Volunteering: Do you have time to do it?
By Kathleen Richardson, Ideamarketers.com
Almost anyone can find time to volunteer. Begin by taking a look at your current commitments and decide, first, where you have free time and, second, how much of that time you'll devote to helping your community. In fact, rather than saying off-hand that you don't have time and to avoid over-committing yourself, research your availability prior to seeking volunteer opportunities.
Step 1. Track your life for a week or two. Keep a record of each quarter-hour, half-hour, or full hour you devote to sleeping, eating,
household chores, exercise, work, etc. Particularly look at the total time spent in leisure activities (e.g., watching TV).
Step 2. If you decide there is time to volunteer, pinpoint exactly how much time. For instance, can you give four hours or a mere fifteen
minutes? Don't be discouraged, fifteen minutes counts! (Can you drive a neighbor to an appointment and pick them up later?)
Step 3. If you're considering more formal volunteering, allow for travel time to and from that location in your calculations. If your
time is limited, be alert for opportunities to volunteer from right in your home. (Do you know a homebound person who would
appreciate a five-minute daily call?)
Step 4. Find out if there is a minimum daily or weekly time commitment required at the agencies you are considering.
Step 5. Now decide where it fits in your week and make a call or visit to the non-profits that interest you and which is the best fit
at this time. Begin your commitment with the minimum number of hours allowed. It's always easier to add more time to your
volunteering than to subtract them.
SACDV is seeking volunteers! Whether you have a couple hours a month to give or you only want to volunteer for a specific
event we want you! Contact Jim Harmon, at 610-873-1186 if you would like to assist with one or more of the following:
Membership; Networking; Spring Table Top; Fall Promotions Expo; Professional Development; or Communications.
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Mark those new 2007 calendars now with exciting 2007 SACDV Events!
The SACDV Board of Directors and Programs Committee is working hard to give you every opportunity available to build your business and personal relationships with fellow SACDV members and leading industry suppliers. Be sure to add the following great events to your new 2007 Calendar.
Thursday, February 1, 2007
SACDV Networking Breakfast, prior to the NERA Show
Join us for a delicious breakfast, great networking and discussion on industry “hot topics” and then head off to the NERA Show, right in the same hotel!
Sheraton Park Ridge, 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA Breakfast/discussion 8:30 a.m.
Cost: $10.00
NERA Show Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Friday April 13, 2007
SACDV Tabletop Show
NEW VENUE! Philadelphia Country Club
1601 Spring Mill Road Gladwyne, PA
Show hours: 11 a.m 3 p.m.
Please visit www.sacdv.org or email: info@sacdv.org for more information
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Eat, Drink and Be Educated!
SACDV members join us for a delicious SACDV networking breakfast prior to attending the NERA Show, all in the same hotel. Hear from industry leaders about current “hot topics”, and then head off to the NERA Show to view new products and ideas for 2007. It's a win-win situation!
| Date: |
Thursday, February 1, 2007 |
| Location: |
Sheraton Park Ridge, 480 N. Gulph Road, King of Prussia, PA |
| Breakfast: |
8:30 a.m. |
| Cost: |
$10 |
| NERA Show: |
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. |
Register online at www.sacdv.org or contact Jim Harmon
at (610) 873-1186 to sign up
Bodek and Rhodes announced that their 2007 wearables line will include a new collection of Tommy Hilfiger styles selected from the best-selling retail line. These styles replace the former Tommy Hilfiger Golf line introduced in 2006. Bodek and Rhodes will carry all 11 styles in this special Tommy Hilfiger collection, beginning January 1, 2007.
Mary Ellen Hudicka, MAS, Director of Marketing Communications for Bodek and Rhodes, was inducted into the SACDV Hall of Fame during a special ceremony at the Holiday Extravaganza in early December. Mary Ellen is one of an elite group of 20 individuals to be in the Hall of Fame
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The Regional Association Council (RAC) announced the election results for 2007. Houston Hale, the RAC delegate for the Promotional Products Association of the Midwest (PPAM), will assume the top leadership role as president of the RAC 11-member board of directors beginning in January. Other officers elected to serve in 2007 are Mark Shinn, MAS; Paul Gualtieri, CAS; and SACDV member and Past President Bruce Korn, CAS. In addition, David DeGreeff, MAS, was elected to serve a two-year term as RAC delegate to the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) Board of Directors.
