News

Multi-line reps provide many of the most critical connections within the promotional products industry, bridging the gap between suppliers and distributors, and serving up promotional solutions, samples, ideas and expertise to clients on a regular basis. It's not an easy job, but those who do it well are highly valued by those who depend on them.
 
If your multi-line rep is a true partner in your business, nominate that person for consideration as one of PPB's Best Multi-Line Reps for 2019. Nominations are open through 5 pm on December 12. Nominees must be affiliated with a PPAI-member company and previous honorees are ineligible. Click here to access the nomination form.

Earlier this week, the White House announced that it would postpone its planned January 1 tariff escalation for 90 days following a bilateral meeting at the G-20 Summit in Buenos Aires, Argentina, between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Tariffs on approximately $250 billion in Chinese imports had been set to rise from 10 percent to 25 percent at the start of the new year.

The U.S. and China will work to come to an agreement over the two countries’ trade disputes. If no agreement is reached, the U.S.’ proposed 25-percent tariffs will go into effect on March 1, 2019. PPB Newslink reached out to several industry companies on how this news is affecting their handling of the tariff issue.

“Our position has always been that the tariff announcements and process is part of a larger negotiating approach, and it’s one more component in our pricing structure,” says Bill Mahre, CAS, president of Hugo, Minnesota, supplier ADG Promotional Products. “We’re not doing anything different with our pricing because of the G-20 announcement, as it doesn’t have an impact on our business at this time. We have a good understanding of the tariffs and their effects on our products, so we’re letting this play out and will deal with it if we get to it.”

In preparing for the originally expected January 1 jump to 25 percent, industry companies are well positioned as the increase date is pushed back.

“At Prime we were working very hard with our supply chain and vendors to bring our goods in early in anticipation of the increased tariffs. In fact, we have a significant amount more inventory than we did this time last year,” says Jeff Lederer, president of Prime Line, part of the alphabroder family. “We just want distributors to have the peace of mind knowing they could count on Prime for inventory and stable prices. We were preparing for the 25 percent, should that have been or will be instituted. Distributors working with Prime can expect stability with pricing going into the first quarter of 2019. Our goal is to be clear and transparent with how pricing might affect the market if things change with the USA and China tariff situation.”

He adds, “Prime has recently adopted a more variable pricing and product intro model where any changes would be communicated on our website Primeline.com and along all other industry platforms like the ESP, SAGE and Promostandards feeds. Since the existing tariffs were in place in September, any prices we had to adjust (higher or lower) have been in effect. It’s our goal to work closely with distributors in a transparent way and leverage our extensive supply chain, even in the face of cost pressures all around, in a way that will have the least impact to customers.”

Melissa Ralston, chief marketing officer at BIC Graphic, says, “While we are hopeful, we won’t know the full implications on the promo industry until negotiations are complete. Luckily, BIC Graphic has a broad assortment of USA-made items—nearly 50 percent of BIC Graphic’s order volume is produced in our U.S. facilities—and product sourced from other areas such as South Korea, Vietnam and India to provide additional options that will not be impacted by potential tariff increases. We expect suppliers, distributors and end users will be mindful of cost increases in all areas of their business as a result of tariff increases. Having these items available provides options for budget-conscious end users who may be dealing with other increases in costs.”

The regional community recognized its best on Tuesday evening during the 2018 Leadership Development Workshop. Roger Burnett, vice president of sales and marketing at Fort Collins, Colorado, supplier Branded Logistics, LLC, and Steven Meyer, MAS, vice president of sales at Dallas, Texas-based supplier RiteLine, were presented with the 2018 PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award. Lisa Bibb, MAS, executive director for the Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) and the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), was also presented with the 2018 Donna Hall Memorial Grant.

The PPAI RAC Volunteer of the Year award is presented annually to regional association members who have demonstrated an outstanding level of volunteerism and leadership, and who have made significant and measurable contributions to a regional association.

