There's a serious resurgence in camping and outdoor activities going on right now. Driving this trend are millennial and
younger Gen Xer consumers with a passion for the outdoors. Did you know that according to KOA North American Camping Report, 40 percent of all campers fit in the millennial age bracket.
For generations that barely remember life before smartphones and
the Internet - the idea of totally disconnecting and ditching those modern devices is not an option. To appeal to the modern
camper and tech savvy outdoor adventurer, our partners at PCNA have curated a
special collection of new tech products designed for the great outdoors:
National Recreation Month has only days left to celebrate- but enjoying your local parks system is an option all year long. Keith and I enjoy the Apex dog parks almost every weekend; Holly makes it clear with her howls, nudges and barks that she expects to go! For several years the Town of Apex has been promoting recreation month to residents with items designed to get them outside to play and a pretty awesome video!
Items such as flying discs and inflatable beach balls help remind residents that bond dollars are being put to good use. Did you know that flying discs are among the many items you'd enjoy outdoors that are USA Made? What else- water bottles, flyers, straps to hold your keys while walking, divot repair tools, fly swatters, hand fans, ice cream cups and ice cream scoops.
Connecting with consumers where they work and play is a great brand builder.
Company or school stores- why do some of our partners select this type of program option?
Convenience- order online, 24 hours a day, select to pay online via PayPal or using your company match program.
Consistency- all ofthe branding decisions areselected across your networkhave been decided; types of products, decoration methods, unity of color andimprint information
Seamless Processing- each store is different, processing can be immediate or set to process once a week to once a month depending on your organization's needs.
What types of options do you have with your store?
Up to 24 hard goods- promotional products to round out your options.
Add options such as special packaging, kitting, sorting or labeling to your order for ease of distribution.
Ready to start designing a store for fundraising, employee perks, brand unity across your network and managing ordering for employees in different locations?
From virtual reality and drones
to online education, technology is causing a major shift in the ways
schools and universities interact with students. Here are some key
developments you should be aware of:
Looking for some hot deals for your next back to school promotion? We understand the education market; having worked on fundraising committees, as educator, tasked with building spirit and choosing to mentor students through our intern program. We are inspired by learning. Check out some of these popular ways to elevate your brand to the education market!
There's no doubt that social media platforms have made it simple and quick to share your emotions. Often clients take a more conservative approach to projecting their brand message, but adding a smile- well, it makes people smile. Are smiling, happy people a bad thing?
Kick Bags with emotions, why not have some fun with your branding? Maybe you have some IDEAS to kick around with your key accounts, you need feedback from member of your non-profit or you want to show some appreciation to your co-workers?
Mints with emoji's and chocolates with FEELINGS would make a fun surprise on your staff's desk Monday morning.
At an annual street festival, Peak City Family Dentistry connected with attendees offering a functional gift that provided a smile. In additional being helpful, it was functional education- some folks still need to be reminded not to use their teeth to open bottle caps!
If you are planning on spending time in the summer sun, you might
want to pay attention to the new suggested regulations for sunscreens.
Earlier this year, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a
rule that would update regulation requirements for most sunscreen
products sold in the United States. The proposal focuses on ensuring
that sunscreens are being correctly designated as safe and effective and
that two all-natural sun-blocking ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium
dioxide – are added to the list of actives that are safe and effective.
The FDA also proposed that the maximum sun protection factor (SPF)
level increase in order to offer the best skin protection. Sunscreens
that have an SPF of 15 or higher are required to have broad-spectrum
protection. The FDA states that labels need to be clearer for consumers,
identifying information such as active ingredients on the packing to
make sunscreens more like other OTC drugs. It’s also suggested that
these labels include a notification of a skin-cancer and skin-aging
alert for products that haven’t been proven to prevent skin cancer.
The FDA’s goal is to update over-the-counter (OTC), nonprescription
sunscreens that don’t already have FDA approval with the latest
scientific research to ensure access to the most effective methods of
skin protection. This announcement is important since FDA guidelines for
sunscreens haven’t been updated in several years. How can you ensure you’re getting the best protection?
Choose mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, especially sunscreen lotions made with non-nanoparticles.
Look for broad-spectrum products with an SPF of 15 or higher, so you gain protection from both UVA and UVB rays
Protect sensitive and overlooked areas like the ears, lips, eyelids, and edges around clothing.
Apply sunscreen about a half hour before sun exposure.
Our partners at The Lip Balm Company believe in making high-quality products that
put you and your customer’s needs first, which is why we’ve created a
line of Broad Spectrum mineral sunscreen products that contain
non-nanoparticle zinc oxide as the active ingredient.
Partnering with groups that are up to date on consumer safety is important to us!
Creating a special gift for a major safety milestone.
June was National Safety Month, but a focus on safety does not stop. Corporate safety programs are a very big deal -
especially in industries like construction, manufacturing and
healthcare, where accidents cost millions of dollars in insurance
claims, not to mention lives. Employers create campaigns aimed at reducing accidents and creating cultures of safety.