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Congratulations to Andy and Holly Shuman the proud new parents of Aliyah Jade who was born on Sunday, January 7th at 6:05 a.m. Best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness with your new bundle of joy. |
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We're Making a Difference in the Community
Youth and Adults with Disabilities Benefit
To kick-off our program of Giving Back to the Community, SACDV is partnering with Bancroft NeuroHealth, a local organization that does tremendous things for youth and adults with developmental disabilities, autism, brain injuries and other neurological impairments, to help gather needed supplies.
“Our initial efforts began with a toy collection at our Extravaganza at Dave and Busters in early December. Thanks to all of the members who donated toys,” says Laura Lanzalotti, SACDV President. “We really appreciate our member firms - Geiger and Widgets - for volunteering their offices as drop off locations for toys and clothing.”
SACDV is now collecting clothing for Bancroft. Please drop off gently used clothing to one of the following locations between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday:
Geiger
1111 Street Road
Suite 203
Southampton, PA 18966
PromotionUltraSource.com
Beowolf Corporate Plaza
1814 Route 70 East
Suite 350
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
Widgets
179 W Lancaster Ave.
Malvern, PA 19355
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ASI Announces Counselor and Supplier
Global Resource Magazines are BPA Audited
Audits Verify Circulation Promises to Advertisers
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI) recently announced that BPA Worldwide independently verified ASI's circulation data for Counselor and Supplier Global Resource magazines based on occupation, job title, and geographic location.
Important benefits for both ASI suppliers and distributors were confirmed by these audits.
Supplier members, who advertise in Counselor magazine, are reaching over 10,800 distributor firm decision-makers.North American-based firms that advertise in Supplier Global Resource and offer products and services to suppliers, reach over 9,100
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decision-makers and professionals at supplier companies in the industry.
Timothy M. Andrews, president of ASI, expressed that he is proud to have Counselor and Supplier Global Resource join the group of ASI publications that have been audited by BPA Worldwide, including Stitches and Wearables Business magazines.
“There are now a total of four ASI publications that are professionally audited,” said Andrews. “Our team is committed to producing the highest-quality publications that will provide the most value to our readers and advertisers. Additionally, we have applied for BPA Worldwide membership for Advantages(TM) magazine.”
Glenn Hansen, CEO for BPA Worldwide, observed that ASI has voluntarily taken steps to communicate its commitment to readers of its publications.
“We applaud the publisher and ASI for providing advertisers, prospective advertisers and readers with the solid assurance of an independent circulation audit, conducted according to our world-respected standards,” said Hansen. “By passing a BPA audit, media buyers can be confident that circulation claims are accurate, and that they have the verified data that they need to assess a publication's effectiveness in serving its market.”
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ASI® President Timothy M. Andrews
Joins Board of The Johnnetta B. Cole
Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute at
Bennett College
Timothy M. Andrews, Advertising Specialty Institute President, has been named to the board of directors for The Johnnetta B. Cole Global Diversity & Inclusion Institute (The JBC Institute).
The JBC Institute is based in Greensboro, N.C., on the campus of Bennett College, and was launched in March 2004. Its mission is to create, communicate and continuously support the compelling case for diversity and inclusion in the workplace, through education, training, research and publications. The JBC Institute is named in honor of Dr. Johnnetta Cole, the retiring president of Bennett College and former president of Spelman College. Bennett and Spelman are the only two colleges in the U.S. that historically serve African-American women.
“I am proud to join the board and assist in furthering The JBC Institute's mission,” said Andrews. “The Institute's goal of educating employers about inclusion in the workplace is very important. Having a more diverse staff provides different perspectives that contribute directly to the bottom line for any employer, regardless of size or industry, and is particularly timely as our work environments become even more global.”
Andrews explained that the Institute has high-quality educational resources. “One of the core initiatives of the Institute is the Chief Diversity Officers Forum an annual event attended by representatives from Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, academic institutions and non-profits. The Institute also educates through lectures, a newsletter and special camps focused on leadership development for young women.”
Industry News
Paul Smith, MAS, President of local supplier Calconix, the Time Zone® Line announces changes in the Customer Service area. Joan Naylis, an industry veteran with Distributor and Supplier experience has been named Product Manager for Clocks, Picture Frames, Mirrors and other Acrylic Products. Nicole Harmon has been named Product Manager for Quartz Watches and Silicone Awareness Bracelets. Christin DeVitis is named Product Manager for the new Metal Zone Line which includes Lapel Pins, Key Tags and Fobs, Openers, Medals and other emblematic products. Chris Smith, Vice President, continues as the company's Chief Operating Officer overseeing domestic manufacturing as well as special import product sourcing |
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Dunbrooke Apparel Corp has been sold to a private investment group lead by two of its current senior managers. This sale is part of a two-year strategic business plan set forth by both Dunbrooke's former ownership group and the new ownership group. Larry Ramirez and Matt Gray, two current senior managers with Dunbrooke, will continue to lead the company as CEO and COO. Jay Jones, current CFO, will continue to be a part of the senior management team. Dave Hausen, former president, will remain with the company as a key advisor. Bob Pierce, former vice president, will be pursuing opportunities in the promotional products industry as a free lance writer and marketing consultant.