In accepting his award from Danny Rosin, CAS, PPAI board member, Burnett, who is president-elect of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) board of directors, spoke on the impact and value that volunteering has brought to his life and career: “The saying goes, people buy from people they know, like and trust, yet, it’s increasingly more difficult to create the kind of real connections we’re all searching for.

“That’s why I love volunteering so much. When you have an opportunity to work alongside other people from the industry on an item of common interest, it gives you the chance to find the people amongst you that we each know, like and consequently, trust. Volunteering, if done correctly, is one of the best ways I know to find your tribe—people who are approaching their work in a way you admire and changing the market in memorable ways.”

Meyer accepted his award from Cassondra Franze, executive director of the Promotional Products Association Southwest (PPAS), where he is the current board president. His remarks also highlighted the importance of volunteerism on his life and career. Meyer said, “I imagine that most previous recipients of this award felt as I do now—that this honor isn’t completely deserved. I mean, after all, we are volunteers. But I am so grateful for the sentiments of my peers. Each of you know how much better your life has been because of volunteering. It changed my life and it has or will change yours also.

“We all have people or groups that have special meaning in our lives. Don’t wait for them to ask for help but step forward to make a difference. I’m asking you to step forward because you have the skills, the talent, the energy and the heart they need. Step forward because we all realize, even if we do not often enough demonstrate it, love and compassion for others heals ourselves.”

Lindsey Davis, MAS, RAC president, presented Bibb (above right, with Davis) with the Donna Hall Memorial Grant, and shared her pride in presenting it to such a deserving volunteer. The grant honors the memory of Donna Hall, who served as executive director of the Michigan Promotional Professionals Association (MiPPA) and provides regional association executive directors the opportunity to advance their education and careers by providing financial support to attend education conferences and events.

SAGE presents rating awards to 1,374 suppliers based on distributor ratings from SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Mobile.

Addison, TX (October 18, 2018) – SAGE announces its 2019 supplier rating award winners. Each year, SAGE presents industry suppliers with A+ and A rating awards based on distributor ratings collected in SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Mobile, the industry’s most popular product research and business management solution.

This year, 1049 suppliers received the top A+ rating, while another 325 suppliers received an A rating. A total of 34 percent of all active suppliers in the SAGE database received an award this year. As part of the Power of Two relationship between SAGE and PPAI, suppliers with SAGE ratings are also considered for eligibility in the industry’s annual PPAI Pyramid Supplier Star Awards Competition.

“We treat our Supplier Rating Awards with the utmost respect because they are a testament to each supplier’s dedication to product safety and customer service,” said SAGE President, David Natinsky, MAS. “This is why we’re so proud to recognize our award-winning suppliers for setting the standard of quality and integrity in the promotional products industry.”

Awards are based solely on the distributor rating system that is part of SAGE Online, SAGE Web, and SAGE Mobile. The SAGE rating system is widely known within the industry for providing the most accurate and reliable supplier ratings.

Distributors can rate suppliers at any time through the SAGE suite or via a “Rate us now” link provided by suppliers. They can only rate each supplier once, however, they may update their ratings at any time, providing the most accurate representation of their experiences with each supplier. Rating awards are given each year based on the aggregate of distributor ratings and suppliers with an A+ or A aggregate rating are given an award.

Distributors using SAGE’s industry-leading research and business management tools can make more informed decisions about suppliers by accessing suppliers’ current, real-time ratings, including peer distributor comments as well as full award information, including any additional industry awards, for each supplier.

Supplier award winners will have access to a variety of marketing collateral to promote their A+ or A rated status, including logos for their catalogs, websites, and email signatures. For more information, suppliers should contact their SAGE account executive at 800.925.7243.

About SAGE

SAGE, based in Addison, Texas, is the leading provider of information, marketing and business management solutions to the promotional products industry. In addition to SAGE’s flagship SAGE Online™, SAGE Web™, and SAGE Mobile™ research and business management services,

SAGE also provides the industry with other research services, order management, website and email services, e-commerce solutions, end-buyer catalogs, artwork services, payment processing, tradeshows, tradeshow management services, and lead retrieval software. SAGE is also the exclusive technology provider for members of the Promotional Products Association International (PPAI), the industry’s non-profit association as well as Promotional Products Professionals of Canada (PPPC), Canada’s non-profit association.