If you are looking for something new for employees, there is how a waterproof softshell jacket from Trimark was
transformed into a special gift to recognize and celebrate a major
safety achievement.
Reason:
The
human resources director at a manufacturing company wanted an employee
gift to celebrate a major safety milestone - 1,000 days without a
lost-time injury.
Solution:
The Index Softshell Jacket is
a waterproof, breathable jacket that excels in cold, wet conditions. It
has an on-trend look that helps it stand out from the rain jacket pack. In
addition to a striking vertical chest imprint for the company branding,
the Index has an interior pocket panel that allowed us to add a special
message from the company president about the organization's commitment
to safety culture.
The Finished Product (Exterior):
Hidden messages like this one in the interior of the jacket are unique, subtle ways share inspiration, thank top donors and reward employees by adding value to the apparel. What are some additional locations and products where we can insert a private message? Add more value to your next campaign.
I never thought I'd use my phone like a computer or mini tablet. However, I find myself searching websites at meetings away from the office or comparing photos of kids and pets with friends from my phone. Unless you have a giant screen on your phone, and I still have a 6 plus, you are going to have to try to zoom in on the feature you want someone to see.
If it's a photo like the image here, you want to see the entire image at once. If it's a website that you need to read for details about a product or an event, not having to zoom in on features could be very helpful; especially if there are others in the meeting trying to see the screen.
Make your phone function more like a tablet quickly with this innovative idea!
Looking for more new ideas, we'd love to share some fresh solutions to your brand message challenges! For example does your business amplify other brands like ours or do you have something to say that needs a larger platform? Use the features of products to tie your message to consumers.
How are your promotions measuring up? Do you go to great lengths to provide excellent service or value for your consumers? Do you extend extra perks to your most loyal referral partners or clients? Would you like to provide financial solutions to keep business owners or home owners from finding themselves over extended?
You know I love word play, so is it surprising that I'd have some fun with the pending National Tape Measure Day coming up on July 14th?
Tape measures are a functional item to brand and a great connection to your brand message as well as a practical gift. Considering the numerous ways one can use a tape measure- this type of promotion can extend long life engagement for your brand.
Decorators might give out tape measures to consumers to measure furniture when they are shopping.
A window- drapery company will need you have measurements for your windows before replacements or additions.
Considering knocking down a wall in your home to open up the space, checking with a licensed contractor is a good idea; bet they have a really nice tape measure.
Real Estate agents can use one to measure all types of widths and heights with prospective home owners that just have to move THAT one large piece of furniture.
When you are looking for ideas that can go a long way with your ideal consumer- check the blog or our promotional calendar for some key dates to showcase your fun side!
What will resonate with this new generation of students? Our partners at PCNA have solutions! Select products that will get noticed and used. Products might be use in book stores, to gain interest for on campus clubs, events or as an incentive to sign up for a dining plan. Any sound promotional strategy
is looking for both initial impact and significant impressions over
time.
We give you the 2019 promotional products that sure to land on the dean's list semester after semester:
1. A Backpack That Makes A Difference
Parkland
bags and backpacks have exteriors made completely from recycled plastic
bottles. Plastic waste reduction and recycling issues are front and
center on nearly every campus.
Shop: Parkland Bags 2. A Tee That Stands Out
The
t-shirt is one of the all-time classic giveaways campus. No student
can't resist a free shirt. The ultra-soft Monroe from Trimark scores
major points and gets repeated wears thanks to a trendy V-neck and
eye-catching contrast pocket.
Shop: Monroe Short-Sleeve Pocket Tee 3. Easy Charging Without Wires
This
one's a no-brainer. College students live on their phones and they need
an easy, convenient way to power up. Wireless chargers are
cutting-edge, economical and deliver serious brand impressions.
Shop: Wireless Chargers
4. Lanyards With A Twist
There's
no question that students love lanyards for keeping their IDs and keys
handy. How about a lanyard that doubles as a charging cable? Have we
mentioned that college students spend a lot of time on their phones and
keeping them charged is essential?
Shop: lanyards 5. Keeps Your Coffee Hot and Your Can Cold
The Sherpa from Bullet is a tailgating essential. What student couldn't use an insulated tumbler that doubles as a can insulator?
Shop: The Sherpa
These will hold canned beverages or function as a regular tumbler for coffee and cold beverages- keeping your drinks at the right temperature thanks to copper insulation!
Ready for more inspiration?
Everything you need for schools and universities is ready for a straight A report card!
If you want to increase your bottom line, staying on top of marketing trends, refining your sales efforts, positioning your brand in the community and to your target markets is critical.
Some of you may recall our 2017 Super Woman Promotion!
Are you taking advantage of all our content?
Clients receive a monthly newsletter- content this month includes access to:
Summer Branding Tips, Greg Norman Sale,
3 Ways to Keep Sales Strong, JOBS link, We Are Hiring, Upcoming Events- Our next Networking Event and
Promotional Partners shares branding strategies for success for attendees at Apex Chamber's Women's Networking Lunch.
Where can you connect to resources?
