry a maximum amount of $5,000, and is awarded to employees or their dependents, contractors, or business owners who are involved in the promotional products industry.

The scholarship deadline is in Jan 2006, and anyone who requires funds while recovering from injury caused by an accident. Anyone interested in applying for this scholarship can read the article here.

One of the fastest growing promotional products company today called Zoogee World Inc, received special recognition from Conseil Économique du Nouveau-Brunswick Inc. Zoogee World manufactures the popular selling items, the Lucky Button Cover and the Lucky Golf Ball Marker.

Minister Joseph McGuire stated that "Zoogee World is an excellent example of a dynamic small business that is passionate about their product and committed to being strategic to increase their competitiveness".

Zoogee World has also previously received the Most Creative New Promotional Product Of the Year Award for 2005.

The Instill ® Corporation has successfully secured a deal to provide International Dairy Queen (IDQ) with guidance in managing their promotional products. The Instill ® Corporation is well known for its ability to track and manage numerous business promotions that might even be running concurrently.

Chief Supply Chain Officer John Gainor, is quite please with hiring Instill: "Promotions and limited time offers are an important part of our business. Instill is the only company who could deliver a proven solution for foodservice companies that addressed all of the key issues. Within six months of working with Instill we were able to eliminate stock-outs of promotional products, dramatically reduce our administrative costs and realize substantial savings by reducing product obsolescence”.

Andy Wilson, President and CEO of the Instill ® Corporation replied by saying, "We are excited that IDQ chose to work with us to reduce the costs and increase the profitability of their promotions and limited time offers. Many foodservice companies are placing increased focus on these programs, and it's reflected in the growing adoption of our solution”.