For more information, please visit www.sageworld.com or call 800.925.7243.

Now in its 19th year, the annual Leadership Development Workshop (LDW) is under way this week at the DFW Hilton in Grapevine, Texas. Hosted by PPAI and the Regional Association Council (RAC), the multi-day event kicked off on Sunday evening with a reception and dinner for regional association executive directors. Monday’s schedule featured an executive director’s symposium with training designed for their specific needs and the workshop continues today and tomorrow with an extensive curriculum designed to provide regional association leadership with numerous learning opportunities through general sessions, breakout discussions and idea-sharing activities.

Regional association volunteers arrived on Monday for the RAC delegate orientation followed by a reception and the LDW opening dinner. The conference officially got under way for all attendees this morning with an opening keynote by Jess Ekstrom, founder and CEO of Headbands of Hope.

“LDW is so important to the regional community because it is a time to learn together and inspire each other as we prepare for the year ahead,” says Lindsey Davs, MAS, RAC president. “When I attended this event as a regional board member, I took so much knowledge away from the breakout sessions, but some of my best ideas came from conversations in between the sessions with my fellow attendees.”

Bill Petrie, RAC vice president, adds, “LDW is the foundation of grass-roots volunteerism in the industry and where professionals across the country assemble, share best practices and leave with a clear knowledge of how to best serve their regional communities. The 2018 LDW should truly stand out with a fantastic mix of specific education and tremendous networking opportunities. As a long-time attendee of this event, it’s wonderful to see it evolve to better provide the guidance each regional board needs to succeed.”

This year, LDW welcomes nearly 150 volunteer leaders representing all 27 regional associations as well as PPAI board members. Today and Wednesday they will participate in their choice of 21 education sessions presented by regional leaders, PPAI staff and outside subject matter experts, plus take part in the many opportunities for idea sharing and networking.

“While every regional is unique, the challenges they face are not and LDW serves as a think tank of sorts to tackle some of the community’s largest challenges,” says Dana Geiger, PPAI regional relations manager. “It is also an opportunity to network and meet like-minded professionals. Many will say that the relationships created at LDW have been vital in their professional careers.”

Davis says, “This year’s stand-out aspect for me is watching new attendees have their ‘aha’ moment about what makes this community so special. LDW is a great event for inspiring new leaders in the regional community and it is a pleasure to watch it happen!”

At an off-site reception and dinner this evening, Roger Burnett, vice president of sales and marketing at Fort Collins, Colorado, supplier Branded Logistics, LLC, and Steven Meyer, MAS, vice president of sales at Dallas, Texas-based supplier RiteLine, will be formally recognized as the 2018 PPAI RAC Volunteers of the Year for their leadership and contributions to the regional association community. Also tonight, RAC will present Lisa Bibb, MAS, executive director for the Virginia Promotional Products Association (VAPPA) and the Georgia Association of Promotional Products Professionals (GAPPP), with the 2018 Donna Hall Memorial Grant. Established by the RAC board in 2013, the grant provides regional association executive directors with financial support to attend education conferences and events and advance their education and careers. Read more about the award winners in Thursday’s PPB Newslink.

IMAGEN Brands, parent company of suppliers Crown Products (PPAI 113430) and Vitronic (PPAI 114197), has announced a new partnership with Portland, Oregon, supplier ShedRain (PPAI 112963) as part of its continued expansion strategy. IMAGEN Brands is now the exclusive supplier of all ShedRain products in the promotional products industry; it will no longer supply any other brands of rainwear.
 