Our monthly newsletter:
Promotional campaign tips- Summer Promotions, USA Made, NC Partners
Upcoming events- Networking/Supplier Event, Olivia/ Speaker on Tips for Brand Success
Features related to branding and marketing that we don't post on our social media or blog; perks for our clients only- 3 Tips For Stronger Sales
New product trends - Embracing Dull!
Exclusive Specials - Greg Norman shirt sale!
White papers- Why Use National Dates for Marketing
Would you like to increase your reach? Share a photo or video with us to share on our social media!
Videos, photos and blog posts about new products
Internal office fun
Community and business engagement
Specials
Fuquay-Varina Chamber has new The Dashboard for Members Only to share deals and events.
Our Promotional Partners LinkedIn page is just getting started- follow us and share what content you find most relevant to you!
Olivia's LinkedIn page - shares postings among connections, engagement in the triangle with the business community, volunteer service, community partners, updates on our client events, reminders about content access- such as our newsletters.
Promotional Partners has been a HUB Status Business since 2007.
Here is a press release from the State of North Carolina.
Raleigh, NC-
July 2019 marks the 10th anniversary of the North Carolina Department
of Administration’s (NC DOA) Office for Historically Underutilized
Businesses’ (HUB) Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program and
kicks off a celebration of several key milestones for minority- and
women-owned businesses within North Carolina state government.
HUB launched the certification program on July 1, 2009 to streamline
the certification process, reduce the redundancy in certifying minority-
and women-owned businesses and create a centralized HUB and
minority/women business database. Many of these efficiency gains benefit
residents of North Carolina and public entities alike – resulting in
more than 4,000 HUB-certified businesses.
“The Governor’s Cabinet is proud to boast that on construction
projects 23 percent utilization rate of minority- and women-owned
businesses resulting in $1.7M higher spend than previous year—much of
which represent rural communities across our state and generate
thousands of jobs and contribute billions in sales each year to our
state’s economy,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary
Machelle Sanders. “Streamlining processes that support the development
of diverse business relationships with local, state and municipal
government ensures that we have the best and brightest talent tackling
our state’s biggest challenges.”
Certification as a HUB supplier provides greater exposure for
business opportunities in state procurement and contracting. HUB firms
are listed in the SWUC Search for Vendors
which is widely used by state agencies, universities, community
colleges, local schools, local governments and institutions and the
public to locate historically underutilized businesses for goods,
services and construction.
Originally established 1999, HUB was formed under Governor James B. Hunt Jr.’s Executive Order No. 150,
issued to encourage and promote opportunities for all suppliers and
contractors who participate in state government procurement and
construction processes, without regard to race, color, national origin,
gender, or disability. Governor Roy Cooper later signed Executive Order No. 25 which established the Advisory Council on Historically Underutilized Businesses
and further directs state government to implement good faith efforts
toward purchasing at least 10 percent of products and services from HUB
suppliers and to obtain at least a 10 percent HUB participation in the
total value of construction.
The order also identified the need for a comprehensive disparity
study to determine any gaps between the availability of firms in a
market area and the utilization of those firms, as current goals were
set based on an earlier study more than a decade old.
“The new study findings will equip state leaders with better data to
help us modernize the way North Carolina conducts business,” said HUB
Director Tammie Hall. “Understanding contracting patterns and gaps
within the state procurement process helps us establish a roadmap for
increased awareness and education about opportunities available to
underutilized businesses in communities across the state. We’ll also
continue evaluating ways to simplify processes for certification and
identifying opportunities conducive for small businesses which are truly
the engines driving our communities in North Carolina.”
The study includes a review of North Carolina’s 10 cabinet agencies, 9
Council of State agencies, 9 support agencies (or 28 state agencies),
its 17 state-funded universities, and more than 50 community colleges,
and will cover Construction, Professional Services and Goods and
Services.
Key HUB Program Highlights:
10th Anniversary of HUB Statewide Uniform Certification program;
Implementation of Statewide Unified Certification Reciprocity
Program in partnership with NC Department of Transportation (DOT) that
provides another free and easy avenue for certification and contract
opportunities;
Addition of more than 1,000 new, HUB-certified businesses since 2017;
Launch of first comprehensive, statewide disparity study in decades
to better understand potential gaps in market availability and state
government use; and
During 2017-18, HUB focused on increased community partnerships,
certifications in rural counties and awareness and training workshops,
contributing to the highest amount of spending with HUB-certified
vendors in the last 10 years.
Please visit the HUB website for more information about HUB and the HUB Statewide Uniform Certification program.
___________________________________________________________________________________
About HUB:
Housed within the North Carolina Department of Administration, the
Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) serves to promote
the economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in
State Government contracting and procurement that will foster their
growth and profitability. HUB was established on April 20, 1999 through
the signing of Executive Order 150.
About NC DOA:
Established in 1957, the North Carolina Department of Administration
acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under
the leadership of Secretary Machelle Sanders since appointed by Governor
Roy Cooper in 2017, the department oversees Government Operations and
advocacy programs. The department's advocacy programs provide advocacy,
assistance and services to diverse segments of the state's population
that have been traditionally underserved.
