Category: Uncategorized

Disaster Relief Program From U.S. Small Business Administration

Staff Writer

Unfortunately, it seems that more and more businesses in the Promotional Industry (and elsewhere) have been hard hit by natural disaster. With a flood-, hurricane-, tornado- and ice storm-ravaged industry, it’s at least a little comforting to know help is available. If you know a business affected, then you should check out the disaster relief program sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
From the U.S. Small Business Administration:
“Whether you rent or own your own home, own your own business, or own a small agricultural cooperative located in a declared disaster area, and are the victim of a disaster, you may be

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Are You Ready To Tangle?

Staff Writer

If you’ve ever picked up a Tangle, then you know the following information is important. We have two in our office and they are constantly being carried around and fiddled with. It’s kind of addicting, really. And, if you don’t know what the Tangle is, I’m going to make you Google it to find out.
In any case, CleggPromo, a leading supplier in sound, light and fun promotional products, announced it signed a deal with Tangle Creations, the originators of the Tangle. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, CleggPromo will be the exclusive supplier of Tangle in the promotional products industry.
For more information on

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Three Cheers for Roy

Staff Writer

Remember when you were a kid in elementary school and you learned about colors? I always loved the “Roy G. Biv” acronym, because it made me think of a gentleman wearing a rainbow suit. Then again, maybe he was someone who just hung out under a rainbow or in the general vicinity of one. Actually, I can’t exactly recall what I thought, but I was clearly preoccupied with rainbows.
In honor of my old friend Mr. Biv, I was really psyched to write December’s color trend preview. This is the second year in a row that I snagged the assignment, and it’s kinda

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Big 5-0 Coming For Bursel

Staff Writer

Bursel Promotional Products Manufacturer, a Montreal Quebec based firm, will be celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. Bursel, under the leadership of its president Raymond Brodeur, has grown from a one-man operation into a large, viable entity employing close to 100 people. To celebrate its anniversary, Bursel is launching its new Web site in the first quarter of 2009.

McIntosh Promoted at Many Mini Toys
Many Mini Toys, based in Jericho, N.Y., announced the promotion of Lauren McIntosh to customer service supervisor. McIntosh joined The WOW Line in January 2006 as a customer service representative and her contributions have been a key component

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American Apparel Issues Statement in Response to Lawsuit

Staff Writer

Los Angeles-based American Apparel Inc. issued the following statement in response to news reports of a lawsuit filed by a former employee:
“American Apparel denies all of the allegations in Mr. Hernandez’s lawsuit and will vigorously defend itself and its shareholders in this contemptible action. Mr. Hernandez was a non-accounting employee in the information technology department who was terminated for legitimate reasons. The allegations in this lawsuit are fictional, which the company believes represents a cynical attempt to extract phony leverage by Mr. Hernandez’s counsel, Keith Fink, who has been engaged with the company in other litigation for over three years. The facts are

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Go Ballistic

Staff Writer

Here’s a little news you can use: A few months ago, London retail giant Harrods began selling a new line of bulletproof clothing from designer Miguel Caballero. Talk about performance benefits! Move over, moisture-wicking. This is so James Bond.

It can resist Uzi shots. I have nothing more to say about that special feature, other than to emphasize: It can resist Uzi shots.

The catch? The polo costs $12,000. But something tells me that if you’re in the position to be shot at more than once—predicaments which would necessitate the use of a bulletproof polo shirt—it might be worth it. Think price-per-wear.

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Make Mine a BPA

Staff Writer

Like lead before it (and we all know how that turned out), bisphenol A is taking its turn in the spotlight, decked out in misinformation and escorted by ongoing controversy. Welcome to the party.
Before last week, it would seem the FDA had pretty much put this one to rest. But it didn’t really go away. In fact, it was really only a matter of time before someone brought this up again, and courtesy of The Washington Post, bring it up they did. Though I realize that, as a reporter, I “dig” for a living, it doesn’t take a backhoe to unearth that the

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Has the Recession Arrived?

Staff Writer

Whichever candidate comes out on top of the electoral college today, (and not the popular vote) he may just be inheriting a full-blown recession in addition to two wars and several other national security issues. According to the National Association for Business as reported in BusinessWeek, demand—as in supply and demand—is on the downturn for the first time since 2001. And that might just be the one defining factor when taking in the current economic reality:
From BusinessWeek:
“U.S. business conditions worsened in the third quarter and are likely to deteriorate further, according to an industry study released Monday.
The National Association

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Raining Rose Inc. Moves Home After the Flood

Staff Writer

Cedar Rapids, Iowa-based Raining Rose Inc., manufacturer of natural lip balms and body-care products, announced the company has moved back to downtown Cedar Rapids after recovering from earlier flood damage.
“This flood has been a test to our company’s perseverance,” said Chuck Hammond, president and CEO of Raining Rose. “It feels good to have everyone back downtown. Although we know that there is still a great deal of work ahead of us, I know that we have already come out of this stronger.”
All of the Raining Rose staff would like to thank its customers and vendors for their patience and

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Prime Line Backpacks Conquer Kilimanjaro

Staff Writer

Bridgeport, Connecticut-based Prime Line, in conjunction with Bedford, New Hampshire-based Henderson Associates, announced Prime Line’s String-A-Sling backpacks reached the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. “We are always very excited to see the great distances our best-selling String-A-Sling backpacks reach,” said Jeff Lederer, executive vice president. “They were recently provided for the Glory Outreach Assembly Children’s Conference in Kenya,” he added.
For more information on Prime Line, visit www.primeline.com
Chocolate Inn Gets Gold From Geiger
Chocolate Inn, a chocolate manufacturer in the promotional products industry, was again designated a Gold Star Production Partner by Geiger. This designation is for excellence in quality,

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