"Shedrain is an umbrella brand with a global retail presence who recognized that IMAGEN Brands is known as a successful brand champion in the promotional products industry," says Paul Lage MAS, president of IMAGEN Brands. "We are excited that we could create this strong partnership with a company that shares the same standards and values. Our customers will be the true beneficiaries of this relationship for years to come."

IMAGEN Brands will assume all sales, marketing and decorating of ShedRain products and will move production to Missouri to create more centralized distribution with shorter delivery times nationwide.

The construction industry is one of the top buyers of promotional products; PPAI’s Sales Volume Study, released earlier this year, found that it accounted for 6.1 percent of 2017’s $23.3 billion in promotional product sales. Analysis from the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), however, suggests some segments of the industry may be squeezed by rising fuel, materials and labor costs.

Drawing from Labor Department data, AGC reports that the cost of many products used in construction climbed 7.4 percent over the past year due to double digit increases in commonly-used construction materials. Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist, says “The new construction materials cost data likely under-reports actual price increases, since federal officials collected most of their data in the first half of the month, before new tariffs affecting many construction materials started. Contractors are paying more for the materials they use and workers they employ but aren’t able to pass most of those new costs on to their clients.”

The Labor Department’s producer price index with inputs to construction industries, a weighted average of all goods and services used in construction, increased 0.2 percent from August to September and is up a significant 6.2 percent since September 2017, while the index for goods except services rose at a faster pace of 7.4 percent. In contrast, an index that measures what contractors say they would charge to construct five types of nonresidential buildings rose just 3.5 percent over the year, which Simonson notes is an indicator that contractors were absorbing more of the costs than they were passing on to owners.

Simonson’s analysis highlights that diesel fuel, steel pipe and tube, asphalt paving mixtures and aluminum products were among the products that contributed to the large year-over-year cost increases. From September 2017 to September 2018, there were producer price index increases of 29.3 percent for diesel fuel, 22.1 percent for steel pipe and tube, 11.7 percent for fabricated structural metal, 11.2 percent for asphalt paving mixtures and blocks, and 10.7 percent for aluminum mill shapes. Additionally, Simonson notes that the Trump administration’s tariff on $200 billion worth of Chinese imports include diverse goods important to the construction industry.

These material costs come as the industry is wrestling with labor issues as well. In August, the AGC’s released the results of a survey that found that 80 percent of respondents reported difficulty filling hourly craft worker positions. As a result, 62 percent of firms report they are paying higher salaries to attract and retain workers. Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer, adds, “The more firms get squeezed by higher materials and labor costs, the less likely they are to continue hiring and investing in new equipment.”

DTG2Go, LLC, a subsidiary of industry supplier Delta Apparel (PPAI 188431) has acquired substantially all assets of Silk Screen Ink, Ltd., which does business as SSI Digital Print Services and is a provider of digital print services. The deal is reportedly worth $12 million.

“We look forward to the opportunities the acquisition of SSI Digital Print Services provides our company, including increasing our digital print capacity and enhancing our strategic footprint so that we now service over 90 percent of the U.S. population with one- to two-day shipping,” says Deborah H. Merrill, Delta Apparel’s chief financial officer and president, Delta Group. “Our vertically-integrated platform utilizing Delta Apparel’s broad range of blank garments provides customers with a seamless supply chain for on-demand, digitally printed garments fulfilled directly to their consumers. This level of customer offering and consumer reach is unmatched in the digital print space. We believe the on-demand market is in a rapid growth stage and we are committed to being the leading digital print and fulfillment service provider in this evolving industry.”

Jay Butterfield, owner of SSI Digital Print Services, adds, “We have known the leadership team of DTG2Go for a long time and have always admired the innovative business model they operate. I am pleased that the SSI team is now a part of DTG2Go, and believe the transaction provides great synergies for the company, our customers and our employees.”

Hurricane Michael hit the Florida Panhandle on Wednesday at almost Category Five strength, with winds gusting to 155 mph and storm surges of up to 14 feet, making it one of the strongest landfalls the U.S. has ever seen. Although it has weakened since coming ashore, the storm is expected to remain at tropical storm strength as it moves through Georgia and the Carolinas. Millions of Americans and hundreds of promotional products businesses in its path have been affected by wind damage, flooding and power outages.