Bill Korowitz, president and CEO of The Magnet Group, has named Darryl Haddox president of The Bag Factory (TBF) and Antonia Pappas TBF's head designer. In addition, this fast-growing division of The Magnet Group has been relocated from South Carolina to state-of-the-art facilities encompassing more than 110,000 square feet in Washington, MO.
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The Magnet Group has completed the sale of its Professional Towel Mills division according to a statement by Bill Korowitz, Group president and CEO. “We're concentrating our resources on our brands showing the greatest potential and fastest growth,” Korowitz said. “These brands include Magnet LLC, Innovations by Magnet, Benchmark Clocks, Fusion by Benchmark, Crystal by Benchmark, Perfect Promotional Products and The Bag Factory.” The Professional Towel Mills divestiture took place at the end of November. The Magnet Group is headquartered in suburban Atlanta, GA.
Newton Manufacturing Company Gains New Representatives in November. Joining Newton's ranks in the Eastern states are: Donnell Crews and Chuck Berger. |
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New Study Proves Promotional
Products Are The Key Ingredient to
Integrated Marketing
A new study, just released by the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), empirically proves that promotional products are an effective ad medium and key to integrated marketing campaigns.
A study of 18-34 year olds, the most sought-after demographic group in terms of advertising dollars, was conducted exclusively for PPAI by researchers at Louisiana State University and the University of Texas at San Antonio. The study, which was performed in a controlled environment, measured the:
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Effectiveness of promotional products, and compared them to two other media-television and print
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Synergistic effects of promotional products when used along with these other media
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Consumers' preferred medium for gathering information about a product or brand
Participants in the study were exposed to advertising for pizza via three mediums: television commercial, print ad and promotional product. A key finding of the study was that adding a promotional product to the media mix generated favorable attitudes toward the ad in all cases (up to 44%). And in some instances, the use of a promotional product as the advertising medium alone achieved maximum impact, up to 69% increasing brand interest and 84% in creating a good impression of the brand.
“It's gratifying to see hard data prove what we as an industry have known for years,” said Steve Slagle, CAE, PPAI president. “Promotional products continue to grow in popularity because, simply put, they work. Promotional products are the only advertising medium capable of engaging all five senses. When used as a key element in the marketing mix, promotional products create a more positive outlook toward the ad and the brand.”
Based on the results of the study, researchers found that while the print ad came in first overall, respondents preferred promotional products as an advertising medium rather than television ads.
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Respondents had a more positive attitude toward the ad when exposed to advertising via a promotional product rather than the television commercial (41% to 18%).
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They had a more positive attitude toward the product as a result of the promotional product rather than the television ad (20% to 16%).
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Message credibility was higher with the promotional product than with the television ad (54% to 33%).
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Intent to purchase was higher with the promotional product than with the television ad (25% to 17%).
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And the referral value was higher with the promotional product than with the television ad (26% to 16%).
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The study conclusively demonstrates that promotional products:
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May be effectively employed as a stand-alone advertising medium.
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When added to the media mix, will effectively supplement other advertising media.
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Are a source of useful information.
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Can enhance impressions of both brand and product.
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Can contribute to the consumer intent to buy.
Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network Announces New Board Members, Officers for 2007
Members of Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network (PPMN) have elected two new members to the Board of
Directors Christopher Duffy, MAS, BAG MAKERS, Inc., and
Kippie Helzel, CAS, C.P.S.\The Keystone Line (Custom Plastic Specialties). These new board members will began their
three-year terms in January 2007.
PPMN, a Special Interest Council of Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), was formed in 2004 to foster education, networking and mentoring within the promotional products industry.Benefits include a job bulletin board, mentoring program, scholarships, networking, leadership opportunities, specialized education programs, preferred seating at PPAI shows and more.
The PPMN board is the governing body for this council and has a major role in directing its strategic activities, adopting policies and approving budgets to carry out the work of the organization.
Duffy is vice president of marketing and business development for BAG MAKERS, Inc. and lives in West Chester, Pennsylvania.
