Who do you think is the least likely person to incorporate cocaine into their own personal brand image? If you answered Pope Francis, you’re probably right. But we’re talking about Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is a close second in terms of probably not being a drug kingpin. But those who pay attention to politics might…
Read MoreAuthor: Brendan Menapace
The Dodgers Broke an MLB Record for Promos, But It’s Not Free of Controversy
The Los Angeles Dodgers broke a Major League Baseball record for most tickets sold to a special event game, all thanks to the promotional item scheduled for the event. The team is hosting Mexican Heritage Night tonight when they finish their series against the Atlanta Braves, and the special ticket comes with a voucher for…
Read MoreCharles River Apparel Welcomes Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer to Sales Team
Charles River Apparel, Sharon, Mass., announced the additions of Jen Kruger and Bryan Mercer, both as Midwest sales representatives, to Charles River’s growing sales team. Both Kruger and Mercer have more than 15 years in the industry working with clients in the Midwest. …
Read MoreSignet Inc. Returns to QCA Advisory Council
Quality Certification Alliance (QCA), Chicago, has expanded its Advocacy Council with the addition of Memphis, Tennessee-based Signet Inc. The Advocacy Council (previously known as the Distributor Advocacy Council) is comprised of industry advocates who are leading the way for brand safety through the responsible sourcing of promotional products. ADvocates recognize QCA as the standard by…
Read MoreTrump Threatens to Increase China Tariffs to 25%, Add $325B More to List
President Trump announced yesterday that the U.S. will increase tariffs to 25 percent on $200 billion in Chinese imports, effective Friday. During trade talks at the end of 2018, Trump promised that the current 10 percent tariffs could increase if the sides couldn’t reach a deal by March 1. That deadline was extended once, but with the sides still unable to come to terms, it appears the long-threatened 25 percent rate will now go into effect…
Read MoreBurger King’s New ‘Real Meals’ Are Silly, But They Have a Good Message
For a long time, themed kids’ fast food meals were dominated by the Happy Meal. It became a catch-all term for neatly packaged meals that kids liked. Other restaurants tried, but nothing had the longevity or brand awareness domination of the Happy Meal. Burger King is trying its best, though, to face off against the…
Read MoreThis Inch-Thick Phone With an 18,000 mAh Battery Was a Colossal Crowdfunding Failure
One of the biggest complaints people have about their cellphones is that, inevitably, the battery loses its ability to hold a charge. Avenir Telecom, a European telecommunications provider, tried to save us from that struggle by crowdfunding a new, Energizer-branded phone. The problem was the phone was comically, insufferably large…
Read MoreAIA Corporation’s David Woods Remembered by Friends, Colleagues
AIA Corporation, Neenah, Wisc., yesterday announced the passing of former CEO David Woods. The statement released yesterday by Matt Gresge, current CEO, reads: At AIA, we have heavy hearts as we learn about the loss of our colleague and friend, David Woods, who served as CEO of AIA from 2003-2016. David was one in a…
Read MorePromo Industry Professional Killed in Synagogue Attack Hailed as Hero
News reports confirmed this weekend that the woman killed in the shooting at Chabad of Poway, a synagogue based in Poway, Calif., was Lori Gilbert-Kaye, 60, a promotional products industry professional for Pro Specialties Group Inc. A story published yesterday in USA Today painted a picture of Gilbert-Kaye heroically defending the synagogue’s rabbi as he…
Read MorePPAI Releases Statement Supporting industry After UAW Investigation
Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), Irving, Texas, has released a statement following the news that multiple promotional products companies received subpoenas in an ongoing corruption case in Michigan, where union workers are accused of receiving illegal payments when spending money on promotional items. The statement, released today, reads: The promotional products industry has been a…
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