Speaking to PPB Newslink before the storm made landfall, Tom Perrin with American Solutions for Business in Tallahassee, Florida, noted, “We’re waiting on landfall and the severity of the storm surge and wind. Downed trees and power outages will be the major issues.”

Logistics companies are expecting service delays and disruptions in affected areas. FedEx and UPS have both posted alerts warning that shipments to and from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina may be impacted by Hurricane Michael and its effects.

News reports have made clear the devastation of the hurricane on the Florida Panhandle, and the its impact on the communities on its inland path will become more clear in the days ahead. Business is as normal at supplier Fresh Beginnings in Valdosta, Georgia, which reported heavy rain but no real disruptions to their operations, while Prime Line’s South Carolina facility, which took several precautions last month as Hurricane Florence approached, is operating normally as well.

Industry businesses that are evacuating, or are experiencing delays or disruptions due to the hurricane, can share their status with PPAI through the Association’s Emergency Closures Form. The form helps businesses in the storm’s path share updates on their situation and inform customers of alternate ways to contact them or check orders during or after the hurricane. To see the list of businesses that have reported a delay or closure, click here.

If the impact of Hurricane Michael results in a federal disaster declaration, PPAI, in conjunction with the Regional Association Council (RAC), will offer disaster relief to assist promotional products industry members seriously affected in the form of the Promotional Products Disaster Recovery Foundation (PPDRF) Business Recovery Fund. To apply for funds, please click here.

Financial contributions to support the program are being collected now and should be directed to the Promotional Products Business Recovery Fund, care of PPAI RAC, 3125 Skyway Circle North, Irving, Texas 75038. This fund is a 501(c)(3) organization and all contributions will be tax deductible. A tax-deductible receipt will be mailed to each donor. Or, donate online here.

Unfortunately, this is not the first hurricane that industry professionals and coastal communities across the U.S. have had to recover from, and a body of experience and expertise has grown as a result. When the Houston area suffered massive flooding following the impact of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, industry companies and professionals in the area went to work immediately afterwards to help their communities recover. Read some of the critical lessons industry pro and storm clean-up volunteer Kim Reinecker learned during the massive process.

October 2018.  Beacon Promotions, Inc. of New Ulm, MN is a supporter of their local Brown County United Way.  The programs supported are primarily in the areas of education, health, self-sufficiency and basic needs.  

The week started with a presentation from several United Way representatives.  The presenters talked about just two of the 30+ non-profit agencies that are supported by United Way.  The two non-profits featured this year were NUMAS House, which provides emergency shelter and support services to homeless women and children in the Brown County area.  The 2^nd agency is CADA (Committee Against Domestic Abuse), which provides safety and healing to victims of domestic and sexual violence through support, education, advocacy and shelter.  These two agencies, often times, work very closely together. 

Employees had numerous ways they could support the United Way.  Employees could purchase raffle tickets for the chance to win additional PTO hours , purchase popcorn from a local popcorn truck, and ended the week with a silent auction/bake sale.  The employees enjoyed the opportunity to outbid their co-workers on the delicious baked goods and homemade items. 

Many employees contributed to the United Way through payroll deductions this year.   The combined fund raising efforts brought in $2,600.  The fundraising efforts were fun for all and a huge success for the United Way of Brown County!

About Beacon; We are a multiple Star Supplier Winner with a great reputation for service.  Our customers have rated us “A+” on the SAGE rating system and 5 out of 5 stars on ESP.   Beacon offers a wide selection of products, such as:  Calendars, table covers, housewares, tools, techie, auto, highlighters and Name badges.  You will also find premium leather products in our Canyon Outback Leather line and Name Brand products for executive gifts and incentives.   For more information on Beacon, visit our website at beaconpromotions.com  or call customer service at 800-628-9979.