He has been in the promotional products industry for 18 years and with his present company for three years. |
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Riddle Winners |
Dan Nelis, Promotional Products, Etc
Bobbi Podolsky, Creative Image Concepts
Jack Trautenberg, CAS, JAYTEE Promo-Marketing
Julie Heller, Bodek and Rhodes
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LAST MONTH'S RIDDLE |
What word in the English language uses all five vowels plus 'Y' in alphabetical order and uses each one only once?
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ANSWER |
Facetiously,
Abstemiously |
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New Riddle |
I have four wings, but cannot fly, I never laugh and never cry; On the same spot I'm always found, toiling away with little sound. What am I?
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THE FIRST 5 MEMBERS WHO ANSWER THE
RIDDLE CORRECTLY |
Win a FREE SACDV Networking Event
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To his new role with PPMN, Duffy brings a wealth of volunteer experience
as a frequent PPAI education presenter, as well as serving
on the PPAI UPIC Task Force, PPAI Technology Committee,
chair of the PPAI Promotional Apparel Advisory Council,
chair of the Technology Committee for Specialty Advertising Association of Greater New York (SAAGNY), strategic planner for SAAGNY and board member for Chesapeake Promotional Products Association (CPPA).
Helzel is vice president, sales for C.P.S.\The Keystone Line (Custom Plastic Specialties) and lives in Westlake, OH Pennsylvania. She has been in the promotional products industry for 19 years and with her current company four years. She has proven her abilities in volunteer positions at the regional level serving as president of both Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Products (UMAPP) and Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA).
PPMN also announces new board officers for 2007: President Allison Schaffer, CAS, Sound Line, LLC; Vice President Michele Jennrich, MAS, Howard Miller; Treasurer Mary Ann Farmer, MAS, Magna-Tel, Inc.; Secretary Bryan Vaughn, MAS, Phillip J. Sibinski, Inc.; Immediate Past President Dino Bartolomei, MAS, Adco Litho Line, Inc; and PPAI Board of Directors Liaison Paul Miller, MAS, Sampson Miller Advertising, Inc.
PPAI INTRODUCES BEEZLEY
New Mascot For The Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network
 Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) is pleased to introduce the arrival of a new mascot, Beezley. As part of his responsibilities, Beezley will represent the Promotional Professionals Mentoring Network (PPMN) and work to create a “buzz” about PPMN, its mission and goals.
“While logos are a great identifier, PPMN's new bee mascot creates an added level of recognition for our organization,” said Marijo Deitz Whitcomb, MAS, chair of the PPMN Marketing Committee. “Our bee helps to create a new 'buzz' about what PPMN does as far as mentoring, networking and education. Bees are smart, social creatures. We felt this particular mascot would help build our brand, which is a key focus of our organization, as it best represents what PPMN is all about.”
Beezley received his name as a result of an online voting poll, in which the winning name received almost 34 percent of the votes. Runners up included Buzz with 29 percent, Buzzbee with almost 16 percent, Buzz Promo with 12 percent and Beebert and Bobbee with 4.6 percent of the votes respectively.
The only requirement for membership in PPMN is that you
must work for a company in the promotional products industry. Dues are $35 annually. For more information about PPMN visit the website at www.ppmn.com for a complete list of benefits and the membership application, email ppmn@ppa.org or call 972-258-3084. |
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Effective January 29,2007, motorists MUST turn on their headlights whenever they use their windshield wipers in inclement weather. This new law applies when wipers are on fully or on intermittent mode.
Violators will be fined 425, but fees/other costs will increase your fine to the amount of $100. Also, motorists will suffer substantial penalties if the snow or ice on their vehicles injures or kills someone. |
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PPAI Launches New Buyer Website
Content at www.promoideas.org Designed to Educate
Buyers of Promotional Products
As part of its ongoing effort to educate buyers on the power of promotional products, the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) has launched a new website: www.promoideas.org.
Designed for professionals who have responsibility for marketing, trade shows, human resources and special events for their organizations, this site addresses the fact that successful promotional campaigns don't happen by chance. To realize goals, promotional programs must be carefully planned, taking into consideration the audience, budget and the results to be gained. The new site, www.promoideas.org, includes a broad array of information beneficial to those who approve, specify or purchase promotional products, including industry facts, case studies, education and a seasonal calendar. Additionally, the site offers research addressing the power of promotional products to drive tradeshow traffic, improve response rates on direct mail campaigns, increase referrals, improve return business and improve employee morale.
The site references the slogan recently adopted for all |
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PPAI buyer initiatives, “Come To Your Senses: Experience The Power Of Promotional Products.” This slogan addresses the unique power of promotional products to engage the recipient through all five senses.
“Nothing engages audiences like promotional products that can be seen, touched, heard, tasted and smelled,” said Paul Kiewiet, MAS, PPAI chair-elect and vice president of Incentive Marketing, a Corplogoware affiliate. “The right promotional product is the hook that embeds the memory and maintains the experience.”
Promotional products are easily affordable yet their impression is long lasting and readily measurable. According to a study of business travelers at DFW Airport, conducted by L.J. Market Research, 76.1 percent of respondents could recall the advertiser's name on a promotional product they had received in the past 12 months. In addition, 75.4 percent of respondents said they kept their promotional product because it was useful.
The site addresses the benefits of working with a qualified promotional consultant who is in tune with the latest trends, including hot items and the newest products. A promotional consultant can add creativity, innovation and imagination that are so critical to a memorable campaign. The site also includes a search tool that enables buyers to locate a qualified promotional consultant in their area by simply entering a zip code. Users will be able to view lists of all PPAI-member promotional consultants in their area (from a five to a 100 mile geographic radius). A cross reference search tool will allow users to determine if those consultants have earned the MAS (Master Advertising Specialist) or CAS (Certified Advertising Specialist) designation which identifies them as highly trained and experienced industry practitioners. The MAS/CAS designation is the industry's only official certification.
“A qualified promotional consultant can help you move your promotional campaign to the next level by providing you with alternatives and the vast number of choices which will extend the experience,” said Margie Price, MAS, member of the PPAI board of directors, chair of the PPAI End Buyer Initiatives Task Force and president of Premiums Plus, “The value of a promotional product is determined by the recipient and a promotional consultant is uniquely qualified to help you select, package and deliver a promotional campaign that will successfully move your audience to take the desired action.”
Additionally, the site provides a tool that will enable buyers or other interested groups to request a trained speaker to make a presentation on the power of promotional products at a function or event. All speakers have been trained by PPAI through the ADvocate program.
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PPAI Approached Those Less Fortunate
Coat Donation Program, Thanksgiving Baskets and More Are Targeted to Help Local Community
As the winter months approached, staff members at Promotional Products Association International (PPAI) launched a coat drive aimed at those less fortunate in the local community.
Working through the PPAI Community Services Committee, an internal group that coordinates the many outreach projects of the nonprofit trade association, the program, “Don't Let Those Without Go Without,” was developed and rolled out to the entire
employee team.
PPAI was able to collect more than 50 winter coats, for men,
women and children. The coats will be donated to the
Irving Salvation Army for distribution before the winter
weather settled over North Texas.
This program is just one of the monthly outreach efforts
the Association sponsors. Already, staff members donated
money to buy food to fill 10 Thanksgiving baskets. These
baskets of traditional Thanksgiving food items were donated
to the Refugee and Empowerment Services, a division of
the Catholic Charities in Dallas. The charity benefits Dallas
residents who have fled from countries such as Somalia,
Bosnia, Cuba and Iran because of war, famine, threat of death
or persecution. Catholic Charities is an assistance group
helping the refugees to become acclimated to life in
America and teaching them about U.S. traditions. Typically,
the charity provides food to these individuals through a food
bank, but during the holidays the facility is closed for two days
and these baskets help supplement this need.
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PPAI also participates in the Salvation Army “Angel Tree”
program. More than 50 angels were adopted by staff members.
Although PPAI participates in charitable programs year-round,
this staff of only 70 full-time employees brightened the lives of
more than 120 individuals this past holiday season!
 Now Hear This...
SanMar Corp is releasing its 2007 Port Authority™ Women’s Edition: Seven Days of Style in February . The 20-page style guide features popular Port Authority styles, representing every day of the week, incorporated into four completed outfits.
“Our style guide takes its inspiration from fashion magazines and retail brands, pushing logoed apparel and uniforming options from ‘have to wear’ to ‘want to wear’ outfits,” said Lee Strom, senior marketing manager for SanMar. “Women’s Edition: Seven Days of Style is designed to give distributors a hand in connecting with new markets and imagining new ways of selling Port Authority ladies. It’s a creative means of engaging buyers by visually emphasizing the unique strengths and versatility of each style.”
The 2007 Port Authority Women’s Edition style guide is available starting in early February. It includes a ladies’ sizing guide and an index of featured styles with suggested retail pricing. To request the 2007 Port Authority Women’s Edition: Seven Days of Style, call 800-426-6399 or visit www.sanmar.com today. |
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